When discussing a portail, we're talking about a significant entrance, often a gate. Think of the large, impressive gate that leads to a grand estate, a country house, or even the entrance to a school or university grounds. It's more substantial than a simple garden gate (which might be called a petite porte or portillon).
It can also refer to a web portal, like a gateway to information online. The context will usually make it clear whether you're dealing with a physical gate or a digital one.
How Formal Is It?
"Le portail monumental de la propriété était orné de motifs complexes."
"Veuillez fermer le portail derrière vous."
"Le portail est tout cassé, faut le réparer."
"Ouvre le grand portail pour que le camion puisse entrer !"
Wird oft verwechselt mit
This is a 'French door' or 'window-door', not a type of 'portail'.
This is a 'front door' (of a building), distinct from a 'portail' which is an outdoor gate.
While similar in origin, the English 'portal' often implies a grand or metaphorical entrance, whereas French 'portail' is more concretely a physical gate.
Grammatikmuster
Leicht verwechselbar
Both 'porte' and 'portail' refer to an opening, but they are used in different contexts.
'Porte' (f.) generally refers to a door (e.g., of a house, room, car). 'Portail' (m.) refers to a larger, often outdoor, main entrance gate.
Ouvre la porte s'il te plaît. (Open the door please.) vs. Le portail du jardin est fermé. (The garden gate is closed.)
'Grille' can sometimes refer to a gate, causing confusion with 'portail'.
'Grille' (f.) usually means a grid, a railing, or a metal fence/gate that is often part of a larger structure. 'Portail' is specifically the main entrance gate, often more substantial and decorative.
La grille du parc est très haute. (The park's railing/gate is very tall.) vs. Le portail de la propriété est impressionnant. (The property's main gate is impressive.)
'Entrée' means entrance, which can be similar in meaning to 'portail'.
'Entrée' (f.) is the general term for an entrance or entry point, which can be a door, a gate, or simply the act of entering. 'Portail' is a specific type of physical entrance structure.
L'entrée de l'immeuble est à gauche. (The building's entrance is on the left.) vs. Le portail de l'immeuble est électrique. (The building's main gate is electric.)
'Barrière' also refers to a barrier or gate.
'Barrière' (f.) often implies a physical obstacle or a smaller, less formal gate, like a barrier for livestock or a temporary road barrier. 'Portail' is a formal, often grand, main entrance gate.
La barrière du passage à niveau était levée. (The level crossing barrier was up.) vs. Le portail de son château est magnifique. (His castle's main gate is magnificent.)
'Portillon' is a smaller version of a gate, related to 'portail'.
'Portillon' (m.) is a small gate, often a pedestrian gate next to a larger 'portail' for vehicles. 'Portail' is the main, larger gate.
Ouvre le portillon pour que je puisse passer. (Open the small gate so I can pass.) vs. Le portail est trop lourd à ouvrir seul. (The main gate is too heavy to open alone.)
Satzmuster
Le portail est [ADJECTIVE].
Le portail est grand. (The gate is big.)
Ouvrez le portail.
Ouvrez le portail, s'il vous plaît. (Open the gate, please.)
Je vois le portail de [NOUN].
Je vois le portail de la maison. (I see the gate of the house.)
Le portail s'ouvre [ADVERB].
Le portail s'ouvre lentement. (The gate opens slowly.)
Il y a un portail à [LOCATION].
Il y a un portail à l'entrée. (There is a gate at the entrance.)
Passez par le portail.
Passez par le portail pour entrer. (Go through the gate to enter.)
Le portail qui mène à [NOUN].
Le portail qui mène au jardin est fermé. (The gate that leads to the garden is closed.)
Attendez devant le portail.
Attendez devant le portail jusqu'à ce que j'arrive. (Wait in front of the gate until I arrive.)
Teste dich selbst 18 Fragen
Choose the best English translation for 'portail'.
'Portail' refers specifically to a large gate, often at the entrance of a property.
Which of these is most likely a 'portail'?
A 'portail' is typically a large entrance gate, often for a house or property.
What is the primary function of a 'portail'?
A 'portail' serves as a gate for access to a property.
A 'portail' is usually a small door inside a house.
A 'portail' is a large exterior gate, not a small interior door.
If you open the 'portail', you are opening the main entrance gate.
'Portail' means main entrance gate.
You would typically find a 'portail' on an apartment balcony.
A 'portail' is an entrance gate, usually for a house or property, not an apartment balcony.
Listen for the sound the gate makes.
Listen for the color of the gate.
Listen for the place where the gate was left open.
Read this aloud:
Le portail est très ancien.
Focus: por-tail
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Ils ont installé un nouveau portail.
Focus: ins-tal-lé
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Peux-tu ouvrir le portail s'il te plaît ?
Focus: s'il te plaît
Du hast gesagt:
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Choose the most appropriate synonym for 'portail' in the context of a significant entry point.
'Entrée principale' most accurately conveys the idea of a 'main entrance gate,' which is a key meaning of 'portail.' While 'porte' is a door and 'accès' means access, they are less specific. 'Barrière' is a barrier.
Which sentence correctly uses 'portail' to refer to a web portal?
In this context, 'portail' refers to a web portal, a common extended meaning of the word. The other options refer to a physical gate.
If someone says 'Le portail est automatique,' what are they most likely describing?
Given the core meaning of 'portail' as a gate, 'automatique' would most logically describe an electronically operated gate.
The word 'portail' can only refer to a physical gate.
False. While 'portail' often refers to a physical gate, it can also refer to a web portal (an internet site that serves as an entry point to other sites or information), extending its meaning beyond the purely physical.
When referring to a school's online learning platform, 'portail' can be an appropriate term.
True. In a modern context, 'portail' is commonly used to describe an online platform or web portal, such as a university's or school's learning management system.
If you are talking about a small garden gate, 'portillon' would be a more precise term than 'portail.'
True. 'Portillon' specifically refers to a smaller gate, often for pedestrians, whereas 'portail' typically implies a larger, main entrance gate.
/ 18 correct
Perfect score!
Beispiel
Le portail était fermé à clé.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr home Wörter
à disposition
B1Available for use; at one's disposal.
à distance de
B1At a certain distance from something.
à droite de
B1To the right of; on the right side of.
à gauche de
B1To the left of; on the left side of.
à gaz
A2Powered by gas; gas-powered.
à la maison
A2At home; in one's place of residence.
à l'écart
B1Away from others; apart; aside.
à l'étage
B1On an upper floor of a building; upstairs.
à l'extérieur
A2On or to the outer side or surface of something.
à l'intérieur
A2In or to the inner part or interior of something.
