Une chaise
Une chaise in 30 Sekunden
- A feminine noun meaning 'a chair'.
- Used with the verb 's'asseoir sur' (to sit on).
- Distinct from 'un fauteuil' (armchair) because it has no armrests.
- A fundamental vocabulary word for daily life and furniture.
- Le dossier
- This refers to the backrest of the chair, the part that supports your spine.
Je m'assois sur une chaise en bois.
- L'assise
- The flat part of the chair where a person actually sits down.
Il a acheté une chaise pour son bureau.
La petite fille est tombée de une chaise.
- Les pieds
- The legs of the chair, usually four in number, providing stability.
Approche une chaise de la table.
Cette vieille maison n'a qu' une chaise dans le salon.
Elle pose son manteau sur une chaise.
- S'asseoir
- The reflexive verb meaning to sit down, commonly paired with sur une chaise.
Il a réparé une chaise cassée.
- En bois
- A prepositional phrase meaning 'made of wood', placed after the noun.
Nous avons besoin de une chaise supplémentaire.
Le chat dort sous une chaise.
- Bancale
- An adjective used to describe a chair that is wobbly or unsteady.
Peux-tu m'apporter une chaise de la cuisine ?
Pardon, est-ce que je peux prendre une chaise ?
- Se balancer
- To rock or swing, often used when children tip their chairs back on two legs.
Il a acheté une chaise ergonomique.
- Brocante
- A flea market or secondhand goods shop where vintage chairs are often sold.
Mets ton sac sur une chaise dans l'entrée.
- Chaises musicales
- A popular party game, also used as a metaphor for people swapping roles.
Il reste une chaise vide au fond de la salle.
Elle a peint une chaise en bleu clair.
C'est une chaise très ancienne.
- Sur vs Dans
- Use 'sur' for flat seating like une chaise. Use 'dans' for enveloping seating like un fauteuil.
Ne monte pas debout sur une chaise !
- Une place
- Refers to a spot or a seat in a public transport or venue, not the physical furniture.
J'ai trouvé une chaise pliante pour le camping.
- Présider
- The correct verb to use when you mean 'to chair' or lead a meeting or committee.
Il a sculpté une chaise dans un tronc d'arbre.
La reine s'est assise sur une chaise dorée.
Je préfère ce fauteuil à une chaise dure.
- Un tabouret
- A stool. It lacks both a backrest and armrests, designed for temporary or elevated seating.
Il a remplacé une chaise par un tabouret de bar.
- Un siège
- A generic term for a seat, often used for vehicles, theaters, or official positions.
Le bébé mange dans une chaise haute.
- Une chaise longue
- A long reclining chair used for relaxing outdoors, similar to a deckchair.
Il s'est endormi sur une chaise longue dans le jardin.
Apporte une chaise pliante pour le pique-nique.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
Because of the phonetic split in the 16th century, French ended up with two words from the same root: 'chaire' (pulpit/academic chair) and 'chaise' (regular chair). For a time, purists argued against using 'chaise', considering it a vulgar mispronunciation, but the common people won, and 'chaise' became the standard word for the furniture.
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing 'ch' as /tʃ/ (like in English 'chair') instead of /ʃ/ (like 'shoe').
- Pronouncing the 's' as /s/ (like 'snake') instead of /z/ (like 'zoo').
- Pronouncing the final 'e'. The 'e' is silent; the word ends on the 'z' sound.
- Using the masculine article 'le' instead of the feminine 'la'.
- Diphthongizing the 'ai' vowel. It should be a pure, flat /ɛ/ sound, not 'ay-ee'.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Very easy to recognize. The spelling is straightforward and similar to English.
Easy, but learners must remember the 's' in the middle and the silent 'e' at the end.
Moderate difficulty due to the 'ch' (/ʃ/) and 's' (/z/) pronunciation, which differs from the English 'chair'.
Easy to hear, but can be confused with 'chez' (at the home of) if the final 'z' sound is not clearly enunciated.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Feminine Noun Agreement
La chaise est petite et blanche. (Adjectives 'petite' and 'blanche' take the feminine form).
Prepositions of Place
La chaise est sous la table. (Using 'sous' to indicate location).
Reflexive Verbs with Prepositions
Je m'assois sur la chaise. (Using 's'asseoir' + 'sur').
Negative Sentences with Indefinite Articles
Il n'y a pas de chaise ici. ('Une' becomes 'de' in the negative).
Demonstrative Adjectives
Cette chaise est cassée. (Using 'cette' for feminine singular 'this').
Beispiele nach Niveau
C'est une chaise.
It is a chair.
'C'est' is used to identify an object. 'Une' indicates it is feminine singular.
La chaise est rouge.
The chair is red.
The adjective 'rouge' comes after the noun and agrees in gender (though 'rouge' is the same for masculine and feminine).
Je vois une chaise.
I see a chair.
'Une chaise' is the direct object of the verb 'voir'.
Il y a trois chaises.
There are three chairs.
'Il y a' means 'there is/there are'. Add 's' to 'chaise' for plural.
Voici une chaise pour toi.
Here is a chair for you.
'Voici' is used to present something physically present.
La chaise est petite.
The chair is small.
'Petite' is a feminine adjective that usually comes before the noun, but can be used with 'est' as a predicate adjective.
Où est la chaise ?
Where is the chair?
'Où' is the question word for 'where'.
Assieds-toi sur la chaise.
Sit on the chair.
Use the preposition 'sur' (on) with 'chaise'.
J'ai acheté une chaise en bois hier.
I bought a wooden chair yesterday.
'En bois' describes the material. Passé composé is used for a completed past action.
La chaise est à côté de la table.
The chair is next to the table.
'À côté de' is a prepositional phrase of location.
Cette chaise n'est pas très confortable.
This chair is not very comfortable.
'Cette' is the feminine singular demonstrative adjective (this).
Il manque une chaise dans le salon.
There is a chair missing in the living room.
'Il manque' is an impersonal expression meaning 'is missing'.
Peux-tu m'apporter une chaise, s'il te plaît ?
Can you bring me a chair, please?
'M'apporter' uses the indirect object pronoun 'me'.
Les chaises de la cuisine sont blanches.
The kitchen chairs are white.
'Blanches' is the feminine plural form of the adjective 'blanc'.
Je préfère cette chaise parce qu'elle est grande.
I prefer this chair because it is big.
'Elle' replaces 'la chaise' to avoid repetition.
Ne monte pas sur la chaise !
Don't climb on the chair!
Negative imperative form of the verb 'monter'.
Le pied de cette chaise est complètement cassé.
The leg of this chair is completely broken.
Vocabulary expansion: 'le pied' (the leg of furniture).
Nous avons joué aux chaises musicales à la fête.
We played musical chairs at the party.
Cultural/idiomatic vocabulary: 'jouer aux chaises musicales'.
Il s'est assis sur la chaise et a commencé à lire.
He sat on the chair and started to read.
Reflexive verb in the passé composé: 's'est assis'.
J'ai besoin d'une chaise de bureau ergonomique pour mon dos.
I need an ergonomic office chair for my back.
Compound noun 'chaise de bureau' and advanced adjective 'ergonomique'.
Mets les chaises pliantes dans le garage après le pique-nique.
Put the folding chairs in the garage after the picnic.
Specific vocabulary: 'chaises pliantes' (folding chairs).
La chaise sur laquelle tu es assis appartient à ma grand-mère.
The chair on which you are sitting belongs to my grandmother.
Complex relative pronoun 'sur laquelle'.
Il a peint toutes les chaises du jardin en vert clair.
He painted all the garden chairs light green.
Color adjectives modified by 'clair' are invariable (do not change gender/number).
Pardon, est-ce que cette chaise est libre ?
Excuse me, is this chair free?
Common polite phrase used in public spaces.
Le design de cette chaise scandinave est à la fois minimaliste et fonctionnel.
The design of this Scandinavian chair is both minimalist and functional.
Use of abstract nouns ('design') and paired adjectives ('à la fois... et...').
Ce remaniement politique ressemble à un véritable jeu de chaises musicales.
This political reshuffle looks like a real game of musical chairs.
Metaphorical use of the idiom 'jeu de chaises musicales'.
Le dossier de cette chaise est trop droit, ce qui me donne des douleurs lombaires.
The backrest of this chair is too straight, which gives me lower back pain.
Specific anatomy of the chair ('le dossier') and medical vocabulary ('douleurs lombaires').
Il a fallu que je recule ma chaise pour le laisser passer.
I had to move my chair back to let him pass.
Subjunctive mood triggered by 'Il a fallu que'.
Ces chaises ont été fabriquées par un artisan ébéniste de la région.
These chairs were made by a local cabinetmaker.
Passive voice ('ont été fabriquées') and specialized vocabulary ('artisan ébéniste').
Je me méfie de cette chaise bancale ; elle risque de s'effondrer à tout moment.
I am wary of this wobbly chair; it might collapse at any moment.
Advanced vocabulary ('bancale', 's'effondrer') and verb 'se méfier de'.
L'assise de la chaise est recouverte d'un velours rouge très élégant.
The seat of the chair is covered in a very elegant red velvet.
Specific terminology ('l'assise') and passive description ('est recouverte de').
Bien qu'elle soit ancienne, cette chaise a conservé toute sa solidité.
Although it is old, this chair has retained all its sturdiness.
Concession clause with 'Bien que' followed by the subjunctive ('soit').
La politique de la chaise vide adoptée par ce pays a paralysé les négociations.
The empty chair policy adopted by this country paralyzed the negotiations.
Advanced political idiom 'la politique de la chaise vide'.
L'esthétique de la chaise Louis XV se caractérise par ses lignes courbes et ses motifs floraux.
The aesthetics of the Louis XV chair are characterized by its curved lines and floral motifs.
Art history terminology and reflexive passive ('se caractérise par').
Dans la pièce de Ionesco, les chaises s'accumulent sur scène, symbolisant l'absurdité de l'existence.
In Ionesco's play, the chairs accumulate on stage, symbolizing the absurdity of existence.
Literary analysis vocabulary and present participle ('symbolisant').
Le cannage de cette chaise bistrot nécessite une restauration minutieuse par un spécialiste.
The cane work of this bistro chair requires meticulous restoration by a specialist.
Highly specialized vocabulary ('cannage', 'restauration minutieuse').
Il s'est affalé sur la chaise, terrassé par la nouvelle qu'il venait d'apprendre.
He slumped into the chair, devastated by the news he had just learned.
Expressive verbs ('s'affalé', 'terrassé') and recent past ('venait d'apprendre').
Cette chaise, chef-d'œuvre du design industriel, allie la rigueur de l'acier à la souplesse du cuir.
This chair, a masterpiece of industrial design, combines the rigidity of steel with the suppleness of leather.
Apposition ('chef-d'œuvre...') and sophisticated vocabulary ('allie', 'rigueur', 'souplesse').
Il est fascinant d'observer comment la chaise a évolué d'un symbole de pouvoir à un objet de consommation courante.
It is fascinating to observe how the chair has evolved from a symbol of power to an everyday consumer object.
Sociological/historical phrasing ('objet de consommation courante').
C'est la chaise au pied de laquelle le chat a l'habitude de se pelotonner.
It is the chair at the foot of which the cat usually curls up.
Highly complex relative pronoun construction ('au pied de laquelle').
L'omniprésence de la chaise en plastique monobloc témoigne d'une standardisation fulgurante de l'espace domestique mondialisé.
The omnipresence of the monobloc plastic chair bears witness to a dazzling standardization of the globalized domestic space.
Academic sociological discourse ('omniprésence', 'standardisation fulgurante').
L'ébéniste a su restituer la patine originelle de cette chaise curule, véritable vestige de l'époque directoriale.
The cabinetmaker managed to restore the original patina of this curule chair, a true vestige of the Directoire era.
Expert historical and artisanal vocabulary ('patine', 'chaise curule', 'directoriale').
Dans un élan de fureur iconoclaste, il fracassa la chaise contre le mur, réduisant en miettes ce symbole de l'autorité patriarcale.
In a fit of iconoclastic fury, he smashed the chair against the wall, reducing to smithereens this symbol of patriarchal authority.
Literary prose, passé simple ('fracassa'), and dramatic phrasing ('élan de fureur iconoclaste').
La chaise, cet artefact d'apparence triviale, cristallise en réalité les tensions ergonomiques inhérentes au travail tertiaire contemporain.
The chair, this seemingly trivial artifact, actually crystallizes the ergonomic tensions inherent in contemporary tertiary work.
Philosophical/ergonomic analysis ('cristallise', 'tensions inhérentes', 'travail tertiaire').
Il n'est pas anodin que le metteur en scène ait choisi une chaise bancale pour asseoir le protagoniste, préfigurant ainsi sa chute morale.
It is no coincidence that the director chose a wobbly chair to seat the protagonist, thus foreshadowing his moral downfall.
Theatrical critique, subjunctive ('ait choisi'), and symbolic interpretation ('préfigurant').
Le tapissier a opté pour un cloutage apparent afin de souligner le galbe du dossier de cette chaise médaillon.
The upholsterer opted for visible studding to highlight the curve of the backrest of this medallion chair.
Highly specific upholstery terminology ('tapissier', 'cloutage apparent', 'galbe', 'chaise médaillon').
La vacuité de la pièce n'était rompue que par la présence incongrue d'une chaise dépaillée, abandonnée là comme une relique.
The emptiness of the room was broken only by the incongruous presence of an uncaned chair, abandoned there like a relic.
Evocative literary description ('vacuité', 'incongrue', 'dépaillée').
Faire le siège d'une administration ou pratiquer la politique de la chaise vide sont autant de stratagèmes d'une diplomatie de l'usure.
Laying siege to an administration or practicing the empty chair policy are all stratagems of a diplomacy of attrition.
Complex synthesis of political idioms ('faire le siège', 'chaise vide', 'diplomatie de l'usure').
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— A polite invitation telling someone to grab a seat and sit down. Used when welcoming a guest.
Entrez, je vous en prie, prenez une chaise.
— States that there is not enough seating for everyone present. Very common in restaurants or meetings.
Nous sommes cinq, il manque une chaise.
— To move from one seat to another. Can be literal or used in games.
Le soleil me gêne, je vais changer de chaise.
— To fall off one's chair. Often used figuratively to express extreme surprise or shock.
Quand j'ai vu le prix, je suis tombé de ma chaise !
— The state of being seated on a chair. Describes a physical position.
Il a passé la journée assis sur une chaise.
— To pull a chair out, usually to sit down or to offer it to someone else.
Il a tiré une chaise pour la dame.
— A deckchair or sun lounger used for relaxing, usually outdoors.
Je vais lire sur une chaise longue dans le jardin.
— A wheelchair. Note: 'fauteuil roulant' is more commonly and respectfully used today.
L'accès est adapté pour une chaise roulante.
— A rocking chair. A chair mounted on rockers.
Ma grand-mère tricote dans sa chaise à bascule.
— To save a seat for someone who has not arrived yet.
Peux-tu me réserver une chaise à côté de toi ?
Wird oft verwechselt mit
A 'fauteuil' is an armchair. It has armrests (accoudoirs) and is usually upholstered and more comfortable. A 'chaise' does not have armrests.
'Siège' is a generic term for any seat (car seat, theater seat). 'Chaise' refers specifically to the piece of furniture with four legs and a back.
'Chaire' sounds similar but refers to a pulpit in a church or a university professorship. It is a historical variant of the same root word.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— Literally the game of musical chairs. Figuratively, a situation where people frequently swap jobs or positions, especially in politics or business.
Le remaniement du gouvernement est un vrai jeu de chaises musicales.
neutral— The empty chair policy. A diplomatic strategy where a party refuses to attend meetings to protest or block decisions.
Le syndicat a pratiqué la politique de la chaise vide lors des négociations.
formal— To be extremely surprised, shocked, or astounded by news or an event. Similar to 'falling off one's chair' in English.
En apprenant la nouvelle de sa démission, je suis tombé de ma chaise.
informal— To be caught between two options, unable to decide, or to be in an awkward intermediate position. Similar to 'falling between two stools'.
Dans ce conflit, je suis un peu le cul entre deux chaises. (Note: 'le cul entre deux chaises' is the common, slightly vulgar version).
informal— A more colloquial and slightly vulgar version of being caught between two options or loyalties. Very common in spoken French.
Il n'arrive pas à choisir son camp, il a toujours le cul entre deux chaises.
slang— To deliberately ignore a rule, a principle, or someone's opinion. To sit on it.
Il s'est complètement assis sur le règlement intérieur.
informal— To keep a seat warm for someone. To hold a position temporarily until the intended person arrives.
Je ne suis que le remplaçant, je garde la chaise chaude.
informal— To relentlessly pursue someone, usually to obtain a favor or a decision. Derived from military siege, but related to seating/waiting.
Les journalistes font le siège de son bureau.
neutral— A commode chair (historical). A chair with a hole in the seat, used as a toilet before modern plumbing.
Au château de Versailles, on peut voir la chaise percée du roi.
historical— To talk to an empty chair. To speak to someone who is not listening or is absent, wasting one's breath.
J'ai l'impression de parler à une chaise vide quand j'essaie de le convaincre.
informalLeicht verwechselbar
Both are types of seating for one person.
A fauteuil has armrests and is usually for lounging (living room). A chaise has no armrests and is usually for working or eating (dining room, office).
Je dîne sur une chaise, mais je regarde la télé dans un fauteuil.
Both are simple pieces of furniture for sitting.
A tabouret (stool) has no backrest. A chaise always has a backrest (dossier).
Le barman est assis sur un tabouret, pas sur une chaise.
Both are used for sitting.
A banc (bench) is designed for multiple people to sit side-by-side. A chaise is strictly for one person.
Trois personnes sont assises sur le banc, mais une seule sur la chaise.
English speakers use 'seat' for both the furniture and the spot in a venue.
Use 'place' for a spot on a bus, train, or in a theater. Use 'chaise' for the physical, movable piece of furniture.
Il n'y a plus de place dans le bus (not 'plus de chaise').
They share the same etymological root and sound somewhat similar.
'Chaire' is a formal word for a pulpit or academic position. 'Chaise' is the everyday piece of furniture.
Le professeur a obtenu une chaire à l'université, et il s'est assis sur sa chaise.
Satzmuster
C'est + [article] + chaise.
C'est une chaise.
Il y a + [number] + chaises.
Il y a quatre chaises.
[Subject] + s'asseoir + sur + [article] + chaise.
Je m'assois sur la chaise.
[Article] + chaise + est + [preposition] + [noun].
La chaise est devant le bureau.
[Subject] + avoir besoin de + [article] + chaise.
J'ai besoin d'une chaise.
Il manque + [article] + chaise + [location].
Il manque une chaise dans la salle.
[Article] + chaise + sur laquelle + [clause].
La chaise sur laquelle il est assis est fragile.
L'utilisation de + [article] + chaise + [verb phrase].
L'utilisation de cette chaise ergonomique prévient les douleurs.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Very High
-
Le chaise
→
La chaise
English speakers often guess the gender of nouns. 'Chaise' is feminine, so it must take the feminine article 'la' or 'une'.
-
S'asseoir dans la chaise
→
S'asseoir sur la chaise
In English, we sometimes say 'sit in a chair'. In French, because a standard chair has no armrests to enclose you, you sit 'sur' (on) it.
-
Il chaise la réunion
→
Il préside la réunion
'Chaise' cannot be used as a verb. To express leading or chairing a meeting, you must use the verb 'présider'.
-
Pronouncing it 'tchez'
→
Pronouncing it 'shez'
The French 'ch' is pronounced like the English 'sh'. It does not have the hard 't' sound found in the English word 'chair'.
-
Je veux acheter un chaise blanc
→
Je veux acheter une chaise blanche
Because 'chaise' is feminine, any adjective modifying it must also be in the feminine form. 'Blanc' becomes 'blanche'.
Tipps
Gender Agreement
Always remember that 'chaise' is feminine. Train yourself to memorize it as 'la chaise' rather than just 'chaise'. This will save you from making adjective agreement errors later.
The 'S' is a 'Z'
Because the 's' in 'chaise' is sandwiched between two vowels ('i' and 'e'), it must be pronounced as a 'z'. Say 'shez', not 'shess'.
Sur vs. Dans
Use 'sur' (on) for flat chairs (sur la chaise). Use 'dans' (in) for enveloping armchairs (dans le fauteuil). This is a strict rule in French spatial grammar.
Café Etiquette
If you need to take an empty chair from another table at a French café, always ask 'Cette chaise est libre ?' (Is this chair free?) before grabbing it. It is considered rude to just take it.
Compound Nouns
Many specific types of chairs are formed by adding an adjective to 'chaise'. Learn 'chaise haute' (highchair) and 'chaise pliante' (folding chair) as single vocabulary units.
Not a Verb
Never try to say 'Je chaise la réunion'. The English verb 'to chair' does not translate to the French noun 'chaise'. Use 'présider'.
Musical Chairs
Don't be confused if you hear 'chaises musicales' on the news. French journalists use this idiom constantly to describe government reshuffles or corporate restructuring.
Know Your Furniture
Don't call a stool a 'chaise'. If it doesn't have a backrest (dossier), it's a 'tabouret'. French speakers are precise about their furniture vocabulary.
Silent E
When writing, don't forget the final 'e' in 'chaise'. Without it, the word would be pronounced differently and would be misspelled.
Visual Mnemonic
To remember the gender, picture a very elegant, feminine chair painted bright pink. Visualizing the gender as a color or characteristic helps cement it in your memory.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine a woman named CHAISE (sounds like 'shez') sitting elegantly on a chair. She is very feminine, which reminds you that the word is 'la chaise'.
Visuelle Assoziation
Picture a classic wooden chair. Paint it bright pink in your mind to remember it is a feminine noun. Imagine the word 'CHAISE' carved into the backrest (le dossier).
Word Web
Herausforderung
Walk around your house. Every time you see a chair, point to it and say out loud 'C'est une chaise'. Count how many 'chaises' you have in French (e.g., 'J'ai quatre chaises dans la cuisine').
Wortherkunft
The word 'chaise' comes from the Old French word 'chaiere', which itself derives from the Latin word 'cathedra', meaning 'seat' or 'chair'. The Latin word was borrowed from the Ancient Greek 'kathedra' (kata 'down' + hedra 'seat'). In the 15th and 16th centuries, a phonetic shift occurred in Parisian French where the 'r' sound between vowels sometimes changed to a 'z' sound (spelled with an 's'). Thus, 'chaire' became 'chaise'.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Originally, 'chaire' meant a seat of authority, such as a bishop's throne or a professor's desk. When the pronunciation split, 'chaire' kept the elevated, formal meaning, while the new pronunciation 'chaise' was adopted for the everyday piece of furniture.
Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Gallo-Romance > Oïl > FrenchKultureller Kontext
There are no major cultural sensitivities associated with the word 'chaise'. However, offering a chair to an elderly person or a pregnant woman on public transport (though usually called 'une place') is a strong social expectation in France.
English speakers often use 'chair' as a verb (to chair a meeting). In French, 'chaise' is strictly a noun. You must use 'présider' for the verb.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
At a restaurant or café
- Avez-vous une chaise supplémentaire ?
- Cette chaise est-elle libre ?
- Je vais prendre cette chaise.
- Combien de chaises vous faut-il ?
In a classroom
- Asseyez-vous sur vos chaises.
- Ne te balance pas sur ta chaise.
- Rangez vos chaises sous la table.
- Prenez une chaise en cercle.
Buying furniture
- Je cherche une chaise de bureau.
- Cette chaise est très confortable.
- Quel est le prix de cette chaise en bois ?
- Je voudrais un lot de quatre chaises.
At home
- Mets ton manteau sur la chaise.
- Avance ta chaise pour manger.
- La chaise du salon est cassée.
- Monte sur la chaise pour attraper le livre.
In an office
- Ma chaise n'est pas ergonomique.
- Il manque une chaise pour la réunion.
- Règle la hauteur de ta chaise.
- Je vais chercher une autre chaise.
Gesprächseinstiege
"Où as-tu acheté ces magnifiques chaises de salle à manger ?"
"Tu préfères travailler sur une chaise de bureau ou sur un canapé ?"
"Est-ce que tu trouves que les chaises de ce café sont confortables ?"
"As-tu déjà essayé de restaurer une vieille chaise en bois ?"
"Pourquoi y a-t-il une chaise vide au bout de la table ?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Décrivez votre chaise préférée dans votre maison. Pourquoi l'aimez-vous ?
Racontez une anecdote amusante impliquant une chaise (par exemple, une chute ou le jeu des chaises musicales).
Si vous deviez concevoir la chaise parfaite, à quoi ressemblerait-elle et quels matériaux utiliseriez-vous ?
Écrivez un court poème ou un paragraphe du point de vue d'une chaise dans un café parisien très fréquenté.
Expliquez la différence entre une chaise et un fauteuil, et dans quelles situations vous utilisez l'un ou l'autre.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenThe word 'chaise' is a feminine noun in French. You must always use feminine articles with it, such as 'la' (the) or 'une' (a). Any adjectives that describe the chair must also be in their feminine form. For example, you would say 'une petite chaise' (a small chair), adding the 'e' to 'petit'.
It is pronounced like the English word 'shez'. The 'ch' makes a soft 'sh' sound, the 'ai' sounds like the 'e' in 'bed', and the 's' is voiced like a 'z' because it is between two vowels. The final 'e' is silent.
The main difference is the presence of armrests. 'Une chaise' is a standard chair with a backrest but no armrests, typically used at a dining table or desk. 'Un fauteuil' is an armchair, which has armrests and is usually upholstered and found in a living room.
In French, you use the preposition 'sur' (on) with 'chaise'. The correct phrase is 's'asseoir sur une chaise'. You do not use 'dans' (in) unless you are talking about an armchair ('s'asseoir dans un fauteuil').
The older, literal translation is 'une chaise roulante'. However, the much more common and respectful term used today is 'un fauteuil roulant'. It is highly recommended to use 'fauteuil roulant' in modern French.
No, you cannot. In French, 'chaise' is strictly a noun. If you want to say 'to chair a meeting', you must use the verb 'présider'. The correct translation is 'présider une réunion'.
The backrest is called 'le dossier'. The flat part where you sit is called 'l'assise'. The legs of the chair are called 'les pieds'. Knowing these terms is useful if you need to describe a broken chair.
A highchair is called 'une chaise haute'. This is a direct translation and is the standard term used by parents and in stores selling baby furniture.
Literally, it means the game of 'musical chairs', played at children's parties. Figuratively, it is a very common idiom used in politics or business to describe a situation where people are frequently swapping roles or jobs within an organization.
'Chaise longue' is originally a French term meaning 'long chair'. It refers to a reclining chair or deckchair. It was borrowed into English, where it is sometimes mistakenly pronounced or spelled as 'chaise lounge'.
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Write a short sentence describing the color and material of a chair in your house.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate this sentence into French: 'I am sitting on a comfortable wooden chair.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a polite question asking a waiter for an extra chair.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe the difference between 'une chaise' and 'un fauteuil' in one French sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using the idiom 'tomber de sa chaise'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain what 'une chaise haute' is used for in French.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence telling someone not to stand on the chair.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The leg of this chair is broken.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence describing where the chair is located in relation to a table.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use the word 'dossier' (backrest) in a descriptive sentence about a chair.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'chaises musicales' in a metaphorical context (e.g., at work).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'Excuse me, is this chair free?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about buying a new office chair ('chaise de bureau').
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a 'chaise longue' and where you would use it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using the verb 'avancer' with 'chaise'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using the verb 'reculer' with 'chaise'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'There are four white chairs in the kitchen.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'il manque' (is missing) regarding a chair.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a 'tabouret' and how it differs from a 'chaise'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about your favorite place to sit, using 'chaise' or related vocabulary.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
What object is being identified?
What color is the chair?
What action is the speaker performing?
What is the speaker asking about the chair?
What is the problem at the table?
Which part of the chair is broken?
What specific type of chair was bought?
Where is the baby?
What kind of chair should you take?
What happened to the person?
What is the person being asked to do with their chair?
What material is the chair made of?
Which part of the chair is described as very hard?
What game did they play?
What does he prefer over the chair?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'une chaise' is a feminine noun meaning 'a chair'. Remember to use the preposition 'sur' (on) when talking about sitting on it, unlike an armchair where you use 'dans' (in). Example: Je m'assois sur la chaise.
- A feminine noun meaning 'a chair'.
- Used with the verb 's'asseoir sur' (to sit on).
- Distinct from 'un fauteuil' (armchair) because it has no armrests.
- A fundamental vocabulary word for daily life and furniture.
Gender Agreement
Always remember that 'chaise' is feminine. Train yourself to memorize it as 'la chaise' rather than just 'chaise'. This will save you from making adjective agreement errors later.
The 'S' is a 'Z'
Because the 's' in 'chaise' is sandwiched between two vowels ('i' and 'e'), it must be pronounced as a 'z'. Say 'shez', not 'shess'.
Sur vs. Dans
Use 'sur' (on) for flat chairs (sur la chaise). Use 'dans' (in) for enveloping armchairs (dans le fauteuil). This is a strict rule in French spatial grammar.
Café Etiquette
If you need to take an empty chair from another table at a French café, always ask 'Cette chaise est libre ?' (Is this chair free?) before grabbing it. It is considered rude to just take it.
Beispiel
Assieds-toi sur cette chaise.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr home Wörter
à disposition
B1Der Ausdruck bedeutet, dass etwas zur Verfügung steht.
à distance de
B1In einer gewissen Entfernung von etwas oder jemandem.
à droite de
B1Eine Präpositionalphrase, die 'rechts von' bedeutet. Sie wird verwendet, um die Position eines Objekts im Verhältnis zu einem anderen zu beschreiben.
à gauche de
B1Links von etwas gelegen.
à gaz
A2Gasbetrieben; mit Gas betrieben.
à la maison
A2Zu Hause sein oder nach Hause gehen.
à l'écart
B1Away from others; apart; aside.
à l'étage
B1Bedeutet 'im Obergeschoss' oder 'nach oben' in einem Gebäude. Ex: Das Schlafzimmer ist im Obergeschoss. (The bedroom is 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.