At the A1 level, you are just starting to build your French vocabulary. The word 'pré' is a great addition because it is short and easy to remember. Think of it as the French word for a 'green field' where you might see animals. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex agricultural definitions. Just remember that it is a masculine noun: 'le pré.' You can use it in very simple sentences to describe what you see in the countryside. For example, 'Le pré est vert' (The meadow is green) or 'Je vois une vache dans le pré' (I see a cow in the meadow). It's helpful to learn it alongside other basic nature words like 'arbre' (tree), 'fleur' (flower), and 'soleil' (sun). A1 learners should also be careful not to confuse 'pré' with 'près' (near), even though they sound the same. Just focus on the image of the grass. When you see a picture of a farm, point to the grassy area and say 'le pré.' This simple association will help the word stick in your memory. You might also hear it in very simple children's songs or stories about farm animals. Don't worry about the spelling of 'prés' with an 's' yet, just focus on the singular. The goal at A1 is to recognize the word when you hear it and be able to use it in a basic description of a landscape. It's one of those foundational words that helps you talk about the world around you in a simple, direct way.
At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'pré' in slightly more detailed sentences. You might describe activities that happen in a meadow, such as 'Nous marchons dans le pré' (We are walking in the meadow) or 'Les enfants jouent dans le pré' (The children are playing in the meadow). You should also start to notice the difference between 'le pré' and 'le champ.' While both can be translated as 'field,' remember that a 'pré' is specifically for grass and animals, whereas a 'champ' is for crops like corn or wheat. This distinction will make your French sound more natural. You can also start using adjectives to describe the 'pré.' For instance, 'C'est un grand pré' (It's a large meadow) or 'Le pré est magnifique au printemps' (The meadow is magnificent in spring). At this level, you should also be aware of the homophones 'près' (near) and 'prêt' (ready). You might encounter them in the same context, like 'Le pré est près de la maison' (The meadow is near the house). Learning to distinguish these in writing is a key A2 skill. You might also see 'pré' in simple travel brochures or descriptions of the French countryside. It's a word that evokes the 'France profonde' (deep France), and using it shows you are moving beyond the most basic vocabulary. Try to use it when talking about your last vacation or a place you would like to visit.
As a B1 learner, you can use 'pré' to discuss more complex topics like rural life, vacations, and the environment. You should be comfortable using it with a wider range of verbs and prepositions. For example, you might say 'Le sentier serpente à travers les prés' (The path winds through the meadows) or 'Le fermier fauche son pré pour préparer l'hiver' (The farmer mows his meadow to prepare for winter). At this level, you can also understand the word in a more cultural context. You might watch the show 'L'amour est dans le pré' and understand that the title is a play on the romanticized view of country life. You can also use 'pré' in more abstract ways, perhaps in a simple metaphor, though literal usage is still more common. You should be able to distinguish 'pré' from its synonyms like 'prairie' or 'pâturage' based on the context. For example, you'd use 'pâturage' when focusing on the animals' diet and 'pré' when describing the appearance of the land. Your spelling should be accurate now, clearly distinguishing between 'pré,' 'près,' and 'prêt.' You might also start to encounter 'pré' in French literature or more detailed news articles about agriculture. It's a versatile word that helps you bridge the gap between simple description and more nuanced discussion of the landscape and rural economy.
At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'pré' and its place in the French language. You can use it to talk about environmental issues, such as biodiversity in the 'prés' or the impact of climate change on 'prés de fauche.' You are likely to encounter the word in more sophisticated texts, including classical literature and modern essays on ecology. You should be aware of specific terms like 'pré-salé' and the culinary and geographic significance they hold. Your ability to use 'pré' in various registers—from informal conversation about a weekend trip to a more formal report on land use—should be well-developed. You can also explore the poetic nuances of the word. For instance, you might analyze how an author uses the imagery of a 'pré verdoyant' to contrast with an urban setting. You should also be comfortable with the word's appearance in compound nouns and idiomatic expressions, even if some are slightly archaic. At B2, you are expected to handle the homophones with ease, never confusing 'pré' with 'près' or 'prêt' in your writing. You might also discuss the socio-economic history of 'les prés communaux' (communal meadows) and their role in French village life. Using 'pré' correctly at this level demonstrates a deep connection with the 'terroir' and an appreciation for the specificities of the French landscape.
For C1 learners, 'pré' is a word that can be used with great precision and stylistic flair. You should be able to appreciate the subtle differences between 'pré,' 'prairie,' 'herbage,' and 'pâturage' and choose the one that perfectly fits your rhetorical goals. In a literary analysis, you might discuss the 'pré' as a locus amoenus—a classical literary trope of an idealized place of safety and beauty. You should be familiar with how the word has been used by poets like Francis Ponge, who dedicated entire prose poems to the 'pré,' exploring its textures, colors, and the very essence of its 'pre-ness.' Your vocabulary should include technical agricultural terms related to the 'pré,' such as 'assolement' (crop rotation) or 'regain' (the second growth of grass after mowing). You can engage in complex discussions about the preservation of 'prés' in the face of industrial farming and urbanization. Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of its historical, cultural, and even philosophical dimensions. At C1, you are not just using a word for 'field'; you are invoking a whole world of associations. You might also use 'pré' in sophisticated metaphors related to growth, harvest, or the cyclical nature of life. Your command of the word should be such that you can use it to evoke a specific atmosphere or to make a precise point about the French landscape or identity.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'pré' is complete. You understand its etymological roots in the Latin 'pratum' and how it has evolved through centuries of French history. You can navigate the most complex literary texts, from medieval romances to contemporary avant-garde poetry, where 'pré' might be used in highly symbolic or experimental ways. You are capable of discussing the 'pré' in the context of European agricultural policy, land law, and environmental philosophy. You understand the word's resonance in French national identity and how it has been constructed through art, literature, and media. Your own use of the word is effortless and precise, whether you are writing a technical report on soil health or a lyrical description of a landscape. You can play with the word's homophones in a sophisticated way, perhaps using them for puns or stylistic effect in creative writing. You are also aware of regional variations and dialects that might use different terms for similar types of land. For a C2 speaker, 'pré' is more than just a noun; it is a point of entry into the deep structures of French culture and thought. You can use it to articulate complex ideas about the relationship between humans and nature, the passage of time, and the enduring power of the rural imagination.

pré 30秒で

  • A masculine noun meaning meadow or field of grass.
  • Used for grazing animals or making hay in rural settings.
  • Common in literature, media, and daily talk about the countryside.
  • Easily confused with homophones 'près' (near) and 'prêt' (ready).

The French word pré is a masculine noun that refers to a piece of land covered with grass, primarily intended for grazing livestock or for harvesting hay. While it might seem like a simple translation for 'field' or 'meadow,' its usage in French carries a specific pastoral charm and agricultural precision. Unlike a generic 'champ' (which can be used for wheat, corn, or any crop), a pré is strictly green space. It is the quintessential image of the French countryside, where the landscape is dotted with these verdant enclosures. Understanding this word requires looking beyond the literal grass and into the cultural heart of rural France, where the management of meadows has been a way of life for centuries.

Agricultural Context
In a farming context, a pré is often a permanent grassland. Farmers distinguish between a 'pré de fauche' (a meadow meant for cutting hay) and a 'pâturage' (where animals graze directly). If you see cows or sheep wandering in a fenced grassy area, you are looking at a pré.
Poetic and Literary Nuance
The word evokes a sense of tranquility and natural beauty. In literature, a pré is often the setting for romantic encounters, picnics, or moments of solitary reflection. It suggests a space that is managed by humans but remains fundamentally part of the natural world.
Geographic Specificity
While 'prairie' refers to vast, often wild expanses of grass, a 'pré' is typically smaller and more clearly delimited, often by hedges (haies) or stone walls, especially in regions like Normandy or Burgundy.

Les vaches paissent tranquillement dans le pré derrière la vieille grange.

Translation: The cows are grazing quietly in the meadow behind the old barn.

Historically, the 'pré' was the soul of the village economy. It provided the 'foin' (hay) necessary to keep animals alive through the harsh winters. This historical weight makes the word feel more grounded and traditional than 'pelouse' (lawn), which implies a decorative, manicured garden. When you use the word pré, you are invoking the scent of fresh-cut grass, the sound of cowbells, and the rolling hills of the Hexagon. It is a word that smells of the earth and the seasons.

Nous avons pique-niqué dans un pré parsemé de fleurs sauvages.

Translation: We had a picnic in a meadow dotted with wildflowers.
Comparison with 'Champ'
A 'champ' is usually plowed (labouré) and sown with crops. A 'pré' is left in grass. You would say 'un champ de blé' (a wheat field) but 'un pré verdoyant' (a green meadow).

In modern conversation, you might hear it when someone describes their dream of moving to the countryside ('la campagne'). They might say, 'Je veux une maison avec un petit pré pour mes chevaux.' It signifies a desire for space, nature, and a slower pace of life. It is also a common word in children's songs and fables, often serving as the stage for animals like rabbits and lambs.

Le rosée du matin faisait briller l'herbe du pré.

Translation: The morning dew made the grass of the meadow shine.

À la fin de l'été, le fermier fauche le pré pour faire des bottes de foin.

Translation: At the end of summer, the farmer mows the meadow to make hay bales.
Idiomatic Usage
While not as common as other agricultural terms, 'aller aux prés' was an old way of saying someone was going to a duel, as meadows were often the site of these clandestine meetings.

Ultimately, 'pré' is a word that invites you to breathe. It suggests the open air, the cycle of the seasons, and the quiet productivity of the land. Whether you are reading a 19th-century novel or talking to a modern organic farmer, 'pré' remains a vital piece of the French vocabulary for nature.

Using pré correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and the specific verbs and adjectives that typically accompany it. Because it describes a location, you will frequently find it used with prepositions of place. The most common is 'dans' (in), suggesting being physically inside the boundaries of the field. However, you might also see 'vers' (toward) or 'à travers' (across) when describing movement. Here, we will explore the grammatical structures that will make your use of 'pré' sound natural and sophisticated.

With Prepositions
'Dans le pré' is the standard way to say 'in the meadow.' For example: 'Les enfants jouent dans le pré.' If you are walking along its edge, you might say 'le long du pré.'
Verbs of Action
Common verbs associated with 'pré' include 'faucher' (to mow/scythe), 'paître' (to graze), 'galoper' (to gallop), and 's'étendre' (to stretch out). You might say, 'Le pré s'étend jusqu'à la forêt.'
Descriptive Adjectives
To describe a 'pré,' use words like 'verdoyant' (verdant/green), 'fleurissant' (flowering), 'humide' (damp), or 'ensoleillé' (sunny). 'Un pré gras' refers to a meadow with rich, thick grass, ideal for cattle.

Le troupeau de moutons a été conduit au pré pour la journée.

Translation: The flock of sheep was led to the meadow for the day.

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the plural form: 'les prés.' In the plural, the word often takes on a more expansive meaning, referring to the general countryside or the collection of fields belonging to a farm. For instance, 'Les prés sont en fleurs en ce moment' (The meadows are in bloom right now). This evokes a broad, colorful landscape rather than a single specific plot of land.

Il y a une petite mare au milieu du pré.

Translation: There is a small pond in the middle of the meadow.
Compound Structures
You can combine 'pré' with other nouns to create specific meanings, such as 'pré-salé' (salt-marsh meadow), famous for producing sheep with a unique flavor, especially near Mont Saint-Michel.

Another common usage is in the context of ownership. 'C'est mon pré' (It's my meadow) or 'Le pré du voisin' (The neighbor's meadow). This highlights the 'pré' as a property unit. In rural disputes, boundaries between 'prés' are often a topic of discussion, usually marked by a 'clôture' (fence) or a 'fossé' (ditch).

Nous avons traversé plusieurs prés avant d'atteindre la rivière.

Translation: We crossed several meadows before reaching the river.

Le cheval s'est échappé et court maintenant dans le pré.

Translation: The horse escaped and is now running in the meadow.
Temporal Usage
'Mettre au pré' can mean to put animals out to pasture for the season. 'Il est temps de mettre les bêtes au pré' means spring has arrived and the grass is high enough.

In summary, 'pré' is a versatile noun that fits perfectly into descriptions of nature and agricultural activities. By mastering its common collocations and prepositions, you can accurately describe the beautiful landscapes of the French-speaking world.

While France is a highly modernized country, the word pré remains omnipresent in daily life, media, and culture. It isn't just a word for farmers; it’s a word that resonates with the French identity, which is deeply tied to the 'terroir' (the land). You will encounter this word in a variety of settings, from the most mundane weather reports to the high art of French cinema and literature. Understanding where you'll hear it helps you grasp its cultural weight.

Television and Media
One of the most famous examples is the reality TV show 'L'amour est dans le pré' (Love is in the meadow). It's the French version of 'Farmer Wants a Wife.' The title itself plays on the romanticized image of the 'pré' as a place where life is simple and love can bloom.
Rural Life and Tourism
If you go hiking (la randonnée) in France, trail markers and guides will frequently use 'pré.' You might see a sign saying 'Sentier à travers les prés' (Path through the meadows). In gîtes (holiday rentals), owners might describe their property as 'bordée de prés.'
Weather and Environment
In news reports about agriculture or drought, you'll hear 'pré.' Reporters might discuss 'le manque d'herbe dans les prés' (the lack of grass in the meadows) due to heatwaves, affecting the feed for livestock.

Regarde l'émission 'L'amour est dans le pré' pour apprendre le vocabulaire rural.

Translation: Watch the show 'L'amour est dans le pré' to learn rural vocabulary.

In French schools, children learn poems like 'Le Pré' by Francis Ponge or songs that mention the 'pré.' It is a fundamental part of the vocabulary used to teach children about nature and the seasons. If you spend time in a French household with kids, you'll likely hear it in bedtime stories or nursery rhymes. The word is associated with innocence, safety, and the bounty of nature.

Le guide nous a conseillé de suivre le chemin qui longe le pré.

Translation: The guide advised us to follow the path that runs along the meadow.
Literature and Art
Impressionist painters like Monet and Pissarro often painted 'prés.' When visiting a French museum, you will see titles like 'Le Pré à Giverny.' In literature, the 'pré' is a staple of 19th-century realism and romanticism.

Furthermore, if you are interested in French history, you will hear about 'les prés' in the context of feudal land rights and the common lands of the 'Ancien Régime.' The struggle over who could graze their animals in the communal 'pré' was a major part of local politics for centuries. Even today, the 'pré' is a symbol of the preservation of the landscape against urban sprawl.

À la campagne, on entend souvent le chant des grillons dans le pré.

Translation: In the countryside, you often hear the chirping of crickets in the meadow.

Les enfants ont trouvé des champignons dans le pré après la pluie.

Translation: The children found mushrooms in the meadow after the rain.
Gastronomy
Chefs might mention 'herbes des prés' to describe wild herbs gathered from meadows, adding a touch of rustic authenticity to their dishes.

In conclusion, 'pré' is not just a word found in dictionaries; it is a living part of the French landscape, both literally and figuratively. From the TV screen to the hiking trail, it is a word that connects you to the natural and cultural soul of France.

The word pré is a classic trap for English speakers and French learners alike, primarily because of its homophones—words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. In French, pré, près, and prêt are all pronounced /pʁe/. This phonetic similarity leads to frequent spelling errors and confusion in written communication. Let's break down these pitfalls so you can avoid them.

Pré vs. Près
'Près' (with a grave accent and an 's') is an adverb or preposition meaning 'near.' A very common mistake is writing 'J'habite pré de la gare' instead of 'J'habite près de la gare.' Remember: if you mean distance, use 'près'; if you mean a grassy field, use 'pré.'
Pré vs. Prêt
'Prêt' (with a circumflex accent and a 't') is an adjective meaning 'ready.' Students often confuse these in sentences like 'Je suis pré pour le pique-nique' (incorrect) instead of 'Je suis prêt...' (correct). Also, 'un prêt' is a loan. Context is key!
Confusing Pré with Prairie
While they are similar, a 'prairie' is usually much larger and often wilder than a 'pré.' Using 'prairie' for a small fenced field behind a house might sound slightly dramatic or imprecise to a native speaker.

Attention : ne confondez pas « le pré » (the field) et « être prêt » (to be ready).

Note: The pronunciation is identical, but the meaning and spelling are very different.

Another mistake involves gender. 'Pré' is masculine. English speakers, perhaps influenced by the feminine 'prairie,' sometimes try to make it feminine: 'la pré' (incorrect). Always use 'le pré.' Using the wrong gender can confuse listeners, especially since 'la près' doesn't exist, but 'la prête' is the feminine form of 'ready.'

Il a garé sa voiture près du pré.

Translation: He parked his car near the meadow. (A perfect example of both words in one sentence!)
Overusing 'Champ'
Many learners use 'champ' for every piece of land. While not strictly 'wrong,' using 'pré' when referring to grass or grazing makes you sound much more like a native speaker who understands the nuances of the landscape.

Finally, watch out for the plural 'prés.' It doesn't change pronunciation, but the 's' is vital in writing. Also, avoid using 'pré' for a lawn in a city garden; that's a 'pelouse' or 'jardin.' Calling a tiny patch of grass in Paris a 'pré' would sound quite humorous, as if you were expecting a cow to appear at any moment.

Faisons attention à l'orthographe : un pré verdoyant.

Translation: Let's pay attention to spelling: a verdant meadow.

Le pré est plein de fleurs, mais je ne suis pas encore prêt à sortir.

Translation: The meadow is full of flowers, but I am not ready to go out yet.
False Friends
Don't confuse 'pré' with the English prefix 'pre-' (as in 'pre-order'). In French, that prefix is usually 'pré-' as well, but it's attached to words (e.g., 'préavis'). 'Pré' as a standalone word always refers to the meadow.

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the homophones 'près' and 'prêt'—you will avoid the most common errors associated with this word and improve your written French significantly.

French has a rich vocabulary for describing the land, and while pré is a fundamental term, there are several synonyms and related words that offer different shades of meaning. Choosing the right one depends on the size of the land, its use, and the level of formality you want to achieve. Understanding these alternatives will allow you to describe French landscapes with much greater precision and variety.

Prairie
Often used interchangeably with 'pré,' a 'prairie' usually suggests a larger, more open expanse of grass. It can also refer to a natural grassland that isn't necessarily fenced or managed as strictly as a 'pré.' It has a slightly more poetic or ecological feel.
Pâturage
This word specifically emphasizes the function of the land: grazing. A 'pâturage' is a place where animals 'paissent' (graze). While a 'pré' can be a 'pâturage,' the latter is a more technical, agricultural term.
Champ
As mentioned before, a 'champ' is a field used for crops. If the land is plowed and used for wheat, corn, or sunflowers, it is a 'champ,' never a 'pré.'

Au-delà du pré, on aperçoit une vaste prairie sauvage.

Translation: Beyond the meadow, one can see a vast wild prairie.

For smaller or more decorative areas, you might use 'pelouse' or 'gazon.' A 'pelouse' is the lawn you find in a park or a suburban backyard. 'Gazon' refers more specifically to the grass itself or a very carefully maintained lawn, like a golf course or a football pitch. You would never call a football pitch a 'pré'—it’s too wild for that!

Le mouton préfère l'herbe tendre du pâturage.

Translation: The sheep prefers the tender grass of the pasture.
Clairière
If the grassy area is a small opening in the middle of a forest, the correct word is 'clairière' (clearing). A 'pré' is usually surrounded by other fields or hedges, not necessarily deep woods.

In a more literary or archaic sense, you might come across 'herbage.' This refers to the grass collectively or the land where it grows. It is often used in the context of cattle farming in regions like Normandy. 'Un bel herbage' suggests rich, fertile land that will produce excellent milk and meat.

La pelouse du jardin est bien tondue, contrairement au pré.

Translation: The garden lawn is well-mown, unlike the meadow.

Les randonneurs se sont arrêtés dans une clairière pour se reposer.

Translation: The hikers stopped in a clearing to rest.
Terrain
'Terrain' is a very general word for 'ground' or 'piece of land.' If you are buying land to build a house, you buy a 'terrain à bâtir.' If that land happens to be covered in grass, you might call it a 'pré' until the construction starts.

By familiarizing yourself with these alternatives, you can choose the word that best fits your context, whether you are describing a vast wild landscape, a functional farm plot, or a neat suburban garden.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word 'pré' is so old that it appears in some of the earliest French texts. It has survived thousands of years with almost no change in its core definition.

発音ガイド

UK /pʁe/
US /pʁe/
Monosyllabic word, stress is on the single vowel sound.
韻が合う語
été parlé café blé marché nez clef clé
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the 's' in the plural 'prés' (it should be silent).
  • Making the 'e' sound too long like 'pree'.
  • Confusing the spelling with 'près' or 'prêt'.
  • Failing to use the French uvular 'r'.
  • Pronouncing it like 'pry' (English 'i' sound).

難易度

読解 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text due to its brevity.

ライティング 3/5

Difficult due to homophones like 'près' and 'prêt'.

スピーキング 2/5

Pronunciation is simple but must be distinguished from similar sounds.

リスニング 3/5

Can be easily missed or confused in fast speech.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

herbe vache vert campagne ferme

次に学ぶ

prairie champ pâturage faucher foin

上級

bocage assolement graminées affouragement terroir

知っておくべき文法

Nouns ending in '-é' are usually masculine.

Le pré, le café, le marché.

The plural of nouns ending in '-é' just adds an '-s'.

Un pré -> des prés.

Homophones require context to distinguish meaning.

Le pré (field) vs. Près (near) vs. Prêt (ready).

Prepositions of place with 'le pré'.

Dans le pré, au pré, vers le pré.

Adjective agreement with masculine nouns.

Un pré verdoyant, des prés fleuris.

レベル別の例文

1

Le pré est très vert aujourd'hui.

The meadow is very green today.

Basic 'Subject + Verb + Adjective' structure.

2

Il y a un petit pré derrière la maison.

There is a small meadow behind the house.

Use of 'il y a' to indicate existence.

3

La vache est dans le pré.

The cow is in the meadow.

Preposition 'dans' indicates location.

4

J'aime courir dans le pré.

I like to run in the meadow.

Verb 'aimer' followed by an infinitive.

5

Le pré a beaucoup de fleurs.

The meadow has many flowers.

Quantifier 'beaucoup de' with a plural noun.

6

Regarde le mouton dans le pré !

Look at the sheep in the meadow!

Imperative form of 'regarder'.

7

C'est un beau pré.

It is a beautiful meadow.

Adjective 'beau' comes before the noun.

8

Le chien joue dans le pré.

The dog is playing in the meadow.

Simple present tense of 'jouer'.

1

Nous avons fait un pique-nique dans le pré.

We had a picnic in the meadow.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

2

Le fermier travaille dans le pré le matin.

The farmer works in the meadow in the morning.

Present tense with a temporal expression.

3

Il y a des chevaux qui galopent dans les prés.

There are horses galloping in the meadows.

Relative clause starting with 'qui'.

4

Le pré est entouré d'une petite barrière en bois.

The meadow is surrounded by a small wooden fence.

Passive voice 'est entouré de'.

5

Pendant l'été, l'herbe du pré devient jaune.

During the summer, the grass of the meadow turns yellow.

Verb 'devenir' to show a change of state.

6

Ma grand-mère habite près d'un grand pré.

My grandmother lives near a large meadow.

Contrast between 'près de' (near) and 'pré' (meadow).

7

Les enfants ramassent des fleurs dans le pré.

The children are picking flowers in the meadow.

Present tense of 'ramasser'.

8

Il ne faut pas marcher dans le pré quand il pleut.

You shouldn't walk in the meadow when it rains.

Impersonal 'il ne faut pas' followed by an infinitive.

1

Le village est entouré de magnifiques prés verdoyants.

The village is surrounded by magnificent green meadows.

Use of the plural 'prés' and the descriptive adjective 'verdoyants'.

2

Le fermier a décidé de faucher le pré avant l'arrivée de l'orage.

The farmer decided to mow the meadow before the storm arrived.

Infinitive construction after 'décider de'.

3

Si nous traversons ce pré, nous arriverons plus vite à la rivière.

If we cross this meadow, we will reach the river faster.

First conditional (Si + present, future).

4

J'ai passé tout l'après-midi à lire, allongé dans le pré.

I spent the whole afternoon reading, lying in the meadow.

Past participle 'allongé' used as an adjective/adverb.

5

L'herbe est plus haute dans ce pré-là car personne ne l'a tondue.

The grass is taller in that meadow because no one has mown it.

Demonstrative suffix '-là' for emphasis.

6

On peut entendre le bourdonnement des abeilles dans tout le pré.

You can hear the buzzing of bees throughout the meadow.

Noun 'bourdonnement' and quantifier 'tout le'.

7

Ce pré sert de pâturage pour les vaches de la ferme voisine.

This meadow serves as a pasture for the cows from the neighboring farm.

Verb phrase 'servir de' (to serve as).

8

Bien que le pré soit humide, les enfants veulent y jouer.

Although the meadow is damp, the children want to play there.

Subjunctive 'soit' after 'bien que'.

1

La biodiversité des prés est menacée par l'utilisation intensive de pesticides.

The biodiversity of meadows is threatened by the intensive use of pesticides.

Passive voice 'est menacée par'.

2

Le paysage se compose d'une alternance de bois et de prés.

The landscape consists of alternating woods and meadows.

Pronominal verb 'se composer de'.

3

Les moutons de pré-salé sont réputés pour la finesse de leur chair.

Salt-marsh sheep are renowned for the fineness of their meat.

Compound noun 'pré-salé' and the adjective 'réputés'.

4

Il est fascinant d'observer l'évolution de la flore dans un pré au fil des saisons.

It is fascinating to observe the evolution of flora in a meadow over the seasons.

Impersonal construction 'il est + adjective + de + infinitive'.

5

Autrefois, ce pré appartenait à la commune et tout le monde pouvait y mener ses bêtes.

In the past, this meadow belonged to the commune and everyone could bring their animals there.

Imperfect tense to describe past habits and states.

6

La rosée matinale scintillait sur les brins d'herbe du pré.

The morning dew sparkled on the blades of grass in the meadow.

Descriptive literary verbs like 'scintiller'.

7

Le projet de construction a été abandonné pour préserver le dernier pré du village.

The construction project was abandoned to preserve the village's last meadow.

Infinitive of purpose with 'pour'.

8

Les randonneurs ont été éblouis par l'étendue des prés alpins.

The hikers were dazzled by the expanse of the Alpine meadows.

Past participle 'éblouis' agreeing with the subject.

1

Le poète compare son âme à un pré dévasté par l'hiver, attendant le renouveau.

The poet compares his soul to a meadow devastated by winter, waiting for renewal.

Metaphorical usage and advanced vocabulary ('dévasté', 'renouveau').

2

L'irrigation de ce pré nécessite une gestion rigoureuse des ressources en eau.

The irrigation of this meadow requires rigorous management of water resources.

Noun-heavy formal structure typical of technical reports.

3

On ne saurait ignorer l'importance écologique des prés de fauche pour la survie des insectes.

One cannot ignore the ecological importance of hay meadows for the survival of insects.

Formal 'on ne saurait' + infinitive (one cannot/should not).

4

Le pré, dans sa simplicité apparente, recèle une complexité biologique insoupçonnée.

The meadow, in its apparent simplicity, harbors an unsuspected biological complexity.

Use of the verb 'receler' (to harbor/hide).

5

L'artiste a capturé avec brio la lumière rasante qui caresse les prés à l'aube.

The artist brilliantly captured the low-angled light caressing the meadows at dawn.

Sophisticated descriptive language ('lumière rasante', 'caresser').

6

La délimitation des prés par des haies vives constitue un élément clé du paysage de bocage.

The delimitation of meadows by quickset hedges is a key element of the bocage landscape.

Specific geographic and agricultural terminology ('haies vives', 'bocage').

7

Malgré la pression foncière, la municipalité s'efforce de maintenir ces prés en zone non constructible.

Despite real estate pressure, the municipality is striving to keep these meadows as non-buildable zones.

Advanced connectors ('malgré') and administrative terms ('pression foncière').

8

L'odeur du foin coupé s'élevait des prés, imprégnant l'air d'une douceur nostalgique.

The smell of cut hay rose from the meadows, permeating the air with a nostalgic sweetness.

Present participle 'imprégnant' used to add detail.

1

L'ontologie du pré, telle qu'analysée par certains philosophes, réside dans sa fonction de médiation entre l'homme et le sauvage.

The ontology of the meadow, as analyzed by certain philosophers, lies in its function as a mediation between man and the wild.

Highly abstract and philosophical register.

2

L'œuvre de Ponge transcende la simple description pour atteindre l'essence même du pré.

Ponge's work transcends simple description to reach the very essence of the meadow.

Literary criticism vocabulary ('transcender', 'essence').

3

La mutation des prés en zones d'agriculture intensive marque une rupture anthropologique majeure.

The mutation of meadows into intensive farming zones marks a major anthropological rupture.

Academic terminology ('mutation', 'rupture anthropologique').

4

Sous l'apparente fixité du pré se déploie une dynamique temporelle complexe, rythmée par les cycles de fauche.

Beneath the apparent stillness of the meadow unfolds a complex temporal dynamic, punctuated by mowing cycles.

Sophisticated syntax with 'se déployer' and 'rythmer'.

5

L'iconographie bucolique du pré a souvent servi à occulter les dures réalités de la paysannerie.

The bucolic iconography of the meadow has often served to obscure the harsh realities of the peasantry.

Critical analysis terms ('iconographie', 'occulter').

6

Le droit coutumier régissant l'usage des prés témoigne de la complexité des structures sociales médiévales.

The customary law governing the use of meadows testifies to the complexity of medieval social structures.

Legal and historical register ('droit coutumier', 'témoigner de').

7

Le pré devient alors le réceptacle d'une mémoire collective, dépositaire des traditions ancestrales.

The meadow then becomes the receptacle of a collective memory, the custodian of ancestral traditions.

Metaphorical and elevated vocabulary ('réceptacle', 'dépositaire').

8

L'esthétique du pré, entre ordre et chaos, invite à une réflexion sur la place du hasard dans la nature.

The aesthetics of the meadow, between order and chaos, invites a reflection on the role of chance in nature.

Philosophical inquiry using 'inviter à une réflexion'.

よく使う組み合わせ

pré verdoyant
faucher le pré
mettre au pré
pré de fauche
petit pré
pré en fleurs
au milieu du pré
traverser le pré
pré-salé
herbe du pré

よく使うフレーズ

L'amour est dans le pré

— The title of a famous TV show, implying romance in a rural setting.

Elle regarde 'L'amour est dans le pré' chaque lundi.

Aller aux prés

— An old, mostly obsolete expression for going to a duel.

Ils sont allés aux prés pour régler leur différend.

Vaches au pré

— A common sight and phrase describing cattle grazing.

Les vaches au pré font partie du paysage.

Courir le pré

— An old expression meaning to look for romantic adventures.

Dans sa jeunesse, il aimait courir le pré.

Le pré du voisin

— Referring to the neighboring field, often used in comparisons.

L'herbe semble toujours plus verte dans le pré du voisin.

Un pré à chevaux

— A meadow specifically used for keeping horses.

Ils cherchent une maison avec un pré à chevaux.

Fleurs des prés

— Wildflowers that grow naturally in meadows.

Elle a cueilli un bouquet de fleurs des prés.

En bordure de pré

— At the edge of a meadow.

La maison se situe en bordure de pré.

Le grand pré

— Often used as a place name or to describe the largest field.

Rendez-vous au grand pré à midi.

Sentier des prés

— A walking path that goes through meadows.

Le sentier des prés est fermé en hiver.

よく混同される語

pré vs près

Means 'near'. Used for distance.

pré vs prêt

Means 'ready' or 'a loan'.

pré vs prix

Means 'price'. Sounds different but can confuse beginners.

慣用句と表現

"L'herbe est plus verte dans le pré du voisin"

— Equivalent to 'the grass is always greener on the other side.'

Ne sois pas jaloux, l'herbe est toujours plus verte dans le pré du voisin.

informal/common
"Envoyer au pré"

— To challenge someone to a duel (historical).

Il l'a envoyé au pré pour une insulte.

archaic
"Courir le pré"

— To lead a libertine life or seek adventure.

Il a passé sa vie à courir le pré avant de se marier.

literary/old
"Le pré aux clercs"

— A historical place in Paris known for duels and students.

Le Pré aux Clercs était un lieu célèbre autrefois.

historical
"Mettre un cheval au pré"

— To retire a horse from work or racing.

Après sa blessure, ils ont mis le champion au pré.

neutral
"Fleurs des prés"

— Used metaphorically for something simple and natural.

Elle a une beauté simple, comme une fleur des prés.

poetic
"Battre le pré"

— To wander around without a clear goal (regional).

On a battu le pré tout l'après-midi.

informal
"Un pré carré"

— Metaphor for a secure, well-defined territory or domain.

La France considère l'Afrique comme son pré carré.

political/formal
"Être au pré"

— To be out in the field (literally or figuratively for animals).

Les vaches seront au pré jusqu'en octobre.

neutral
"Le repos du pré"

— A sense of peace found in nature.

Rien ne vaut le repos du pré après une semaine en ville.

poetic

間違えやすい

pré vs près

Identical pronunciation.

'Près' is a preposition of distance, while 'pré' is a noun for a field. You live 'près du pré' (near the meadow).

Il est assis près de la fenêtre.

pré vs prêt

Identical pronunciation.

'Prêt' is an adjective meaning ready. 'Pré' is a noun. You are 'prêt' to go into the 'pré'.

Es-tu prêt pour le départ ?

pré vs champ

Similar meaning (field).

A 'champ' is for crops (wheat, corn). A 'pré' is for grass and grazing. Use 'pré' for cows, 'champ' for tractors and grain.

Le champ de maïs est immense.

pré vs prairie

Similar meaning (meadow).

A 'prairie' is often larger, wilder, and more poetic. A 'pré' is usually a specific, managed plot of farm land.

Les bisons vivent dans la prairie.

pré vs pelouse

Both involve grass.

A 'pelouse' is a lawn in a garden or park. A 'pré' is a rural field. You don't have a 'pré' in front of your city apartment.

Il tond la pelouse tous les samedis.

文型パターン

A1

Le pré est [adjective].

Le pré est vert.

A2

Il y a [noun] dans le pré.

Il y a des fleurs dans le pré.

B1

Je [verb] dans le pré.

Je marche dans le pré.

B2

Le pré sert à [infinitive].

Le pré sert à nourrir les vaches.

C1

L'étendue du pré [verb].

L'étendue du pré m'émerveille.

C2

La symbolique du pré [verb].

La symbolique du pré imprègne le texte.

A2

C'est un [adjective] pré.

C'est un joli pré.

B1

À côté du pré, il y a [noun].

À côté du pré, il y a une rivière.

語族

名詞

prairie
pâturage
pâtis

動詞

pâturer

形容詞

prairial

関連

foin
herbe
fauche
ferme
campagne

使い方

frequency

High in rural and nature contexts; medium in general daily conversation.

よくある間違い
  • J'habite pré de Paris. J'habite près de Paris.

    You used the word for 'meadow' instead of 'near'. This is a very common spelling error due to identical pronunciation.

  • Je suis pré pour partir. Je suis prêt pour partir.

    You used 'meadow' instead of 'ready'. Remember 'prêt' has a 't' at the end for the feminine 'prête'.

  • La pré est verte. Le pré est vert.

    'Pré' is masculine. This mistake often happens because 'prairie' is feminine.

  • Un pré de maïs. Un champ de maïs.

    'Pré' is only for grass. For crops like corn (maïs), you must use 'champ'.

  • Les vaches sont dans les près. Les vaches sont dans les prés.

    The plural of 'pré' is 'prés'. You used the grave accent from 'près' (near) by mistake.

ヒント

Think Green

Always associate 'pré' with the color green. If the land is brown or has crops, use 'champ'. If it's green grass, use 'pré'.

The Accent Matters

The 'accent aigu' (é) in 'pré' is essential. Without it, the word doesn't exist. It also helps you remember the sound /e/.

Masculine Only

Don't let the word 'prairie' (feminine) confuse you. 'Pré' is always 'le' or 'un'. Practice saying 'le petit pré' to lock in the gender.

Context Clues

When you hear /pʁe/, look around. Are you near a farm? It's 'pré'. Are you talking about distance? It's 'près'.

Keep it Short

French vowels are often shorter than English ones. Don't drag out the 'é' sound. It's a quick, sharp /e/.

Rural Pride

Using 'pré' correctly shows you appreciate the nuances of the French countryside. It's a word that native speakers use with affection.

Homophone Check

Before hitting send on a text, ask yourself: 'Am I talking about a field (pré), distance (près), or being ready (prêt)?'

The 'P' Rule

P is for Pré, P is for Pasture. This simple link will help you remember the meaning every time.

Look for Fences

A 'pré' is often enclosed. If you see a grassy area with a fence, that's the perfect time to use the word.

Use Synonyms

Once you're comfortable with 'pré', try using 'pâturage' or 'prairie' to add variety to your descriptions.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'PRé' as 'PRay for grass.' Or associate the 'é' with 'émeraude' (emerald) because a pré is green.

視覚的連想

Imagine a bright green field with a single cow and a wooden fence. That image is your 'pré.'

Word Web

herbe vache foin fermier vert campagne fleurs clôture

チャレンジ

Try to use the word 'pré' in three different sentences describing a photo of the countryside without using the word 'champ'.

語源

Derived from the Latin 'pratum', which also means meadow or field. It has remained remarkably stable in meaning since its inclusion in the French language.

元の意味: A piece of land for grazing or hay.

Romance (Latin)

文化的な背景

No specific sensitivities; it's a very neutral and positive nature word.

English speakers often use 'field' for everything, but in French, using 'pré' specifically for grass makes you sound much more native.

L'amour est dans le pré (TV show) Le Pré (poem by Francis Ponge) Le Pré aux Clercs (historical location/opera)

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Agricultural

  • faucher le pré
  • mettre au pré
  • pré de fauche
  • herbe grasse

Nature/Hiking

  • traverser le pré
  • sentier des prés
  • pré en fleurs
  • border le pré

Real Estate

  • maison avec pré
  • terrain en pré
  • clôturer le pré
  • bordure de pré

Literary/Poetic

  • pré verdoyant
  • rosée du pré
  • fleurs des prés
  • silence du pré

Culinary

  • agneau de pré-salé
  • beurre des prés
  • herbes sauvages du pré
  • foin du pré

会話のきっかけ

"Aimes-tu te promener dans les prés quand il fait beau ?"

"Y a-t-il beaucoup de prés près de chez toi ?"

"As-tu déjà vu des vaches paître dans un pré ?"

"Que penses-tu de l'émission 'L'amour est dans le pré' ?"

"Préfères-tu la forêt ou les prés pour faire un pique-nique ?"

日記のテーマ

Décrivez un pré que vous avez visité récemment. Quelles étaient les couleurs et les odeurs ?

Imaginez que vous possédez un grand pré. Que feriez-vous de cet espace ?

Pourquoi le mot 'pré' évoque-t-il souvent la paix et la tranquillité ?

Comparez la vie dans une ville bruyante et la vie près d'un pré verdoyant.

Écrivez une courte histoire sur un animal qui s'échappe de son pré.

よくある質問

10 問

Yes, 'pré' is always a masculine noun. You should always use 'le' or 'un' with it. For example, 'le pré est beau' or 'un grand pré'. It never changes gender, even if the field is full of flowers or used for feminine animals like cows.

While both mean meadow, 'pré' is usually smaller and specifically used for agriculture (grazing or hay). 'Prairie' can refer to larger, more natural expanses of grass. In daily conversation, 'pré' is more common for specific farm fields.

The plural is 'prés'. You simply add an 's' to the end. The pronunciation remains exactly the same as the singular. For example, 'les prés sont verts'.

No, that would be 'un terrain de foot' or 'une pelouse'. 'Pré' implies a more natural, rural setting. Using 'pré' for a stadium would sound like a joke, as if the players were sheep!

The title uses 'pré' to symbolize the rural world of the farmers who are looking for love. It's a play on the idea that romance can be found in the simplicity of the countryside.

Context is key. If you hear 'de' after the sound /pʁe/, it's almost always 'près de' (near). If the sound is followed by words like 'vache', 'herbe', or 'fleur', it's likely 'le pré'.

Yes, it is very common, especially if you leave the big cities. It's a basic part of the vocabulary for anyone describing the landscape, agriculture, or nature.

Principally, it means meadow. However, as a prefix 'pré-', it means 'before' (like in 'préhistoire'). As a standalone word, it only refers to the grassy field.

It refers to meadows that are occasionally flooded by seawater, creating salty grass. Sheep that graze there, like those near Mont Saint-Michel, have a very distinct and prized flavor.

No, you should say 'le champ de blé'. 'Pré' is only for grass. If there are crops like wheat (blé), it must be a 'champ'.

自分をテスト 182 問

writing

Décrivez un pré idéal en deux phrases.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Utilisez 'pré' et 'vache' dans une phrase.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Quelle est la différence entre un pré et une pelouse ?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Faites une phrase avec 'près' et 'pré'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Pourquoi les fermiers fauchent-ils les prés ?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Écrivez une phrase poétique sur un pré au lever du soleil.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Quels animaux peut-on voir dans un pré ? (Citez-en trois)

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Utilisez 'traverser' et 'pré' dans une phrase.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Décrivez les couleurs d'un pré en automne.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Faites une phrase avec 'prêt' et 'pré'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Qu'est-ce qu'un agneau de pré-salé ?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Écrivez une phrase sur un souvenir d'enfance dans un pré.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Utilisez 'clôture' et 'pré' dans une phrase.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Quel est votre paysage rural préféré ? Utilisez le mot 'pré'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Faites une phrase négative avec 'pré'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Traduisez : 'The grass is greener in the neighbor's meadow.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Utilisez 'fleurs' et 'pré' au pluriel.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Que signifie l'expression 'pré carré' ?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Décrivez le bruit d'un pré en été.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Faites une phrase avec 'le long du pré'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Prononcez le mot 'pré'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Le pré est vert.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Les vaches sont dans le pré.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Faites la différence entre 'pré' et 'près' à l'oral.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Je marche dans les prés.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'L'herbe du pré est haute.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Décrivez un pré en trois mots.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Le fermier fauche le pré.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Un pique-nique dans le pré.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Le pré est près de la rivière.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'L'amour est dans le pré.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Les fleurs des prés.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Le cheval court dans le pré.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Le pré est tout mouillé.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Un grand pré verdoyant.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Le long du pré.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Au milieu du pré.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Traverser le pré.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Les prés sont en fleurs.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Dites : 'Il fait bon dans le pré.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Quel mot entendez-vous : /pʁe/ (meadow) ou /pʁe/ (near)?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Combien de syllabes dans 'pré' ?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Entendez-vous un 's' à la fin de 'prés' ?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Quel est le son final de 'pré' ?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Le mot 'pré' rime-t-il avec 'été' ?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Le mot 'pré' rime-t-il avec 'bleu' ?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Identifiez le mot dans cette phrase : 'Les vaches sont au pré.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Identifiez le mot dans cette phrase : 'C'est un beau pré.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Le mot 'pré' rime-t-il avec 'café' ?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Le mot 'pré' rime-t-il avec 'bois' ?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Le son 'r' dans 'pré' est-il au début ou à la fin ?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Le mot 'pré' rime-t-il avec 'clé' ?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Le mot 'pré' rime-t-il avec 'fleur' ?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Identifiez le mot dans cette phrase : 'J'aime ce pré.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Le mot 'pré' rime-t-il avec 'nez' ?

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 182 correct

Perfect score!

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