A balcony is an elevated outdoor space attached to a building's exterior.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A small platform attached to the wall of a building.
- Used for fresh air or outdoor relaxation.
- Usually accessed via a door or window.
Aperçu
Le mot 'balcon' désigne un espace extérieur privé rattaché à un appartement ou une maison. C'est un élément architectural qui permet aux citadins de bénéficier d'un accès à l'air libre sans quitter leur domicile. 2) Modèles d'utilisation : On utilise le plus souvent le verbe 'avoir' (J'ai un balcon) ou des prépositions de lieu comme 'sur' (Je suis sur le balcon). Il est courant de préciser son orientation, par exemple 'un balcon exposé plein sud'. 3) Contextes courants : Dans le langage quotidien, le balcon est associé à la détente, au café du matin ou à la culture de plantes en pot. Dans un contexte immobilier, il constitue un atout majeur pour la valeur d'un bien. 4) Comparaison : Contrairement à une terrasse qui est souvent au rez-de-chaussée ou sur un toit et plus vaste, le balcon est suspendu et de taille plus modeste. Il se distingue de la loggia, qui est un balcon intégré à la structure du bâtiment et souvent fermé par des parois latérales.
Examples
Il y a des fleurs sur mon balcon.
everydayThere are flowers on my balcony.
L'appartement dispose d'un balcon filant.
formalThe apartment has a continuous balcony.
On va sur le balcon pour fumer ?
informalShall we go to the balcony to smoke?
L'architecture haussmannienne se caractérise par ses balcons en fer forgé.
academicHaussmann architecture is characterized by its wrought-iron balconies.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
un balcon avec vue
a balcony with a view
sortir sur le balcon
to go out onto the balcony
Often Confused With
A terrace is usually a larger, ground-level or rooftop flat area. A balcony is always a smaller, suspended structure.
A loggia is built into the building's footprint and is often enclosed on the sides. A balcony projects outwards from the wall.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'balcon' is neutral and used in all registers. It is a standard term in real estate and daily conversation. Always use the preposition 'sur' when referring to being on it.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the preposition 'dans' (in) instead of 'sur' (on). Also, beginners sometimes confuse it with 'terrasse'. Remember that 'balcon' is strictly masculine.
Tips
Use the correct preposition 'sur'
Always use 'sur' when talking about standing on a balcony. Never use 'dans' as it is an external platform.
Do not confuse with terrace
Remember that balconies are suspended structures. If it's on the ground floor, it is almost certainly a terrace.
French apartment living
In French cities like Paris, having a small balcony is highly prized. It is common to see people decorating them with flowers.
Word Origin
Derived from the Italian 'balcone', which comes from the Lombardic 'balko', meaning beam or scaffold. It entered French in the 16th century to describe these protruding architectural elements.
Cultural Context
In France, especially in Paris, balconies are iconic features of 19th-century architecture. They are often used as social spaces or small gardens by residents.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'balcony' as a 'bal' (ball) held on a 'con' (connection) to the room. It is the bridge between inside and outside.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsUn balcon est une plateforme en saillie suspendue à une façade, tandis qu'une terrasse est une surface plane, souvent plus grande, située au sol ou sur un toit.
Non, on utilise toujours la préposition 'sur'. On dit 'Je suis sur le balcon'.
Le mot 'balcon' est un nom masculin. On dira donc 'un grand balcon'.
Oui, par définition, un balcon est un espace extérieur ouvert. S'il est fermé par des vitres, on parle plutôt de véranda ou de loggia fermée.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec la bonne préposition.
Je prends mon café ___ balcon tous les matins.
On utilise la préposition 'sur' pour indiquer une position sur une surface surélevée.
🎉 Score: /1
Summary
A balcony is an elevated outdoor space attached to a building's exterior.
- A small platform attached to the wall of a building.
- Used for fresh air or outdoor relaxation.
- Usually accessed via a door or window.
Use the correct preposition 'sur'
Always use 'sur' when talking about standing on a balcony. Never use 'dans' as it is an external platform.
Do not confuse with terrace
Remember that balconies are suspended structures. If it's on the ground floor, it is almost certainly a terrace.
French apartment living
In French cities like Paris, having a small balcony is highly prized. It is common to see people decorating them with flowers.
Examples
4 of 4Il y a des fleurs sur mon balcon.
There are flowers on my balcony.
L'appartement dispose d'un balcon filant.
The apartment has a continuous balcony.
On va sur le balcon pour fumer ?
Shall we go to the balcony to smoke?
L'architecture haussmannienne se caractérise par ses balcons en fer forgé.
Haussmann architecture is characterized by its wrought-iron balconies.
Related Content
Learn it in Context
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abat-jour
A2Lampshade; a cover for a lamp to diffuse light.
abri
B1A place providing shelter from bad weather or danger; a shed or shelter.
abri de jardin
A2Garden shed; a small building in a garden for storage.
accessible
A2Able to be reached or entered.
accueillant
A2Friendly and hospitable; making one feel welcome.
achevé
B1Finished or completed.
actionner
A2To operate or activate a mechanism or device.
à disposition
B1Available for use; at one's disposal.
à distance de
B1At a certain distance from something.
adjacent
B1Next to or adjoining something else.
