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barrière

A2 noun 10 min read

barrière

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips barrière in 30 Seconds

Explanation barrière in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know 'barrière' as a physical object. It is a 'fence' or a 'gate'. You might see it at a park or a farm. It is a feminine noun: 'la barrière'. Example: 'La barrière est fermée' (The gate is closed). You don't need to know complex metaphors yet, just focus on the physical objects you see in pictures of gardens or roads.

At A2, you start seeing 'barrière' in more specific contexts. You will encounter it when traveling, such as the 'barrière de péage' (toll gate) on the highway. You also learn that it can be used for safety, like 'barrière de sécurité'. You should be able to describe where a barrier is: 'Il y a une barrière entre le jardin et la rue'. You also start to learn the common phrase 'la barrière de la langue' (the language barrier).

At B1, you use 'barrière' for more abstract ideas. You talk about 'surmonter des barrières' (overcoming barriers) in your life or career. You understand that it can represent social or economic hurdles. You should be comfortable using verbs like 'franchir' (to cross) or 'lever' (to lift) with this word. You might also hear about 'gestes barrières' in the context of health and hygiene.

At B2, you use the word in professional and technical contexts. You might discuss 'barrières douanières' (trade barriers) or 'barrières à l'entrée' (barriers to entry) in a business market. You can use the word to describe complex social phenomena, such as the 'barrière invisible' that exists between different social classes. Your vocabulary includes specific types of barriers like 'barrière de corail' (coral reef).

At C1, you use 'barrière' with nuance in literature and formal debate. You might discuss the 'barrière hémato-encéphalique' in a medical context or analyze the 'barrières psychologiques' that affect character development in a novel. You understand the historical connotations of the word and can use it idiomatically to describe subtle shifts in power or access in society. You use a wide range of synonyms like 'entrave' or 'frein' interchangeably.

At C2, you have a complete mastery of the word 'barrière'. You can use it in high-level academic writing, philosophical discussions, and complex metaphors. You might explore the 'barrière' as a concept of 'liminality'—the space between two states. You are familiar with rare technical uses and can play with the word's meaning in creative writing, using it to evoke specific imagery of confinement, protection, or exclusion.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

barrière in 30 Seconds

A 'barrière' is primarily a physical fence or gate used to block access or provide safety in various environments.
The word is feminine ('la barrière') and is frequently used in both literal and figurative contexts in French.
Common phrases include 'barrière de péage' (toll gate) and 'barrière de la langue' (language barrier).
It is a key A2-level word that helps learners describe boundaries, obstacles, and protective measures in daily life.

The French word barrière is a versatile noun that primarily refers to a physical structure designed to block passage or define a boundary. At its most basic level, it is the fence you see around a field, the gate at a railway crossing, or the security railing at a concert. However, its utility in the French language extends far beyond the physical realm, often describing abstract obstacles that prevent progress, communication, or social integration. Understanding 'barrière' requires recognizing its role in both the tangible world and the metaphorical landscape of human interaction.

Physical Context: In everyday life, a barrière is something you encounter on the road or in the countryside. For instance, a 'barrière de péage' is a toll booth gate on a French highway. A 'barrière de sécurité' might be found at a construction site or a public event to keep crowds safe. These are objects that you can touch, see, and often have to wait for them to open.

Le fermier a installé une barrière en bois pour empêcher les vaches de s'échapper du champ.

Abstract Context: Metaphorically, the word is used to describe anything that hinders movement or understanding. The most famous example is 'la barrière de la langue' (the language barrier). It can also refer to social 'barrières sociales' or psychological 'barrières psychologiques' that individuals must overcome to achieve their goals. In this sense, a barrière is an 'obstacle' or a 'frein' (brake/hindrance).

Malgré son talent, la barrière de l'argent l'a empêché de poursuivre ses études à l'étranger.

Historically, the term comes from the word 'barre' (bar), which implies a long, solid object used to block a path. In medieval times, barrières were often part of city fortifications or tournament grounds where knights would joust. Today, the word has evolved to include high-tech electronic barriers and complex socio-economic hurdles. Whether you are talking about a garden fence or a trade tariff (barrière douanière), the core concept remains the same: a point of separation that requires an action to pass through. Understanding this word is crucial for A2 learners because it appears in so many diverse contexts, from travel and safety to personal growth and international relations.

Using 'barrière' correctly involves understanding its grammatical function as a noun and the verbs that typically accompany it. Because it is a feminine noun, any adjectives or articles must agree in gender and number. Common verbs used with 'barrière' include 'franchir' (to cross/overcome), 'lever' (to raise), 'baisser' (to lower), and 'ériger' (to erect/set up).

Action Verbs: When talking about physical barriers, we use 'lever' or 'ouvrir' for opening and 'baisser' or 'fermer' for closing. For abstract barriers, 'franchir' and 'surmonter' (to overcome) are the most frequent choices. You don't just 'pass' a barrier; you 'franchis' it, implying a certain level of effort or authorization.

La barrière du parking se lève automatiquement quand vous approchez votre badge.

Prepositional Usage: We often use the preposition 'entre' (between) to show what the barrier is separating. For example, 'une barrière entre les deux propriétés'. When discussing protection, we use 'contre' (against), as in 'une barrière contre les inondations' (a flood barrier).

Il existe souvent une barrière invisible entre les différentes classes sociales.

When you are writing, remember that 'barrière' can be qualified by various adjectives to specify its type. A 'barrière naturelle' could be a mountain range or a river. A 'barrière corallienne' is a coral reef (like the Great Barrier Reef - la Grande Barrière de Corail). In more formal writing, you might encounter 'barrière tarifaire' (tariff barrier) or 'barrière hémato-encéphalique' (blood-brain barrier) in scientific contexts. The flexibility of the word allows it to scale from simple everyday objects to complex technical terms. Always check if the barrier is something you can physically touch or if it is a concept, as this will dictate the verb you choose to pair with it. For physical ones, use 'fermer/ouvrir'; for conceptual ones, use 'briser' (to break) or 'dépasser' (to go beyond).

You will hear 'barrière' in a variety of real-life situations in French-speaking countries. One of the most common places is at a train station or on the road. If you are driving on the 'autoroute' (highway), you will frequently hear or see the term 'barrière de péage'. This is the specific point where you must stop to pay your toll. The automated voice or a passenger might say, 'On arrive à la barrière,' meaning you're reaching the toll plaza.

Public Safety and Events: At concerts, protests, or parades, you will see 'barrières de police' (police barriers) or 'barrières Vauban' (mobile metal barriers). Security guards might shout, 'Ne franchissez pas la barrière !' (Do not cross the barrier!). These are ubiquitous in urban French life during any public gathering.

Attention, la barrière du passage à niveau va se baisser.

Health and Hygiene: A very modern context where you hear this word is 'les gestes barrières'. This term became extremely common during the COVID-19 pandemic. It refers to protective measures like hand-washing, mask-wearing, and social distancing. In this case, 'barrière' is used as an adjective-like noun to describe actions that act as a shield against the virus.

Il est important de respecter les gestes barrières pour protéger les autres.

In social conversations, people use 'barrière' to describe personal boundaries. Someone might say, 'Il met toujours une barrière entre lui et les autres,' meaning he is emotionally guarded. In the context of learning French, your teacher might encourage you to 'briser la barrière de la timidité' (break the barrier of shyness) to speak more fluently. Whether it is a physical gate at a 'passage à niveau' (level crossing) or a social hurdle, 'barrière' is a word that signifies a stop, a limit, or a protection that must be navigated. By listening for it in these specific contexts, you can better grasp the nuances of French culture and safety protocols.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is confusing 'barrière' with other similar words like 'clôture', 'barrage', or 'grillage'. While they all relate to blocking or enclosing, their specific uses are quite distinct in French. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or sound unnatural to a native speaker.

Confusion with 'Clôture': A 'clôture' is specifically a fence that encloses a space, like a garden or a field. While a 'barrière' can be part of a 'clôture' (as the gate), the 'clôture' refers to the entire perimeter. If you say you built a 'barrière' around your house, a French person might think you just put a single gate or a small roadblock, rather than a full fence.

Correct: J'ai installé une clôture autour du jardin. Incorrect: J'ai installé une barrière tout autour du jardin (unless you mean many individual gates).

Confusion with 'Barrage': A 'barrage' is a much more substantial obstacle. It can mean a dam (for water) or a massive police roadblock involving many cars and equipment. A 'barrière' is usually a single object or a lighter structure. If you describe a small wooden gate as a 'barrage', it will sound very dramatic and incorrect.

Le barrage d'Assouan est immense. La barrière du jardin est petite.

Another mistake is using 'barrière' when you mean 'grillage'. 'Grillage' specifically refers to wire mesh or chain-link fencing. If you are talking about the material, 'grillage' is better. If you are talking about the function of blocking, 'barrière' is okay, but 'clôture' is more common for the whole structure. Lastly, be careful with the expression 'barrière de la langue'. English speakers sometimes try to say 'obstacle de la langue', which is understandable but much less idiomatic. To sound like a native, always stick with 'barrière' for language and social hurdles. By paying attention to these distinctions, you will avoid the most common pitfalls and communicate more clearly in French.

French has several words that describe obstacles or fences. Choosing the right one depends on the material, the size, and whether the context is physical or abstract. Let's compare 'barrière' with its closest relatives to help you choose the most precise term for your needs.

Barrière vs. Clôture: A 'clôture' is the general term for any structure that encloses a space. Think of it as the 'fence'. A 'barrière' is often the movable part (the gate) or a specific type of light fence used to block access. In a field, the 'clôture' is the wire around the perimeter, and the 'barrière' is the wooden gate you open to walk through.

Barrière vs. Obstacle: 'Obstacle' is a broader term. While a 'barrière' is a specific type of object, an 'obstacle' can be anything—a rock in the road, a difficult exam, or a lack of money. You 'franchis' (cross) a barrière, but you 'surmontes' (overcome) an obstacle. Use 'barrière' when there is a clear sense of a boundary or a specific blocking structure.

La barrière de corail est un obstacle naturel pour les grands navires.

Barrière vs. Haie: A 'haie' is a hedge made of bushes or trees. In track and field (hurdles), the English word 'hurdle' is translated as 'haie'. However, if the hurdle is a more solid, gate-like structure, 'barrière' might be used in a general sense. Generally, if it's made of plants, use 'haie'; if it's wood, metal, or plastic, use 'barrière'.

Other alternatives include 'palissade' (a tall wooden fence for privacy), 'muret' (a low stone wall), and 'garde-corps' (a railing for safety on a balcony). If you are talking about a metaphorical limit, you might use 'borne' (landmark/limit) or 'frontière' (border). For instance, 'repousser les limites' (to push the limits) is more common than 'repousser les barrières', though 'faire tomber les barrières' (to bring down the barriers) is a very common idiomatic expression for social progress. Choosing the right word demonstrates your level of French and helps you describe the world with more precision.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Middle Ages, 'barrières' were specifically the railings that separated the crowd from the knights during a tournament or jousting match.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ba.ʁjɛʁ/

US /ba.ʁjɛʁ/

In French, the stress is typically on the final syllable: bar-RIÈRE.

Rhymes With

prière lumière derrière manière entière carrière rivière bière

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'barrier' in English.
Making the 'r' sound like a 'w'.
Forgetting the 'i' sound (saying 'barère').
Stress on the first syllable.
Nasalizing the 'a' unnecessarily.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'barrier'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and the double 'r'.

Speaking 3/5

The French 'r' and the 'ière' ending can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to catch in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

barre fermer ouvrir jardin route

Learn Next

clôture obstacle franchir péage sécurité

Advanced

entrave liminalité hermétisme transgresser confinement

Grammar to Know

Gender of nouns ending in -ière

La barrière, la clairière, la prière.

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns

Une barrière blanche, des barrières fermées.

Prepositions of place

Devant la barrière, derrière la barrière.

Compound nouns with 'de'

Barrière de sécurité, barrière de corail.

Verbs of movement and obstacles

Franchir, sauter, contourner.

Examples by Level

La barrière est rouge.

The gate is red.

Feminine noun 'la'.

Ouvre la barrière, s'il te plaît.

Open the gate, please.

Imperative verb 'ouvre'.

Le chien saute par-dessus la barrière.

The dog jumps over the fence.

Preposition 'par-dessus'.

Il y a une barrière devant la maison.

There is a gate in front of the house.

Preposition 'devant'.

La barrière est en bois.

The fence is made of wood.

Material 'en bois'.

Ferme la barrière du jardin.

Close the garden gate.

Direct object.

C'est une petite barrière.

It is a small gate.

Adjective agreement 'petite'.

Où est la barrière ?

Where is the gate?

Question form.

On doit payer à la barrière de péage.

We have to pay at the toll gate.

Specific term 'péage'.

La barrière de sécurité est fermée.

The security barrier is closed.

Compound noun.

La barrière de la langue est difficile.

The language barrier is difficult.

Abstract usage.

Il a mis une barrière pour son bébé.

He put up a gate for his baby.

Purpose 'pour'.

La barrière du parking ne s'ouvre pas.

The parking gate isn't opening.

Negative 'ne...pas'.

Les vaches sont derrière la barrière.

The cows are behind the fence.

Preposition 'derrière'.

Le cycliste a heurté la barrière.

The cyclist hit the barrier.

Past tense 'a heurté'.

Il faut lever la barrière manuellement.

The barrier must be raised manually.

Adverb 'manuellement'.

Nous devons franchir cette barrière psychologique.

We must cross this psychological barrier.

Verb 'franchir'.

L'argent est souvent une barrière pour les études.

Money is often a barrier to education.

Metaphorical use.

N'oubliez pas de respecter les gestes barrières.

Don't forget to respect the protective measures.

Health terminology.

Elle a brisé la barrière de la timidité.

She broke the barrier of shyness.

Verb 'briser'.

La barrière de corail est menacée par le climat.

The coral reef is threatened by the climate.

Scientific term.

Il y a une barrière culturelle entre nous.

There is a cultural barrier between us.

Adjective 'culturelle'.

Le gouvernement a levé les barrières sanitaires.

The government lifted the health barriers.

Verb 'lever'.

Cette loi crée une barrière à l'innovation.

This law creates a barrier to innovation.

Prepositional phrase 'à l'innovation'.

L'entreprise fait face à des barrières douanières élevées.

The company faces high customs barriers.

Economic term.

Il est crucial d'abaisser les barrières à l'entrée du marché.

It is crucial to lower the barriers to entry in the market.

Verb 'abaisser'.

La barrière hémato-encéphalique protège le cerveau.

The blood-brain barrier protects the brain.

Scientific compound.

Les barrières sociales sont difficiles à déconstruire.

Social barriers are difficult to deconstruct.

Infinitive 'à déconstruire'.

Le projet a été stoppé par une barrière administrative.

The project was stopped by an administrative barrier.

Passive voice.

Ils ont érigé une barrière de protection contre le bruit.

They erected a noise protection barrier.

Verb 'ériger'.

La barrière entre vie privée et vie publique s'efface.

The barrier between private and public life is fading.

Reflexive verb 's'efface'.

Cette technologie permet de franchir une nouvelle barrière technique.

This technology allows crossing a new technical barrier.

Technical context.

L'œuvre explore les barrières de l'inconscient.

The work explores the barriers of the unconscious.

Abstract plural.

Le traité vise à supprimer les barrières non tarifaires.

The treaty aims to remove non-tariff barriers.

Formal trade terminology.

La barrière du silence a enfin été rompue.

The barrier of silence has finally been broken.

Idiomatic expression.

Il existe une barrière ontologique entre l'homme et la machine.

There is an ontological barrier between man and machine.

Philosophical adjective.

L'auteur dénonce les barrières invisibles de la ségrégation.

The author denounces the invisible barriers of segregation.

High-level vocabulary.

La barrière de potentiel est un concept clé en physique.

The potential barrier is a key concept in physics.

Scientific usage.

L'hermétisme de son style constitue une barrière pour le lecteur.

The hermeticism of his style constitutes a barrier for the reader.

Literary analysis.

Les préjugés agissent comme une barrière à la compréhension mutuelle.

Prejudices act as a barrier to mutual understanding.

Simile with 'comme'.

L'herméneutique cherche à transcender les barrières de l'interprétation.

Hermeneutics seeks to transcend the barriers of interpretation.

Academic register.

La porosité des barrières étatiques redéfinit la souveraineté.

The porosity of state barriers redefines sovereignty.

Political science context.

Il s'agit de heurter de front les barrières de la doxa.

It is about confronting the barriers of common belief head-on.

Philosophical 'doxa'.

La barrière entre le réel et le virtuel devient de plus en plus ténue.

The barrier between the real and the virtual is becoming increasingly thin.

Advanced adjective 'ténue'.

Le poète se joue des barrières formelles de la versification.

The poet plays with the formal barriers of versification.

Literary register.

L'abolition des barrières tarifaires a bouleversé l'économie locale.

The abolition of tariff barriers has disrupted the local economy.

Noun 'abolition'.

Cette découverte remet en cause la barrière des espèces.

This discovery challenges the species barrier.

Scientific theory.

La barrière du langage n'est qu'un voile sur la réalité partagée.

The language barrier is but a veil over shared reality.

Metaphorical 'voile'.

Common Collocations

barrière de péage

barrière de sécurité

barrière de corail

barrière de la langue

gestes barrières

barrière douanière

barrière psychologique

lever la barrière

franchir une barrière

barrière sociale

Common Phrases

faire barrière à

— To block or stand in the way of something.

Il veut faire barrière à ce projet.

baisser la barrière

— To close a gate or physical barrier.

Il faut baisser la barrière avant le train.

une barrière invisible

— A felt but unseen boundary or limitation.

Il y a une barrière invisible entre eux.

briser les barrières

— To remove obstacles or prejudice.

Nous devons briser les barrières du racisme.

sans barrière

— Without any obstacles or restrictions.

C'est un accès sans barrière pour tous.

mettre une barrière

— To set a limit or create distance.

Elle met une barrière entre sa vie privée et son travail.

barrière de protection

— A protective fence or shield.

Ils ont installé une barrière de protection.

barrière automatique

— A gate that opens by itself.

La barrière automatique est en panne.

derrière la barrière

— On the other side of the fence.

Le trésor est derrière la barrière.

franchir le pas

— Though not using the word, it's the idiomatic equivalent of crossing a metaphorical barrier.

Il a enfin franchi le pas.

Often Confused With

barrière vs clôture

Clôture is the whole fence; barrière is usually the gate or a shorter section.

barrière vs barrage

Barrage is a large roadblock or a dam; barrière is smaller.

barrière vs grillage

Grillage is specifically wire mesh material.

Idioms & Expressions

"La barrière de la langue"

— The difficulty of communicating when people speak different languages.

On a utilisé des gestes pour surmonter la barrière de la langue.

neutral

"Faire tomber les barrières"

— To eliminate social or personal obstacles.

Le sport aide à faire tomber les barrières.

neutral

"Mettre une barrière"

— To keep someone at a distance emotionally.

Il met une barrière pour se protéger.

informal

"Franchir la barrière"

— To succeed in overcoming a major hurdle.

Il a franchi la barrière des sélections.

neutral

"Une barrière de corail"

— A coral reef (idiomatic in its fixed structure).

La barrière de corail est magnifique.

neutral

"Barrière de potentiel"

— A physics term for energy needed to move.

L'électron doit franchir la barrière de potentiel.

academic

"Gestes barrières"

— Set of protective hygiene measures.

Appliquez les gestes barrières au bureau.

neutral

"Barrière douanière"

— Economic restrictions on trade.

La fin des barrières douanières a aidé l'Europe.

formal

"Barrière de la timidité"

— The internal hurdle of being shy.

Le théâtre l'a aidé à vaincre la barrière de la timidité.

neutral

"Barrière de sécurité"

— A physical safety rail or gate.

Vérifiez que la barrière de sécurité est bien fixée.

neutral

Easily Confused

barrière vs carrière

Sounds similar.

Carrière means career or a stone quarry. Barrière means a fence.

Il a une belle carrière, mais il a heurté une barrière.

barrière vs arrière

Rhymes and looks similar.

Arrière means 'back' or 'rear'. Barrière is a noun.

Regarde à l'arrière de la barrière.

barrière vs barre

Root word.

Barre is a single rod or bar. Barrière is a structure.

Il tient une barre de fer devant la barrière.

barrière vs baignoire

Ends with 'oire'/'ière' confusion.

Baignoire is a bathtub.

La barrière n'est pas dans la baignoire !

barrière vs prière

Rhymes.

Prière means a prayer.

Il fait une prière devant la barrière.

Sentence Patterns

La barrière est [adjective].

La barrière est verte.

Il y a une barrière [preposition] [location].

Il y a une barrière devant le parc.

Il faut [verb] la barrière de [noun].

Il faut briser la barrière du silence.

Les barrières [adjective] empêchent [action].

Les barrières douanières empêchent le commerce.

Cette [noun] agit comme une barrière.

Cette loi agit comme une barrière à la liberté.

La porosité des barrières [adjective]...

La porosité des barrières culturelles est évidente.

Malgré la barrière de [noun]...

Malgré la barrière de la langue, nous avons ri.

Ouvrez la barrière pour [person].

Ouvrez la barrière pour le camion.

Word Family

Nouns

barre (bar/rod)

barrage (dam/roadblock)

barreau (bar of a cage)

barrière (fence/barrier)

Verbs

barrer (to block/cross out)

débarrer (to unblock/unlock - Quebec)

embarrer (to lock in - Quebec)

Adjectives

barré (blocked/crossed out)

débarré (unblocked)

clôture

obstacle

grillage

portail

palissade

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily life and news.

Common Mistakes

Le barrière → La barrière
The word is feminine. All articles and adjectives must reflect this.
Un barrière de l'eau → Un barrage
A dam for water is always a 'barrage', not a 'barrière'.
Passer la barrière → Franchir la barrière
'Franchir' is the more idiomatic verb for crossing an obstacle.
Barière → Barrière
The word requires two 'r's. This is a common spelling error.
Obstacle de la langue → Barrière de la langue
While 'obstacle' is understood, 'barrière' is the set idiomatic expression.

Tips

Gender Tip

Always pair 'barrière' with feminine adjectives. For example, 'une barrière blanche' (a white barrier), not 'blanc'.

Compound Words

Learn 'barrière de péage' as one concept. It's one of the most useful terms for travelers in France.

Highway Logic

In France, when you see the sign 'Péage', expect a 'barrière' shortly after. Have your card or cash ready!

The Silent E

The final 'e' is not pronounced. Focus on the 'èr' sound at the end: bar-ry-EHR.

Double R

Don't forget the double 'r'. It's 'barrière', not 'barière'. Spelling it correctly shows attention to detail.

Abstract Use

Use 'barrière' when talking about social classes or language. It sounds more natural than using 'problème' or 'difficulté'.

Warning Signs

If you see a sign that says 'Barrière de sécurité', it means the area beyond is restricted or dangerous.

Modern Context

In a hospital or pharmacy, you might see signs about 'gestes barrières'. This is now part of essential modern French.

Reefs

If you are interested in ecology, remember 'barrière de corail'. It's a common topic in French scientific media.

vs. Barrage

Don't use 'barrière' for a dam. A dam is a 'barrage'. A 'barrière' is much smaller and usually made of wood or metal.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'barrier' in English, but add a French twist. Imagine a 'BAR' that is 'RE-ally' (rière) hard to cross. La Bar-rière.

Visual Association

Visualize a classic white wooden gate in a French countryside. See the word 'BARRIÈRE' painted on it in violet letters.

Word Web

La barrière de péage La barrière de corail La barrière de la langue Franchir Lever Baisser Sécurité Obstacle

Challenge

Try to find three different types of 'barrière' in your city today. Is there a parking gate? A garden fence? A construction railing? Name them all in French.

Word Origin

The word 'barrière' originates from the Old French word 'barre' (meaning bar), which itself comes from the Vulgar Latin 'barra'. The suffix '-ière' was added to denote a place or an object associated with the root word.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to a wooden bar or a set of bars used to close an entrance or protect a fortification.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'barrière de la langue' is a sensitive topic for immigrants or travelers struggling to integrate.

English speakers use 'barrier' similarly, but 'barrière' in French is more commonly used for small garden gates than 'barrier' is in English.

La Grande Barrière de Corail (The Great Barrier Reef). The 'Barrière de Clichy' - a historical location in Paris. The 'Barrière' group - a famous French luxury hotel and casino chain.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Driving and Transport

La barrière de péage
Le passage à niveau
Lever la barrière
Ticket de barrière

Home and Garden

Barrière de jardin
Barrière pour bébé
Clôture et barrière
Peindre la barrière

Health and Safety

Gestes barrières
Barrière de protection
Barrière de sécurité
Distance de sécurité

Business and Economy

Barrière douanière
Barrière à l'entrée
Libre-échange
Tarifs douaniers

Psychology and Social

Barrière de la langue
Barrière sociale
Briser les barrières
Barrière psychologique

Conversation Starters

"As-tu déjà eu des difficultés avec la barrière de la langue en voyage ?"

"Penses-tu que les barrières sociales sont en train de disparaître ?"

"Faut-il installer une barrière de sécurité autour de toutes les piscines ?"

"Comment peut-on briser les barrières entre les différentes cultures ?"

"Est-ce que la barrière de péage est trop chère sur cette autoroute ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez une barrière physique que vous voyez souvent dans votre quartier.

Racontez une fois où vous avez dû franchir une barrière psychologique.

Quels sont les avantages et les inconvénients des barrières douanières ?

Comment la barrière de la langue a-t-elle affecté votre apprentissage du français ?

Imaginez un monde sans aucune barrière. À quoi ressemblerait-il ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. You should say 'la barrière' or 'une barrière'. A good way to remember is that most nouns ending in '-ière' are feminine.

It is a toll gate on a highway where you stop to pay. You will see many of these if you drive across France.

Yes, 'la barrière de la langue' is the standard way to say it in French. It is very common.

These are protective health measures like social distancing and wearing masks, used to block the spread of a virus.

A 'clôture' is the entire fence surrounding a property. A 'barrière' is usually the gate or a temporary movable barrier.

The most common verb is 'franchir'. You can say 'franchir la barrière'.

Yes, in horse racing or track, though 'haie' (hurdle) is more common for the obstacles runners jump over.

It is the French name for the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Yes, 'une barrière psychologique' is a common phrase to describe mental obstacles.

It is the French uvular 'r', produced at the back of the throat. Try to make a soft 'gargling' sound.