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A2 noun 10 min read

entrée

Examples Notes & Tips entrée in 30 Seconds
Explanation entrée in your Level:
At the A1 level, you will encounter 'entrée' primarily as a physical sign. You will see it on doors in shops, cinemas, and restaurants. It is one of the first 'environmental' words you learn. You should focus on recognizing it as 'the way in'. It is a feminine noun, so you will see 'la' or 'une' before it. At this stage, you might use it in very simple questions like 'Où est l'entrée ?' (Where is the entrance?). You also learn it in the context of a restaurant menu, simply as the first part of the meal. It is a helpful cognate because it looks like 'entry', but remember to pronounce the 'é' at the end clearly. You don't need to worry about complex idioms yet; just focus on the door and the starter dish. Practice saying 'l'entrée' as a single sound where the 'l' slides into the 'e'. This word will help you navigate your first trip to a French-speaking city, helping you find the right door to the bakery or the museum.
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By A2, you are expected to use 'entrée' in more complete sentences and understand its different basic contexts. You should know that 'entrée' can mean admission or a ticket, as in 'l'entrée est gratuite' (entry is free) or 'le prix de l'entrée' (the admission price). You will also use it to describe parts of a house, like 'l'entrée de l'appartement' (the entrance/hallway of the apartment). In a restaurant, you should be able to distinguish between 'l'entrée' (the starter) and 'le plat principal' (the main course) to avoid ordering mistakes. You might also start to see it in compound words like 'entrée de gamme' (entry-level product). Your grammar should be consistent, ensuring that adjectives like 'principale' or 'petite' agree with the feminine gender of 'entrée'. You are moving beyond just seeing the word on a sign to using it to describe your surroundings and your plans.
At the B1 level, you begin to use 'entrée' in more abstract and professional ways. You will encounter phrases like 'entrée en vigueur' (coming into force) when discussing rules or laws. You should be comfortable using the word to describe joining a group or a school, such as 'son entrée au lycée' (his start at high school). You will also hear it in the context of theater or cinema to describe the number of spectators ('le film a fait beaucoup d'entrées'). At this level, you should also be aware of the difference between 'entrée' and 'accès'. While 'entrée' is the point of entry, 'accès' is the permission or the path. You might say 'L'entrée est fermée, donc nous n'avons pas accès au bâtiment'. You are also starting to learn common expressions like 'd'entrée de jeu' (right from the start). Your ability to use 'entrée' should now reflect a deeper understanding of French social and professional structures.
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At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'entrée' with nuance in various registers. You will use it in technical contexts, like 'périphérique d'entrée' (input device) or 'entrée de données' (data entry). You should understand and use idiomatic expressions like 'avoir ses entrées' (to have connections/access to influential people). In discussions about literature or academic writing, you might use 'entrée en matière' to describe the introduction or opening of a subject. You are expected to handle the word's multifaceted nature in complex sentences, such as 'L'entrée en vigueur de la nouvelle loi a facilité l'entrée des jeunes sur le marché du travail'. Here, 'entrée' is used both for a legal concept and a social transition. Your vocabulary should also include related words like 'entrant' (incoming) and you should be able to discuss the 'nombre d'entrées' in a sophisticated way when analyzing the success of a cultural event.
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At the C1 level, your use of 'entrée' should be precise and stylistically appropriate. You will use it in specialized domains like linguistics ('une entrée de dictionnaire') or music ('l'entrée des violons'). You should be able to appreciate and use the word in literary contexts, where 'le seuil' and 'l'entrée' might be used to create specific imagery. You will understand the subtle differences in tone between 'faire une entrée remarquée' (to make a grand entrance) and 's'introduire'. You should be able to discuss complex social phenomena using the word, such as 'l'entrée dans l'âge adulte' or 'l'entrée en religion'. Your mastery of the word includes knowing its history and how it differs from its English counterpart in culinary history. You can use 'entrée' to structure an argument, using phrases like 'pour une première entrée en matière' to introduce a complex topic with elegance.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'entrée' in all its forms. You can use it in highly technical fields like acoustics (the entry of a sound) or advanced computing with total accuracy. You are comfortable with rare or archaic uses in literature and can play with the word's multiple meanings for rhetorical effect. You understand the sociological implications of 'les droits d'entrée' in elite circles and can discuss the philosophy of 'l'entrée dans le monde'. You can effortlessly switch between the literal physical meaning, the gastronomic meaning, and the highly abstract metaphorical meanings. Your use of 'entrée' is not just correct; it is idiomatic, nuanced, and reflects a deep immersion in French culture and thought. You can analyze the evolution of the word from its Latin roots to its modern digital applications, and you can use it to articulate the finest distinctions in social or legal transitions.
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Examples Notes & Tips

entrée in 30 Seconds

  • Entrée means entrance (door) or admission (ticket).
  • In a French restaurant, it always means the starter/appetizer.
  • It is a feminine noun: use 'la' or 'une'.
  • It can also mean computer 'input' or a legal 'start' (en vigueur).

The French word entrée is a cornerstone of daily communication, functioning as both a physical marker and a conceptual gateway. At its most fundamental level, it refers to a physical entrance—a door, a gate, or a portal through which one passes to move from the outside to the inside. Whether you are navigating the grand stone archways of a Parisian museum or simply looking for the front door of a friend's apartment, the word entrée will be your primary guide. However, its utility extends far beyond mere architecture. In the realm of social and professional life, entrée signifies the act of joining or being admitted into a group, a school, or a professional organization. It represents the transition from being an outsider to becoming a participant.

Physical Architecture
In a building, the entrée is the specific location where the transition from public to private space occurs. It is often used in signs like 'Entrée Interdite' (No Entry) or 'Entrée Libre' (Free Admission).

L'immeuble dispose d'une magnifique entrée en marbre qui impressionne tous les visiteurs dès leur arrivée.

Crucially, for English speakers, the word entrée carries a significant linguistic trap in the context of dining. In French gastronomy, the entrée is the starter or appetizer—the dish served before the main course. This stands in direct contrast to North American English, where 'entrée' has come to mean the main dish itself. Understanding this distinction is vital for anyone visiting a French restaurant, as ordering an entrée expecting a large steak will result in a much smaller, albeit delicious, preliminary course. This culinary usage reflects the word's literal meaning: it is the 'entry' into the meal, the first step in a multi-course experience that prepares the palate for the plat principal.

Access and Admission
The term is frequently used to describe the price of admission. If a concert is gratuit, you might say 'L'entrée est libre'. If it requires a ticket, you refer to the 'prix de l'entrée'.

In technical and digital contexts, entrée is the standard term for 'input'. When you type on a keyboard or feed data into a computer system, you are providing an entrée de données. This versatility makes the word indispensable across various domains, from the arts (an actor's entrée en scène) to the law (the entrée en vigueur of a new regulation). It is a word that captures the very essence of beginning, arriving, and participating in the multifaceted world of French life and language.

Using the word entrée correctly requires an understanding of its gender and its various contextual shades. As a feminine noun, it is always accompanied by feminine articles: la, une, or l' (when followed by a vowel, though the 'e' is silent). When describing a physical entrance, the word often pairs with prepositions like de or à to indicate location. For instance, 'l'entrée du tunnel' or 'à l'entrée de la ville'. These constructions are straightforward but essential for clear navigation and spatial description.

Grammatical Agreement
Because entrée is feminine, any adjectives modifying it must also be in the feminine form. For example: 'une petite entrée' (a small entrance) or 'l'entrée principale' (the main entrance).

Pour accéder au jardin secret, il faut trouver la petite entrée cachée derrière les buissons de roses.

When using entrée in the context of food, it is typically used in the singular when referring to the course in general, but can be plural if discussing multiple options on a menu. You might ask a waiter, 'Quelles sont les entrées du jour ?' to find out the daily appetizer specials. In a formal dinner setting, the entrée follows the amuse-bouche and precedes the plat principal. This structural usage is fixed and provides a clear roadmap for the dining experience. It is also common to see the word used in compound nouns, such as plat d'entrée, though simply saying 'l'entrée' is more standard.

Furthermore, entrée is frequently used in idiomatic expressions that describe social status or professional progress. To 'avoir ses entrées' somewhere means to have the privilege of entering a place freely, often implying social influence or high-level connections. In a professional sense, an 'entretien d'entrée' refers to an entrance interview or an initial screening. In the world of theater and performance, an 'entrée en scène' is a dramatic moment when an actor first appears before the audience. This metaphorical use of 'entering the scene' is also applied to new products entering a market or a politician entering a race, showing the word's versatility in describing the start of any significant endeavor.

In the rhythm of daily life in a French-speaking country, entrée is a word you will encounter dozens of times a day. If you are using public transportation, you will hear announcements regarding the entrée en gare of a train. In a crowded metro station, signs will point you toward the entrée while others warn you of the sens interdit. In the digital age, you hear this word in the context of technology; a 'périphérique d'entrée' is an input device like a mouse or keyboard. IT professionals frequently discuss 'entrées de base de données' (database entries), highlighting the word's technical relevance.

Le serveur s'est approché de notre table pour nous demander si nous avions choisi notre entrée avant le plat de résistance.

In the cultural sphere, the word is ubiquitous. At the cinema or theater, the 'nombre d'entrées' is the standard metric for success, representing the number of tickets sold or people who 'entered' the screening. A blockbuster movie is often described by how many 'millions d'entrées' it achieved in its first week. In the education system, students prepare for 'concours d'entrée', which are highly competitive entrance exams for prestigious schools (Grandes Écoles). Here, the word carries the weight of future career prospects and academic achievement. You will also hear it in the news when a new law 'entre en vigueur' (enters into force), a phrase that signals the official start of a legal change.

Daily Interactions
When visiting a friend's house, they might say, 'L'entrée est par ici' (The entrance is this way). In a store, you might ask, 'Où se trouve l'entrée pour le parking ?' (Where is the entrance for the parking lot?).

Finally, the word is deeply embedded in the sensory world of French dining. From the casual bistro to the Michelin-starred restaurant, the entrée is the opening act. You will hear diners debating between the entrée froide (cold starter) and the entrée chaude (warm starter). The waiter might announce, 'Je vous apporte l'entrée', signaling the start of the culinary journey. Whether it is a simple plate of crudités or a sophisticated foie gras, the entrée is a social and gastronomic marker that defines the structure of French social interaction around the table.

The most frequent and potentially embarrassing mistake for English speakers is the 'False Friend' confusion between the French entrée and the English 'entrée'. In American English, 'entrée' refers to the main course of a meal. In French, entrée specifically refers to the starter. If you are in a French restaurant and you tell the waiter, 'Je voudrais seulement une entrée' because you want a big steak, you will be disappointed when you receive a small salad or a soup. To order a main course in French, you must use the term plat principal or plat de résistance. This is a classic 'faux ami' that persists because the words look identical but their functional meanings in a menu have diverged over time.

Attention ! Ne confondez pas l'entrée avec le plat principal quand vous lisez la carte du restaurant.

Another common error involves gender agreement. Because the word ends in '-ée', it is feminine. Learners often mistakenly treat it as masculine because it describes a physical object like a door (which can be 'le portail' or 'le passage'). Saying 'le bel entrée' instead of 'la belle entrée' is a tell-tale sign of a beginner. Remember that the final 'e' in 'entrée' is a marker of its feminine nature, even though the pronunciation of the final 'é' and 'ée' is identical. This distinction is purely orthographic but essential for correct writing and for choosing the right articles and adjectives.

Preposition Pitfalls
Learners often struggle with which preposition to use. It is 'l'entrée de la maison' (the entrance of the house), not 'l'entrée à la maison'. However, you say 'Je suis à l'entrée' (I am at the entrance).

Lastly, there is sometimes confusion between entrée and accès. While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. Entrée usually refers to the physical point of entry (the door), while accès refers to the right or ability to enter, or the path leading to it. For example, you might have 'accès' to a private club through a specific 'entrée'. Confusing these can make your descriptions feel slightly off to a native speaker. Similarly, don't confuse entrée with billet. While you might pay for 'l'entrée', the physical piece of paper is 'le billet' or 'le ticket'. You don't 'composter votre entrée', you 'compostez votre billet'.

To expand your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that share a semantic field with entrée. Depending on the context, several alternatives might be more precise. For a grand, formal entrance, especially of a large building or a estate, the word portail (gate) or portique (portico) might be used. If you are talking about the very first step into a room, le seuil (the threshold) is a more poetic and specific term. In a technical or urban planning context, accès is often preferred to describe how one reaches a destination.

Entrée vs. Accès
Entrée: The physical door or the act of going in.
Accès: The permission to enter or the route taken to get there.
Entrée vs. Seuil
Entrée: The general area of entry.
Seuil: The literal line on the floor at the doorway; often used metaphorically (le seuil de la pauvreté).

Bien que l'entrée soit libre, l'accès aux archives reste strictement réservé au personnel autorisé.

In the culinary world, if you want to avoid the word entrée, you might use hors-d'œuvre. While often used interchangeably in English, in French, hors-d'œuvre typically refers to very small, bite-sized snacks served before the meal (often with drinks), while the entrée is a more substantial first course served at the table. Another related term is amuse-bouche, which is a tiny, complimentary appetizer offered by the chef. Understanding these nuances helps you navigate a French menu with the confidence of a connoisseur.

For abstract beginnings, you might use début (beginning) or introduction. However, entrée remains unique in its ability to describe the 'transition' into a new state. For example, 'l'entrée en fonction' of a president is more specific than just 'le début de son travail'. It implies the official ceremony and the crossing of a professional threshold. By choosing between entrée, accès, seuil, and début, you can convey precise meanings that reflect the physical, social, or temporal nature of the beginning you are describing.

Fun Fact

The word 'entrée' was used in 17th-century French theater to denote the entrance of dancers or actors, which later evolved into the 'entry' of a course in a meal.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈɒntreɪ/
US /ˈɑːntreɪ/
The stress in French is even, but usually falls slightly on the final syllable 'trée'.
Rhymes With
soirée journée allée pensée année arrivée donnée montée
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'n' clearly (it should be a nasal vowel).
  • Treating the 'ee' at the end like an English 'ee' (it should be a sharp 'ay' sound).
  • Forgetting the word is feminine.
  • Confusing the pronunciation with 'entrer' (the verb).
  • Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
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Examples by Level

1

Où est l'entrée du magasin ?

Where is the entrance of the store?

Feminine noun with 'l'' because of the vowel.

2

Voici l'entrée de la maison.

Here is the entrance of the house.

Use 'de la' for possession/location.

3

Je prends une soupe en entrée.

I am having a soup as a starter.

'En entrée' means as a first course.

4

L'entrée est à droite.

The entrance is on the right.

Simple subject-verb-adverb structure.

5

C'est une grande entrée.

It is a large entrance.

Adjective 'grande' agrees with feminine 'entrée'.

6

Regarde le panneau 'Entrée'.

Look at the 'Entrance' sign.

Imperative form of 'regarder'.

7

L'entrée du cinéma est fermée.

The cinema entrance is closed.

Passive state with 'est fermée'.

8

Une entrée, s'il vous plaît.

One entry/ticket, please.

Using 'entrée' to mean a ticket or admission.

1

L'entrée pour le concert est gratuite.

Entry to the concert is free.

Adjective 'gratuite' matches feminine noun.

2

Il y a un code à l'entrée de l'immeuble.

There is a code at the building entrance.

Prepositional phrase 'à l'entrée de'.

3

Nous avons choisi trois entrées différentes.

We chose three different starters.

Plural form 'entrées'.

4

L'entrée du métro est juste là.

The metro entrance is right there.

Using 'juste là' for emphasis.

5

Attends-moi à l'entrée principale.

Wait for me at the main entrance.

Adjective 'principale' follows the noun.

6

Le prix de l'entrée est de dix euros.

The admission price is ten euros.

Standard way to state a price.

7

Elle a fait une belle entrée dans la salle.

She made a beautiful entrance into the room.

Abstract use of the act of entering.

8

L'entrée est interdite aux chiens.

Entry is forbidden for dogs.

Passive construction 'est interdite'.

1

La nouvelle loi fera son entrée en vigueur lundi.

The new law will come into force on Monday.

Idiomatic 'entrée en vigueur'.

2

Son entrée au gouvernement a surpris tout le monde.

His entry into the government surprised everyone.

Metaphorical entry into a group.

3

Le film a déjà dépassé le million d'entrées.

The movie has already surpassed one million admissions.

'Entrées' refers to ticket sales/spectators.

4

D'entrée de jeu, il a refusé notre proposition.

Right from the start, he refused our proposal.

Fixed idiom meaning 'right away'.

5

L'entrée des artistes se trouve derrière le théâtre.

The stage door is located behind the theater.

Specific term for stage entrance.

6

Il prépare son concours d'entrée pour l'école d'art.

He is preparing for his entrance exam for art school.

'Concours d'entrée' is a common academic term.

7

L'entrée d'air est bouchée par des feuilles.

The air intake is blocked by leaves.

Technical use for air flow.

8

Nous avons besoin d'une nouvelle entrée dans la base de données.

We need a new entry in the database.

Computing context for data.

1

L'entrée en scène de l'acteur a été très applaudie.

The actor's entrance on stage was highly applauded.

Specific theatrical terminology.

2

Il a ses entrées dans les milieux diplomatiques.

He has connections in diplomatic circles.

Idiom 'avoir ses entrées' meaning 'to have access'.

3

L'entrée de gamme de cette marque est déjà très chère.

This brand's entry-level model is already very expensive.

'Entrée de gamme' refers to the basic version of a product.

4

Cette entrée de dictionnaire est particulièrement longue.

This dictionary entry is particularly long.

Linguistic use for a word's listing.

5

L'entrée en matière du conférencier était fascinante.

The speaker's introduction was fascinating.

'Entrée en matière' means introduction to a topic.

6

Le clavier est le principal périphérique d'entrée.

The keyboard is the main input device.

Technical computing term.

7

L'entrée de ce tunnel est surveillée par des caméras.

The entrance to this tunnel is monitored by cameras.

Passive voice with 'est surveillée'.

8

Il faut payer un droit d'entrée pour accéder au parc.

You must pay an entrance fee to access the park.

'Droit d'entrée' refers to the fee/right to enter.

1

L'entrée en lice de ce nouveau candidat change la donne.

This new candidate's entry into the fray changes the game.

Idiom 'entrée en lice' (entering the competition/fray).

2

On assiste à une entrée massive de capitaux étrangers.

We are witnessing a massive influx of foreign capital.

Economic context for 'influx'.

3

L'entrée des violons apporte une mélancolie soudaine à l'œuvre.

The entry of the violins brings a sudden melancholy to the work.

Musical term for when an instrument starts playing.

4

L'entrée en fonction du président se fera lors d'une cérémonie solennelle.

The president's inauguration will take place during a solemn ceremony.

'Entrée en fonction' means taking office.

5

L'auteur soigne particulièrement son entrée en matière.

The author takes great care with his introduction.

Literary term for the start of a book or essay.

6

Il y a une erreur dans l'entrée de journal du 14 juillet.

There is an error in the journal entry for July 14th.

Context of a personal or accounting log.

7

L'entrée d'air froid a provoqué une chute des températures.

The influx of cold air caused a drop in temperatures.

Meteorological context.

8

L'entrée de la grotte était dissimulée par une cascade.

The cave entrance was hidden by a waterfall.

Descriptive literary use.

1

Sa fulgurante entrée dans le monde des lettres a marqué sa génération.

His dazzling entry into the world of literature left a mark on his generation.

Metaphorical use for career start.

2

L'entrée en jouissance du bien immobilier est fixée au mois prochain.

The taking of possession of the property is set for next month.

Legal term 'entrée en jouissance' (taking possession).

3

L'entrée de ce mot dans le dictionnaire de l'Académie est récente.

The inclusion of this word in the Academy's dictionary is recent.

Linguistic history context.

4

L'analyse des entrées et sorties d'argent révèle des irrégularités.

The analysis of cash inflows and outflows reveals irregularities.

Financial accounting terminology.

5

L'entrée de la ville est saturée par les embouteillages matinaux.

The entrance to the city is saturated by morning traffic jams.

Urban planning/traffic context.

6

Elle a soigné son entrée, captivant immédiatement l'auditoire.

She perfected her entrance, immediately captivating the audience.

Social/theatrical nuance.

7

L'entrée en résonance du pont a causé sa destruction.

The bridge's entry into resonance caused its destruction.

Physics/Engineering context.

8

Le droit d'entrée dans cette caste est quasi inaccessible.

The barrier to entry into this caste is almost insurmountable.

Sociological metaphorical use.

Common Collocations

entrée principale
entrée gratuite
entrée en vigueur
entrée de gamme
examen d'entrée
entrée en scène
périphérique d'entrée
entrée de données
entrée d'air
entrée interdite

Common Phrases

L'entrée est par là.

— The entrance is that way. Used for giving directions.

Cherchez la porte bleue, l'entrée est par là.

Faire son entrée.

— To arrive or make an appearance. Often used for dramatic effect.

Le marié a fait son entrée sous les applaudissements.

Prix d'entrée.

— The cost of admission. Used for events or museums.

Le prix d'entrée est de 5 euros.

Entrée libre.

— Free admission. Often seen on museum or gallery signs.

L'exposition est en entrée libre ce week-end.

Entrée de service.

— Service entrance. Used for staff or deliveries.

Les livreurs doivent passer par l'entrée de service.

Une entrée froide.

— A cold starter dish. Common on restaurant menus.

Je vais prendre une entrée froide, peut-être le saumon.

Une entrée chaude.

— A warm starter dish. Common on restaurant menus.

La soupe à l'oignon est une excellente entrée chaude.

Billet d'entrée.

— Entry ticket. The physical document needed to enter.

N'oubliez pas votre billet d'entrée.

Entrée du dictionnaire.

— Dictionary entry. The specific listing for a word.

Il y a beaucoup d'exemples dans cette entrée du dictionnaire.

A l'entrée de...

— At the entrance of... Used to describe location.

On se retrouve à l'entrée du parc.

Idioms & Expressions

"D'entrée de jeu"

— Right from the start or immediately. Literally 'from the beginning of the game'.

D'entrée de jeu, elle a montré son talent.

neutral
"Avoir ses entrées"

— To have privileged access to a place or person of influence.

Il a ses entrées au ministère.

formal/social
"Entrée en matière"

— The beginning of a speech, book, or discussion; an introduction.

C'était une excellente entrée en matière.

formal
"Faire une entrée remarquée"

— To arrive in a way that catches everyone's attention.

Elle a fait une entrée remarquée au bal.

neutral
"Entrée en lice"

— To enter a competition, a conflict, or a debate.

L'entrée en lice du champion a changé le match.

journalistic
"Entrée en vigueur"

— The moment a law or rule starts being applied.

L'entrée en vigueur est prévue pour janvier.

formal
"Entrée de gamme"

— Refers to the cheapest or most basic model in a series of products.

C'est un ordinateur d'entrée de gamme.

commercial
"Billet d'entrée"

— Metaphorically, something that allows you to join a exclusive group.

Ce diplôme est son billet d'entrée dans la finance.

metaphorical
"Entrée de secours"

— Emergency entrance (though 'sortie de secours' is more common).

Utilisez l'entrée de secours en cas de besoin.

safety
"Entrée fracassante"

— A noisy, dramatic, or disruptive entrance.

Il a fait une entrée fracassante dans la pièce.

informal

Word Family

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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'Entry' into a 'Tray' of food. It's the first thing on the tray (the starter) and the first thing you do in a building (enter).

Visual Association

Imagine a big green 'ENTRÉE' sign over a door that is shaped like a giant fork. It reminds you of both the building entrance and the food course.

Word Web

Porte Restaurant Starter Admission Ticket Input Vigueur Matière

Challenge

Try to use 'entrée' in three different ways today: once for a door, once for a meal, and once for a price.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French verb 'entrer', which comes from the Latin 'intrare'. The suffix '-ée' indicates the result of the action of the verb.

Original meaning: The act of entering or the place where one enters.

Romance (Latin root)
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This Word in Other Languages

entree English entree Dutch
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