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A1 noun #6,000 most common 11 min read

timbre

Top 6,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips timbre in 30 Seconds

Explanation timbre in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'timbre' as the word for a postage stamp. You will use it when you go to the post office (La Poste) or a tobacco shop (Tabac) to buy stamps for your postcards or letters. It is a masculine noun: 'un timbre'. You should learn the simple phrase 'Je voudrais un timbre, s'il vous plaît.' This is one of the most practical words for a traveler in France. At this stage, do not worry about musical or administrative meanings; just focus on the little piece of paper you put on an envelope.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'timbre' in more varied contexts. You might learn about 'timbres fiscaux' if you are looking into official paperwork like a residence permit or a passport. You will also begin to encounter the word used to describe someone's voice in simple stories. You should be able to understand that 'le timbre de sa voix' refers to how someone sounds. You might also learn the plural 'timbres' and how to ask for a 'carnet de timbres' (a booklet of stamps), which is more efficient than buying them one by one.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'timbre' in its metaphorical and technical senses. You will likely encounter the adjective 'timbré' (crazy) in casual conversations or movies. You should also understand the difference between 'timbre' and 'tampon' (rubber stamp) and 'cachet' (postmark). In music-related discussions, you should be able to use 'timbre' to describe the sound of different instruments. You are expected to handle administrative tasks that require 'timbres fiscaux' and understand instructions on government websites regarding them.

At the B2 level, 'timbre' becomes a tool for more nuanced description. You can use it in literary analysis or music theory to discuss 'la richesse du timbre' (the richness of the tone). You will understand the historical and cultural significance of stamps in France, such as the 'Marianne' series. You should be able to explain the concept of 'timbre fiscal' to someone else and navigate the process of buying them online (timbre dématérialisé). Your pronunciation should be perfect, correctly nasalizing the 'im' without sounding the 'm'.

At C1, you explore the etymology and the subtle shades of meaning. You might study how the 'timbre' of a clock or a typewriter relates to the modern usage. In academic or professional settings, you can discuss 'l'homogénéité du timbre' in a choir or the 'timbre spectral' in acoustics. You will recognize the word in legal texts regarding 'droits de timbre' (stamp duties). Your vocabulary is rich enough to use synonyms like 'sonorité' or 'vignette' when appropriate to avoid repetition or to be more precise.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'timbre' in all its forms. You can appreciate its use in high literature and poetry, where it might be used to evoke specific moods through sound descriptions. You understand the complexities of 'philatélie' (philately) and the historical evolution of postal marks in France. You can engage in complex debates about acoustic properties or administrative law involving stamp duties. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a concept with deep cultural and historical roots that you can manipulate with ease.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

timbre in 30 Seconds

A masculine noun primarily meaning a postage stamp used for mailing letters and postcards in French-speaking countries.
Also refers to the unique tone or quality of a voice or musical instrument, known as 'tone color' in English.
Used in administrative contexts as 'timbre fiscal' for paying government fees like passport applications or legal documents.
Informally, the adjective 'timbré' is used to describe someone as crazy or eccentric, similar to 'nuts' in English.

The French word timbre is a versatile masculine noun that primarily translates to 'stamp' in English, specifically referring to a postage stamp used for mailing letters. However, its linguistic reach extends far beyond the post office. At its core, the word relates to a mark, a strike, or a distinctive characteristic. In the world of philately, a timbre-poste is the small adhesive paper you buy to send a postcard from Paris to London. Beyond the physical object, it describes the unique quality of a sound or a voice, known in English as 'timbre' or 'tone color.' When you hear a friend's voice and recognize it instantly even without seeing them, you are identifying the specific timbre de la voix. Historically, the word comes from the Greek 'tympanon,' meaning a drum or something that is struck, which explains why it is also used for the small bell inside a clock or a typewriter that 'strikes' to make a sound.

Postal Context: In everyday life, you will use this word most often when dealing with mail. Whether you are at a 'Bureau de Poste' or a 'Tabac,' you will ask for a timbre to send your correspondence. France is famous for its 'Marianne' stamps, which depict the national symbol of the Republic.

S'il vous plaît, j'ai besoin d'un timbre pour envoyer cette lettre aux États-Unis.

Acoustic Context: In music and linguistics, it refers to the quality of a sound that distinguishes different types of sound production, such as voices and musical instruments. It is what makes a piano sound different from a violin even when they play the same note.

Furthermore, the word appears in administrative contexts. A timbre fiscal is a revenue stamp required for official documents like passports or residence permits. This is a crucial distinction for expatriates or anyone dealing with French bureaucracy. The word also carries a figurative meaning in the adjective 'timbré,' which colloquially means 'crazy' or 'cracked,' much like a bell that has been struck too hard and no longer rings true. Understanding these layers allows a learner to navigate from the simple act of mailing a letter to the complex nuances of musical theory and administrative law.

Official Documents: When applying for a French passport, you must pay a fee using a 'timbre fiscal électronique,' which is now often purchased online as a QR code rather than a physical sticker.

Son timbre de voix est très grave et impressionnant.

Using the word timbre correctly requires an understanding of its gender and its various collocations. As a masculine noun, it is always accompanied by masculine articles: le timbre, un timbre, or ce timbre. When referring to postage, it is frequently paired with the destination or the value. For example, 'un timbre à deux euros' or 'un timbre pour l'étranger.' In modern French, although 'timbre-poste' is the full technical term, people almost always simply say 'timbre' in a postal context. It is important to note that the plural is timbres, with the 's' being silent in speech but essential in writing.

Grammar Tip: When talking about someone's voice, use the preposition 'de'. For example: 'Le timbre de sa voix est mélodieux.' (The timbre of her voice is melodious.)

N'oublie pas de coller le timbre sur l'enveloppe avant de la poster.

In more advanced usage, you might encounter the verb timbrer, which means 'to stamp' or 'to postmark.' This is often seen in the passive voice or as a past participle. For instance, 'une lettre timbrée' is a stamped letter. In the context of music, 'timbre' is used to describe the harmonics of a sound. Musicians might discuss the 'timbre brillant' (bright timbre) of a trumpet or the 'timbre chaud' (warm timbre) of a cello. This usage is identical to the English technical term, making it a 'true friend' for music students. However, remember that in French, the pronunciation is strictly nasal.

Administrative Usage: The phrase 'timbre fiscal' is often used with the verb 'acheter' (to buy) or 'fournir' (to provide). Example: 'Vous devez fournir un timbre fiscal de 86 euros pour votre passeport.'

Chaque instrument possède un timbre unique qui permet de le reconnaître.

In literature, authors often use 'timbre' to add sensory detail to a character's speech. Instead of just saying 'he said,' an author might write about the 'timbre métallique' (metallic tone) of a character's voice to suggest coldness or robotic nature. This demonstrates the word's ability to move from a mundane object of utility to a sophisticated tool of artistic expression. Whether you are at the post office or analyzing a symphony, 'timbre' remains a foundational piece of the French vocabulary.

You will encounter the word timbre in several distinct environments in French-speaking countries. The most common is the La Poste. When you walk into a post office, you will see signs for 'Achat de timbres' (Stamp purchases). You might hear a clerk ask, 'Combien de timbres voulez-vous?' (How many stamps do you want?) or 'C'est pour quel pays ?' to determine the correct stamp value. In a more casual setting, such as a 'Bureau de Tabac,' you might simply say, 'Un carnet de timbres, s'il vous plaît,' referring to a booklet of ten or twelve stamps which is very common for residents to keep at home.

At the Post Office: 'Je voudrais un timbre pour une lettre prioritaire.' (I would like a stamp for a priority letter.) This is a standard phrase used by locals daily.

Le collectionneur a trouvé un timbre rare de 1849.

Another major setting is the Préfecture or 'Mairie'. When dealing with French administration, you will hear about 'timbres fiscaux.' For example, if you lose your ID card, the official might say, 'Il faut apporter un timbre fiscal de 25 euros.' Today, this is often a 'timbre dématérialisé' (digital stamp), but the word remains the same. You will also hear this word in musical or artistic circles. A music teacher might tell a student, 'Travaille sur le timbre de ton instrument,' meaning the student should focus on the quality and richness of the sound they are producing, not just the notes.

In Music Class: 'Le timbre de ce piano est un peu trop brillant.' (The tone of this piano is a bit too bright.)

Lastly, you might hear the word in a metaphorical or idiomatic sense. If someone says of a person, 'Il est complètement timbré !', they are using a common slang expression meaning 'He's totally nuts!' This comes from the idea of a bell being struck or 'stamped' in a way that makes it sound off. In news reports or documentaries, you might hear about 'le timbre de la voix' of a famous person, discussing how their distinctive voice contributed to their charisma. Whether in the mundane world of mail or the elevated world of art, 'timbre' is a word that rings through French life.

Il a acheté un timbre fiscal en ligne sur le site du gouvernement.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with timbre is pronunciation. Because the word exists in English (pronounced 'tam-ber'), learners often carry that pronunciation into French. In French, the 'im' is a nasal vowel, sounding like the 'in' in 'vin' or 'lapin.' It should never have a clear 'm' sound followed by a 'b.' Another common error is confusing timbre with tampon. While both are used in offices, a 'timbre' is the sticker you buy, and a 'tampon' is the physical device used to stamp a date or a seal onto a document. If you ask for a 'tampon' at the post office to mail a letter, they might give you a strange look or hand you a rubber stamp instead of the postage you need.

False Friend Alert: Do not confuse 'timbre' with the English 'timber' (wood). The French word for wood is 'bois'.

Attention : on dit 'coller un timbre', pas 'mettre un tampon' pour la poste.

Gender confusion is another pitfall. Since 'timbre' ends in 'e,' many learners assume it is feminine. However, it is masculine: un timbre. Using 'une timbre' is a hallmark of a beginner mistake. Additionally, learners often forget that 'timbre' can mean 'tone' or 'voice quality.' If someone says, 'J'aime le timbre de ton piano,' they aren't talking about a sticker on the instrument, but rather its sound. Context is key to avoiding this confusion. Finally, be careful with the slang term 'timbré.' While it sounds innocent, calling someone 'timbré' is calling them 'crazy' or 'loony.' While not a vulgar insult, it is informal and should be used with caution in professional settings.

Spelling Note: Ensure you use 'm' before 'b'. In French, the nasal 'in' sound is written as 'im' before 'b' or 'p'. Writing 'tinbre' is a spelling error.

Lastly, when buying 'timbres fiscaux,' many foreigners are confused by the 'électronique' version. They might look for a physical stamp when the administration only accepts a digital code. Always clarify if you need a 'timbre papier' or a 'timbre électronique' to avoid wasting money on the wrong format. By keeping these distinctions in mind—pronunciation, gender, and the difference between postal, fiscal, and musical meanings—you will use the word like a native speaker.

Il est timbré, ce type ! (That guy is crazy!)

While timbre is the most common word for a stamp, there are several alternatives and related terms depending on the specific context. In a technical or philatelic sense, you might hear the word vignette, which refers to a stamp-like label that has no postal value. For the mark left by a post office to cancel a stamp, the correct term is oblitérations or cachet de la poste. This is important because the 'cachet de la poste' is often used as legal proof of the date an item was sent.

Timbre vs. Cachet: A 'timbre' is what you buy and stick on. A 'cachet' is the ink mark the post office or a company puts on top of it or the envelope.

In the musical sense, synonyms for 'timbre' include sonorité (sonority) or couleur sonore (tone color). While 'timbre' is the most technical term, 'sonorité' is often used to describe the overall pleasing quality of a sound. For voices specifically, one might use grain de voix to describe the texture or unique 'feel' of someone's speaking or singing voice. This is a more poetic and descriptive way to talk about the 'timbre'.

Voice Descriptions: 'Le grain de sa voix est rocailleux.' (His voice has a gravelly texture.) This is more specific than just saying 'timbre'.

La sonorité de cette salle de concert améliore le timbre des violons.

When talking about the physical action of stamping, as mentioned before, use tamponner (to stamp with a rubber stamp) or marquer (to mark). If you are referring to a seal of authenticity, the word sceau is used, especially for wax seals on old documents. In the context of taxes, taxe or redevance might be used for the fee itself, though the 'timbre fiscal' is the method of payment. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the exact word for the situation, making your French more precise and professional.

Other Marks: 'Le sceau de l'État' (The State Seal) is used for the most official documents, far more formal than a simple 'timbre'.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word originally referred to a drum or a bell. Its use for 'stamps' only began in the 17th century for fiscal marks and the 19th century for postage.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tɛ̃bʁ/

US /tɛ̃bʁ/

The stress is on the single syllable. French words generally have equal stress, but here it is a one-syllable sound.

Rhymes With

limbe nymphe (near rhyme) grimpe olympe pimp simple (near rhyme) bimbe quinze (near nasal rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'm' clearly (it should be nasal).
Pronouncing the 'e' at the end like 'ee'.
Saying 'tim-ber' like the English word for wood.
Failure to produce the nasal 'ɛ̃' sound.
Pronouncing the 'r' too harshly like an English 'r'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text, especially at the post office.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but remember the 'im' before 'b'.

Speaking 3/5

Tricky because of the nasal vowel and the silent 'e'.

Listening 2/5

Usually clear from context, but can be confused with other nasal sounds.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

lettre poste papier voix un

Learn Next

enveloppe adresse colis facteur guichet

Advanced

oblitérer philatélie sonorité harmoniques dématérialisé

Grammar to Know

Nasal 'im' before 'b' or 'p'

timbre, grimper, simple

Masculine nouns ending in 'e'

le timbre, le livre, le verre

Preposition 'de' for possession/quality

Le timbre de la voix

Plural 's' is silent

Les timbres [tɛ̃bʁ]

Compound nouns with hyphens

Un timbre-poste

Examples by Level

J'achète un timbre pour ma carte postale.

I am buying a stamp for my postcard.

Uses the masculine article 'un'.

Où est le timbre ?

Where is the stamp?

Uses the definite article 'le'.

Le timbre coûte un euro.

The stamp costs one euro.

Subject of the sentence.

Il me faut deux timbres.

I need two stamps.

Plural form 'timbres'.

Voici un beau timbre rouge.

Here is a beautiful red stamp.

Adjective agreement (masculine).

Je colle le timbre sur l'enveloppe.

I stick the stamp on the envelope.

Verb 'coller' (to stick/glue).

C'est un timbre français.

It is a French stamp.

Nationality adjective 'français' (masculine).

Donnez-moi un timbre, s'il vous plaît.

Give me a stamp, please.

Imperative mood.

Je cherche un carnet de timbres.

I am looking for a booklet of stamps.

Noun phrase 'carnet de timbres'.

Elle a un joli timbre de voix.

She has a pretty voice quality.

Abstract usage for sound.

Vous avez des timbres pour l'Europe ?

Do you have stamps for Europe?

Plural partitive 'des'.

Il a oublié de mettre le timbre.

He forgot to put the stamp on.

Infinitive construction after 'oublié de'.

Le timbre fiscal est obligatoire pour le passeport.

The revenue stamp is mandatory for the passport.

Compound noun 'timbre fiscal'.

Ce timbre est très ancien.

This stamp is very old.

Demonstrative adjective 'ce'.

On peut acheter des timbres au tabac.

One can buy stamps at the tobacco shop.

General pronoun 'on'.

Le timbre de la cloche est clair.

The ring of the bell is clear.

Refers to the sound of an object.

Il est un peu timbré, ce voisin !

That neighbor is a bit crazy!

Colloquial adjective 'timbré'.

Le timbre de son violon est exceptionnel.

The tone of his violin is exceptional.

Musical terminology.

J'ai acheté un timbre fiscal électronique sur internet.

I bought an electronic revenue stamp on the internet.

Modern administrative vocabulary.

La lettre n'était pas assez timbrée.

The letter didn't have enough stamps.

Past participle 'timbrée' used as an adjective.

Il collectionne les timbres depuis son enfance.

He has been collecting stamps since his childhood.

Present tense with 'depuis' for ongoing action.

Le timbre de sa voix trahissait son émotion.

The tone of her voice betrayed her emotion.

Literary usage.

Vérifiez le cachet de la poste, pas seulement le timbre.

Check the postmark, not just the stamp.

Distinguishing between related terms.

Ce timbre rare vaut une fortune.

This rare stamp is worth a fortune.

Verb 'valoir'.

Le timbre de cet instrument est riche en harmoniques.

The timbre of this instrument is rich in harmonics.

Scientific/Musical context.

Elle possède un timbre de soprano très pur.

She has a very pure soprano tone.

Specific vocal classification.

L'administration exige un timbre fiscal pour valider le dossier.

The administration requires a revenue stamp to validate the file.

Formal administrative vocabulary.

Le timbre de sa voix a changé avec l'âge.

The quality of his voice changed with age.

Abstract concept of change.

Il a décollé le timbre avec précaution.

He peeled off the stamp carefully.

Verb 'décoller' (to peel off).

On reconnaît le timbre métallique des anciennes machines à écrire.

One recognizes the metallic ring of old typewriters.

Descriptive adjective 'métallique'.

Le droit de timbre a été supprimé pour certains documents.

Stamp duty has been abolished for certain documents.

Legal term 'droit de timbre'.

Il est timbré de courir un marathon sans entraînement !

He is crazy to run a marathon without training!

Idiomatic use of 'timbré'.

L'analyse spectrale révèle la complexité du timbre de cet orgue.

Spectral analysis reveals the complexity of this organ's timbre.

Technical acoustic context.

Le timbre de la voix de l'acteur confère une autorité naturelle au personnage.

The tone of the actor's voice gives the character a natural authority.

Nuanced character analysis.

La philatélie ne se limite pas à l'accumulation de timbres, c'est une étude historique.

Philately is not limited to accumulating stamps; it is a historical study.

Complex sentence structure.

Le timbre fiscal dématérialisé simplifie les démarches administratives.

The digital revenue stamp simplifies administrative procedures.

Modern bureaucratic terminology.

Chaque voyelle possède son propre timbre caractéristique.

Each vowel has its own characteristic timbre.

Linguistic usage.

Le timbre de cette cloche fêlée est particulièrement mélancolique.

The ring of this cracked bell is particularly melancholy.

Evocative literary description.

Il s'est acquitté du droit de timbre lors de la transaction immobilière.

He paid the stamp duty during the real estate transaction.

Formal verb 's'acquitter de'.

Le timbre de la clarinette se marie parfaitement avec celui du hautbois.

The timbre of the clarinet blends perfectly with that of the oboe.

Comparative structure.

L'homogénéité du timbre au sein du pupitre des altos est remarquable.

The homogeneity of timbre within the viola section is remarkable.

High-level musical analysis.

L'œuvre poétique joue sur le timbre des mots pour créer une atmosphère onirique.

The poetic work plays on the timbre of words to create a dreamlike atmosphere.

Abstract literary concept.

L'évolution du timbre vocal au cours de la puberté est un phénomène physiologique complexe.

The evolution of vocal timbre during puberty is a complex physiological phenomenon.

Scientific/Medical terminology.

Le faussaire excellait dans l'imitation des timbres fiscaux du XIXe siècle.

The forger excelled at imitating 19th-century revenue stamps.

Historical/Criminal context.

Le timbre de la voix off apporte une dimension tragique au documentaire.

The tone of the voice-over brings a tragic dimension to the documentary.

Media and arts terminology.

La subtilité du timbre instrumental dépend de la qualité du bois utilisé.

The subtlety of the instrumental timbre depends on the quality of the wood used.

Technical craftsmanship context.

Il a été jugé pénalement pour fraude au timbre fiscal.

He was criminally prosecuted for revenue stamp fraud.

Legal/Judicial terminology.

Le timbre d'un son est déterminé par la répartition de son énergie fréquentielle.

The timbre of a sound is determined by the distribution of its frequency energy.

Scientific definition.

Common Collocations

timbre-poste

timbre fiscal

timbre de la voix

carnet de timbres

collectionneur de timbres

timbre rare

droit de timbre

timbre électronique

timbre métallique

timbre commémoratif

Common Phrases

Un timbre, s'il vous plaît.

— The standard way to ask for a single stamp at a counter. It is polite and direct.

Bonjour, un timbre pour la France, s'il vous plaît.

Coller un timbre.

— To stick or glue a stamp onto something. This is the standard action associated with stamps.

N'oublie pas de coller un timbre sur l'enveloppe.

Avoir un beau timbre.

— To have a beautiful voice quality. Often used for singers or speakers.

Cette chanteuse a vraiment un beau timbre.

Acheter un carnet.

— In a post office, this specifically refers to buying a booklet of stamps. It is very common.

Je vais à la poste pour acheter un carnet.

Le timbre fiscal.

— The specific type of stamp used for taxes and official government fees. It is essential for bureaucracy.

Où peut-on acheter le timbre fiscal ?

Sous le timbre de...

— A formal way to say 'under the authority of' or 'at the date of the postmark'. Used in legal/admin contexts.

Le dossier doit être envoyé sous le timbre de la préfecture.

Timbre de bureau.

— Refers to stamps used within an office for internal marking. Less common than postal stamps.

Il a utilisé le timbre de bureau pour dater le document.

Collection de timbres.

— A stamp collection. A classic hobby mentioned in many French textbooks.

Il passe ses dimanches à ranger sa collection de timbres.

Timbre à date.

— A date stamp, usually the ink mark applied by a machine or clerk. Important for deadlines.

Le timbre à date indique le 12 mai.

Timbre humide.

— An old-fashioned term for an ink stamp (rubber stamp). Rarely used today but found in old texts.

Le document a été validé par un timbre humide.

Often Confused With

timbre vs tampon

A 'tampon' is a rubber stamp/ink pad, 'timbre' is the sticker.

timbre vs cachet

A 'cachet' is the postmark mark, 'timbre' is the postage.

timbre vs timber

English word for wood; completely unrelated to the French 'timbre'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Être timbré"

— To be crazy, nuts, or eccentric. It is a very common informal expression in France.

Il veut sauter du toit ? Il est complètement timbré !

informal

"Un peu timbré"

— A bit 'cracked' or slightly crazy. Less intense than being fully 'timbré'.

Ton idée est un peu timbrée, non ?

informal

"Timbré comme une cloche"

— To be as crazy as a bell (meaning cracked). A more colorful version of 'être timbré'.

Ce type est timbré comme une cloche !

informal/slang

"Avoir le timbre fêlé"

— To have a 'cracked' voice or, metaphorically, to be slightly crazy. It refers to the sound of a broken bell.

Depuis son rhume, il a le timbre fêlé.

neutral/informal

"Le cachet de la poste fait foi"

— The postmark is proof. While it uses 'cachet', it is the idiom people look for when sending 'timbres'.

Envoyez votre dossier avant minuit, le cachet de la poste fait foi.

formal/legal

"Être frappé du timbre"

— An old-fashioned way to say someone is crazy or has been 'marked' by madness.

Il est frappé du timbre de la folie.

literary

"Mettre le timbre"

— To speed up or to put energy into something (rare, regional).

Allez, on met le timbre pour finir avant ce soir !

informal

"Chercher le timbre"

— To look for the right tone or way to say something.

L'écrivain cherche encore le timbre de son récit.

literary

"Donner le timbre"

— To set the tone or the pitch (musical).

Le chef d'orchestre donne le timbre au début de la répétition.

neutral

"Timbrer une enveloppe"

— Though a literal action, it's used as a phrase for completing a task of preparation.

Une fois l'enveloppe timbrée, on ne peut plus rien changer.

neutral

Easily Confused

timbre vs timbale

Similar sound at the beginning.

A 'timbale' is a type of drum or a metal cup, not a stamp.

Il boit dans une timbale en argent.

timbre vs ton

Both relate to voice.

'Ton' is the pitch or attitude, 'timbre' is the unique texture/quality of the sound.

Change de ton quand tu me parles !

timbre vs étiquette

Both are things you stick on.

'Étiquette' is a general label (price, name), 'timbre' is specifically for mail or tax.

L'étiquette de prix est tombée.

timbre vs vignette

Both are small images.

'Vignette' is a label (like for car insurance), 'timbre' is for postage.

La vignette d'assurance est sur le pare-brise.

timbre vs timbrer

Verb vs Noun.

'Timbrer' is the action of applying the stamp or mark.

Il faut timbrer ces documents avant ce soir.

Sentence Patterns

Je voudrais un timbre pour [Lieu].

Je voudrais un timbre pour le Canada.

Il faut [Nombre] timbres sur cette lettre.

Il faut deux timbres sur cette lettre.

J'aime le timbre de [Nom/Instrument].

J'aime le timbre de ton piano.

C'est un timbre fiscal de [Montant] euros.

C'est un timbre fiscal de vingt euros.

Le timbre de la voix de [Personne] est [Adjectif].

Le timbre de la voix de l'orateur est envoûtant.

L'homogénéité du timbre est cruciale pour [Activité].

L'homogénéité du timbre est cruciale pour un chœur.

General

N'oubliez pas de [Verbe] le timbre.

N'oubliez pas de coller le timbre.

Slang

Il est complètement [Adjectif/timbré].

Il est complètement timbré.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in daily life and music.

Common Mistakes

Une timbre → Un timbre
Many learners assume nouns ending in 'e' are feminine. 'Timbre' is masculine.
Pronouncing the 'm' like 'timber' → Nasal 'ɛ̃' sound
The 'im' is a nasal vowel. The 'm' should not be heard as a separate consonant.
Using 'timbre' for a rubber stamp → Tampon
A rubber stamp that you press into ink is a 'tampon', not a 'timbre'.
Confusing 'timbre' with 'bois' (timber) → Bois
'Timber' in English means wood, but in French 'timbre' only means stamp or sound quality.
Writing 'tinbre' → Timbre
In French, 'n' becomes 'm' before 'b' or 'p'.

Tips

Master the Nasal

To get the nasal 'im' right, try saying 'aaah' and then move your tongue to the position of 'e' while letting air out of your nose. It should sound like the 'an' in 'sang' but more closed.

Stamp vs Stamp

Remember: 'Timbre' is the sticker. 'Tampon' is the tool. If you want to mail a letter, you need a 'timbre'. If you want to date a document, you use a 'tampon'.

Look for the Red Diamond

If the post office is closed, look for a 'Tabac'. They almost always sell 'timbres' and are open much later and on weekends.

Gender Trap

Don't let the 'e' fool you! It's 'un timbre'. Associate it with 'un message' (both masculine) to help you remember the gender.

Use 'Timbré' Sparingly

Calling a friend 'timbré' is fine, but don't use it with your boss or an official, as it's quite informal and means they are crazy.

Priority vs Green

In France, there are 'timbres rouges' (priority/fast) and 'timbres verts' (eco-friendly/slower). Know which one you want before you ask!

Tone Color

If you are a musician, use 'timbre' to describe the 'color' of the sound. It’s a very professional way to speak about music in French.

Electronic Stamps

When applying for a visa or passport, search for 'timbre fiscal électronique' online. It's much faster than trying to find a physical one.

Spelling Rule

Always use 'm' before 'b'. This is a consistent rule in French: 'im', 'am', 'om' before 'b' or 'p' (except for 'bonbon', 'embonpoint', 'néanmoins').

Philately

If you see a sign for 'Philatélie', it's a shop for stamp collectors. It's a great place to see beautiful historical French stamps.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Tim' who is a 'Bre' (brother) who loves 'Stamps'. Or remember: 'TIM' has a 'BRE'athtaking voice (timbre).

Visual Association

Imagine a small bell (original meaning) sitting on top of a postage stamp. When the bell rings, it has a beautiful 'timbre' (sound).

Word Web

Poste Lettre Voix Musique Fiscal Fou (timbré) Collection Marianne

Challenge

Go to a French website (like laposte.fr) and try to find where you can buy 'timbres'. Look at the different designs available.

Word Origin

From the Middle French 'timbre', which evolved from the Old French 'tymbre', meaning a bell struck by a hammer.

Original meaning: A small bell or the sound made by striking it.

Indo-European (Greek 'tympanon' -> Latin 'tympanum' -> French 'timbre').

Cultural Context

None. The word is safe to use, though 'timbré' (crazy) should be used carefully as it is informal.

In English, we use 'timbre' almost exclusively for music/voice, whereas in French, its primary meaning is postal.

The 'Cérès' stamp (first French stamp). Marianne de Dulac. The phrase 'Il est timbré' in French cinema.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Post Office

Un timbre pour les USA, s'il vous plaît.
Combien coûte le timbre ?
Je voudrais un carnet de timbres.
Est-ce que vous avez des timbres de collection ?

Music Class

Écoute le timbre de la flûte.
Ton timbre est trop nasillard.
On cherche un timbre plus chaud.
Le timbre change selon l'anche.

Administrative Office

Il faut un timbre fiscal de 86 euros.
Où puis-je acheter ce timbre ?
Le timbre est-il inclus dans le prix ?
J'ai mon timbre électronique ici.

Everyday Conversation

Tu as un timbre ?
Il est un peu timbré.
J'aime beaucoup le timbre de sa voix.
N'oublie pas le timbre !

Philately Shop

Je cherche un timbre rare de 1900.
Quel est l'état du timbre ?
C'est un timbre avec charnière.
Avez-vous le catalogue des timbres ?

Conversation Starters

"Est-ce que tu collectionnes les timbres ou tu connais quelqu'un qui le fait ?"

"Quel est, selon toi, le plus beau timbre de voix parmi les chanteurs français ?"

"As-tu déjà dû acheter un timbre fiscal pour un document officiel en France ?"

"Préfères-tu envoyer des lettres avec de vrais timbres ou des e-mails ?"

"Connais-tu l'expression 'être timbré' ? Qu'en penses-tu ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez le timbre de voix d'une personne que vous admirez et pourquoi il vous plaît.

Racontez une expérience où vous avez dû aller à la poste française pour acheter un timbre.

Si vous deviez créer votre propre timbre-poste, quel dessin mettriez-vous dessus ?

Pensez-vous que les timbres physiques vont disparaître avec la technologie ?

Écrivez sur une situation où quelqu'un a agi de manière 'timbrée'.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while it is the most common meaning, it also refers to the quality of a sound or voice, and to revenue stamps used for taxes. In some contexts, it can even refer to a small bell. Always look at the context—if you're at the post office, it's a postage stamp; if you're in a music class, it's about sound quality.

A 'timbre fiscal' is a revenue stamp used in France to pay for administrative services. For example, when you apply for a passport or a residence permit, you don't pay cash to the officer; instead, you buy a 'timbre fiscal' (now mostly electronic) and provide the code or stamp as proof of payment.

It is a masculine noun: 'un timbre' or 'le timbre'. Even though it ends in 'e', which is often a feminine ending, this is one of the many exceptions in French grammar. Always pair it with masculine adjectives, like 'un timbre rouge' or 'un beau timbre'.

The 'im' is a nasal vowel. To pronounce it, make the sound 'ɛ̃' (like the 'in' in 'fin' or 'vin'). Your mouth should be slightly open and the air should come through your nose. Do not pronounce a clear 'm' sound like in the English word 'timber'.

It is an informal way of saying someone is crazy or nuts. It's similar to saying someone is 'cracked' in English. It's not extremely vulgar, but it's definitely casual. For example: 'Il court sous la pluie sans vêtements ? Il est complètement timbré !'

Sometimes, but it's not guaranteed. The most reliable places to buy stamps in France are the post office (La Poste) and tobacco shops (Bureaux de Tabac), which are marked by a red diamond-shaped sign.

'Timbre-poste' is the full, formal name for a postage stamp. In everyday conversation, however, almost everyone just says 'timbre'. You will see 'timbre-poste' written on official signs or in philately catalogs.

A 'carnet' is a booklet. A 'carnet de timbres' usually contains 10 or 12 stamps. It is often cheaper or more convenient than buying individual stamps if you mail letters frequently.

The word originally referred to the sound of a bell being struck. Over time, it was used metaphorically to describe the unique 'ring' or quality of any sound, including the human voice and musical instruments.

Mostly no. In modern France, most 'timbres fiscaux' have been replaced by 'timbres électroniques'. You buy them online and receive a QR code or a long number that you provide to the administration.