Esta página no seu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun 9 min de leitura

timbres

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas timbres em 30 segundos

Explicação timbres in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'timbres' in the context of sending a letter. It is a masculine noun. You will mostly use it in the plural: 'les timbres'. You buy them at 'La Poste' (the post office) or a 'Bureau de Tabac'. A common sentence you might use is: 'Je voudrais des timbres, s'il vous plaît.' (I would like some stamps, please). Remember that the 's' at the end is silent. You don't pronounce it. You also don't pronounce the 'm' as a hard sound; it makes the 'i' sound nasal. Think of it as a basic object you need for travel and communication. You might see them in a 'carnet' (a small book of 10 or 12 stamps). For A1, focus on the physical object and where to buy it. Don't worry about the musical meanings yet. Just remember: stamps = timbres.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'timbres' in more complete sentences and understand different types. You should know the difference between 'un timbre pour la France' and 'un timbre pour l'étranger'. You might also encounter the verb 'coller' (to stick). Example: 'N'oubliez pas de coller le timbre sur l'enveloppe.' You should also be aware that stamps have different colors in France, like 'le timbre vert' for eco-friendly mail. You can describe your hobbies: 'Je collectionne les timbres' (I collect stamps). You might also hear 'un carnet de timbres' when shopping. At this level, you should also be careful not to confuse 'timbre' with 'tampon' (the tool used for ink). If you are at a museum and they want to mark your hand, they use a 'tampon', not a 'timbre'.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable with the administrative and musical meanings of 'timbres'. You might need to buy a 'timbre fiscal' for a visa or a passport. This is an important part of living in or visiting a French-speaking country. You should also understand 'timbre' in the context of music and voice quality. For example, 'Elle a un beau timbre de voix' (She has a beautiful vocal timbre). At this level, you can use the word in more complex grammar structures, like the passive voice: 'La lettre a été timbrée hier' (The letter was stamped yesterday). You should also know the adjective 'timbré', which colloquially means 'crazy'. If someone says 'Il est complètement timbré !', they are using a common idiom. You are now moving from just using the word for post to using it for sound and slang.

At the B2 level, you should understand the nuances of 'timbres' in professional and literary contexts. You might read about 'la philatélie' (the study of stamps) and the history of 'timbres-poste' in France, including the significance of the Marianne figure. You should be able to discuss the 'timbre' of various musical instruments using technical vocabulary like 'harmoniques' or 'résonance'. In an argumentative essay, you might use 'timbre' metaphorically to describe the 'tone' or 'flavor' of a text. You should also be familiar with the evolution of the postal service, such as 'le timbre numérique' (digital stamp). Your pronunciation should be accurate, correctly handling the nasal vowel [ε̃] and the silent plural 's'. You can differentiate between 'affranchissement' (the act of paying postage) and 'timbre' (the physical label).

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C1 level, your use of 'timbres' should be sophisticated. You can appreciate the word's etymology, tracing it back to the Greek 'tympanon' and understanding how the concept of 'striking' linked a drum to a bell and finally to a stamp. You can use 'timbre' in high-level discussions about acoustics, linguistics (the timbre of vowels), and art history (the design of stamps as a reflection of national identity). You should be able to use idiomatic expressions fluently, such as 'avoir le timbre fêlé' or 'porter le timbre de...' (to bear the mark of...). You can navigate complex administrative tasks involving 'timbres fiscaux' without confusion. Your understanding of the word is no longer just functional; it is cultural and historical. You might even analyze how the 'timbre' of a politician's voice affects their public perception.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'timbres' in all its forms. You can discuss the most obscure aspects of philately or the physics of sound timbre with ease. You can use the word in creative writing to evoke specific atmospheres, perhaps using 'timbre' as a metaphor for the unique character of a city or an era. You understand the subtle differences in register between 'timbre', 'vignette', and 'affranchissement'. You are aware of the legal nuances of 'timbres' in historical documents and how they served as a form of censorship or control. In debate, you might critique the 'timbre' of a discourse, meaning its underlying quality or ideological tone. The word is now a versatile tool in your linguistic arsenal, used with precision, humor, and cultural depth.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

timbres em 30 segundos

Timbres are postage stamps used to pay for mail delivery in French-speaking countries.
The word also refers to the unique quality or texture of a musical sound or human voice.
In administrative contexts, 'timbres fiscaux' are used to pay for official government fees like passports.
Colloquially, the adjective 'timbré' means someone is a bit crazy or eccentric.

The French word timbres primarily refers to postage stamps—those small, adhesive pieces of paper issued by a postal authority to indicate that the cost of sending an item has been paid. However, in the rich tapestry of the French language, its meaning extends far beyond the post office. It encompasses fiscal stamps used for official documents, the quality or 'color' of a musical sound or voice, and even metaphorical expressions concerning one's mental state. Understanding timbres requires looking at the word through the lens of daily administration, artistic expression, and historical evolution.

Le Timbre-Poste: This is the most common usage. In France, La Poste is a central institution, and purchasing timbres is a routine task. Whether you are sending a 'lettre verte' (eco-friendly, slower) or a 'lettre prioritaire' (fast), the timbre is the currency of the mail. The most famous image found on French timbres is Marianne, the national personification of the French Republic, symbolizing liberty and reason.

Pour envoyer cette carte postale au Canada, il vous faut deux timbres internationaux.

Le Timbre Fiscal: In administrative contexts, timbres fiscaux are used to pay for government services. If you are applying for a French passport, a residence permit (titre de séjour), or even paying a fine, you might be required to purchase a digital or physical fiscal stamp. This usage highlights the word's connection to official validation and taxation.

Le Timbre de la Voix: In a musical or phonetic context, timbre refers to the distinctive quality of a sound. It is what allows you to distinguish a flute from a violin even if they play the same note at the same volume. In French, we talk about the timbre of a singer's voice to describe its unique texture, warmth, or resonance.

Elle a un timbre de voix très particulier, à la fois rauque et mélodieux.

Historically, the word comes from the Greek 'tympanon' (drum), which evolved into the Old French 'tymbre' (a bell struck by a hammer). This auditory origin explains why the word is used for both sound and the 'stamp' (which was originally an impression made by striking). Today, the plural timbres most frequently evokes the world of philately—the hobby of collecting and studying stamps. For a philatelist, les timbres are not just tools for mailing; they are miniature works of art, historical artifacts, and valuable investments. Whether you are a traveler sending news home or a musician tuning your instrument, timbres is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the magnificent.

Using timbres correctly involves understanding its gender (masculine) and the specific verbs that typically accompany it. Because it is a concrete noun in its postal sense, you will often find it paired with verbs of acquisition, usage, and collection. In its more abstract sense (sound), it is often modified by adjectives to describe quality.

Common Verbs with Timbres: The most frequent verbs used are acheter (to buy), coller (to stick/glue), collectionner (to collect), and oblitérer (to cancel/postmark). For example, 'J'ai oublié de coller les timbres sur les enveloppes' (I forgot to stick the stamps on the envelopes).

Est-ce que vous vendez des timbres à l'unité ou seulement en carnet ?

In French, you often specify the destination or speed of the stamp. You might ask for 'des timbres pour l'étranger' (stamps for abroad) or 'des timbres pour la France'. With the modernization of the postal service, you might also hear about 'timbres numériques' (digital stamps) or 'timbres à imprimer' (stamps to print at home).

Describing Sound Timbre: When referring to sound, timbre is usually singular, but timbres can be plural when comparing different voices or instruments. 'Les timbres des différents instruments de l'orchestre se mélangent harmonieusement' (The timbres of the different instruments of the orchestra blend harmoniously).

Cette chorale est célèbre pour la diversité des timbres de ses solistes.

For collectors, the condition of the timbre is paramount. You will hear terms like 'timbre neuf' (new/mint stamp) or 'timbre oblitéré' (used/canceled stamp). If a stamp is particularly valuable, it might be described as 'un timbre de collection'.

Mon grand-père possède une collection de timbres qui date du XIXe siècle.

Finally, the word appears in several idiomatic expressions. 'Avoir le timbre fêlé' is a colloquial way to say someone is a bit crazy or 'cracked' (like a bell with a bad sound). While you might not use this in a formal letter, it is a common phrase in spoken French that shows the versatility of the word.

The word timbres is a staple of French daily life, though its frequency in the postal sense has shifted with the rise of digital communication. Nevertheless, there are specific locations and situations where you are guaranteed to encounter it.

At La Poste: The most obvious place is the post office. You will see signs for 'Timbres-poste' and 'Machines à timbres'. When queuing, you'll hear customers asking: 'Je voudrais un carnet de dix timbres, s'il vous plaît.' The staff might ask if you want 'timbres rouges' (priority) or 'timbres verts' (standard).

Le prix des timbres augmente presque chaque année au premier janvier.

In the News and Media: Every few years, the French government unveils a new design for the 'Marianne' stamp. This is often a national news event, involving the President of the Republic. You'll hear discussions about the artist chosen and the symbolism of the new timbre. Additionally, economic news often reports on the 'suppression du timbre rouge' (the phasing out of the red priority stamp) as La Poste modernizes.

In Music and Cinema: In radio interviews or music reviews, critics often discuss the timbre of an artist. You might hear: 'Ce qui frappe chez ce chanteur, c'est son timbre unique.' In cinema, voice-over work and dubbing are highly valued in France, and the 'timbre' of a voice can define a character's personality.

Les critiques musicaux ont loué la richesse des timbres orchestraux dans cette nouvelle symphonie.

Administrative life also keeps the word alive. When dealing with the French bureaucracy (the infamous 'administration'), you will frequently see requirements for 'timbres fiscaux dématérialisés' (electronic fiscal stamps) on websites like service-public.fr. Even if you never touch a physical stamp, the word timbre will follow you through your legal and civic duties in France.

For English speakers learning French, the word timbres presents a few linguistic hurdles, ranging from pronunciation to 'false friend' confusion.

1. Confusion with 'Tampon': A very common mistake is using 'timbre' when you mean 'rubber stamp' (the tool used to ink a mark). In French, the physical tool or the inked mark it leaves is called a tampon. If a clerk needs to 'stamp' your document with ink, they are using a 'tampon', not a 'timbre'. Use 'timbre' only for the adhesive label or the sound quality.

Attention : on met un timbre sur une enveloppe, mais on met un tampon sur un passeport.

2. Pronunciation Pitfalls: The pronunciation of timbre [tɛ̃bʁ] involves a nasal vowel. English speakers often try to pronounce the 'm' clearly as in the English word 'timber'. In French, the 'im' creates a nasal 'ε̃' sound, and the 'm' is not articulated as a consonant. Furthermore, the 's' in the plural timbres is silent.

3. Gender Errors: Because many words ending in '-e' are feminine, learners often assume 'timbre' is feminine. It is, in fact, masculine. Saying 'la timbre' is a common error. Always associate it with 'le' or 'un'.

C'est un beau timbre (correct) vs C'est une belle timbre (incorrect).

Finally, be careful with the word timbré (the adjective). While it can mean 'stamped' (e.g., une enveloppe timbrée), in colloquial French, it means 'crazy' or 'nuts'. If you call someone 'timbré', you aren't saying they have a postage stamp on them; you're saying they've lost their mind!

While timbres is the standard term, several other words exist in French that cover similar ground or provide more specific meanings in certain contexts.

Affranchissement: This is the formal noun for 'postage' or 'franking'. While you buy timbres, the act of paying for the mail is l'affranchissement. You might see a machine labeled 'Machine d'affranchissement' which prints a barcode instead of a traditional stamp.

Vignette: A vignette is a small illustration or a sticker. In some contexts, like road tax or certain types of official labels, vignette is used instead of timbre. For example, the 'vignette Crit'Air' is the air quality sticker required on cars in French cities.

L'affranchissement de ce colis coûte plus cher que les timbres que j'ai achetés hier.

Sceau: A sceau is a 'seal' (like a wax seal). While timbres are modern, a sceau was the historical way to authenticate a letter. In legal terms, you might still hear about the 'Sceau de l'État'.

Sonorité vs. Timbre: When discussing sound, sonorité is a close synonym for timbre. However, sonorité is more general, referring to the overall sound, while timbre specifically refers to the quality that identifies the source. You might say a piano has a 'belle sonorité' due to its 'timbre riche'.

Le timbre de son violon est incomparable, il a une sonorité très profonde.

In summary, while 'timbres' is the go-to word for stamps, being aware of 'affranchissement' for business, 'vignette' for stickers, and 'sonorité' for music will make your French sound more nuanced and professional.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The transition from 'sound' to 'postage stamp' happened because 'timbre' first meant the tool used to strike an impression (like a bell hammer), then the impression itself (a stamp), and finally the paper label.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈtæmbəz/ (English approx) / [tɛ̃bʁ] (French)

US /[tɛ̃bʁ]/

The stress is on the first (and only) syllable in French: TIM-bre.

Rima com

humbre sombre (approximate nasal rhyme) chambre (approximate nasal rhyme) limbe bimbe gymbe nimbe olymbe

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the final 's' (it should be silent).
Pronouncing the 'm' clearly (it should contribute to a nasal vowel instead).
Pronouncing the 'i' as in 'team' (it should be nasal 'ε̃').
Adding an extra vowel at the end (it's not 'timbray').
Confusing the French pronunciation with the English word 'timber'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Escrita 3/5

Spelling 'timbre' with an 'm' is important.

Expressão oral 4/5

Nasal pronunciation and silent 's' are tricky.

Audição 3/5

Must distinguish from 'tampon' in fast speech.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

lettre enveloppe poste papier voix

Aprenda a seguir

affranchissement colis destinataire expéditeur guichet

Avançado

philatélie acoustique harmonique fiscalité oblitérer

Gramática essencial

Masculine Gender

Le timbre est cher.

Nasal Vowels (im)

Timbre [tɛ̃bʁ]

Silent Final Consonants

Les timbres (s is silent).

Noun-Adjective Agreement

Des timbres rares.

Compound Nouns with Hyphens

Un timbre-poste.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Exemplos por nível

Où sont les timbres ?

Where are the stamps?

Plural noun 'timbres' with the article 'les'.

Je voudrais trois timbres.

I would like three stamps.

Number + noun.

Le timbre est rouge.

The stamp is red.

Singular masculine 'le timbre'.

C'est un carnet de timbres.

It is a booklet of stamps.

'De' indicates possession/content.

Il achète des timbres.

He is buying some stamps.

Partitive article 'des'.

Le timbre coûte un euro.

The stamp costs one euro.

Verb 'coûter' (to cost).

Elle cherche un timbre.

She is looking for a stamp.

Indefinite article 'un'.

Merci pour les timbres !

Thanks for the stamps!

Preposition 'pour' + article + noun.

Tu dois coller les timbres ici.

You must stick the stamps here.

Modal verb 'devoir' + infinitive 'coller'.

Il y a des timbres dans le tiroir.

There are some stamps in the drawer.

'Il y a' (there is/are).

Ce sont des timbres de collection.

These are collector stamps.

Noun + 'de' + noun as an adjective.

Je n'ai plus de timbres.

I don't have any more stamps.

Negation 'ne... plus de'.

Vendez-vous des timbres pour l'Espagne ?

Do you sell stamps for Spain?

Inversion for question.

Elle a mis deux timbres sur la lettre.

She put two stamps on the letter.

Passé composé of 'mettre'.

Les timbres français sont très beaux.

French stamps are very beautiful.

Adjective agreement (masculine plural).

On peut acheter des timbres au tabac.

One can buy stamps at the tobacco shop.

Pronoun 'on' (one/we).

J'ai besoin d'un timbre fiscal pour mon passeport.

I need a fiscal stamp for my passport.

'Avoir besoin de' + noun phrase.

Le timbre de sa voix est très chaleureux.

The timbre of his voice is very warm.

Abstract usage of 'timbre' for sound.

Il est un peu timbré, ce type !

He's a bit nuts, that guy!

Slang adjective 'timbré' (crazy).

Les timbres ont été oblitérés par la poste.

The stamps were canceled by the post office.

Passive voice with 'oblitérer'.

Voulez-vous des timbres verts ou rouges ?

Do you want green or red stamps?

Colors representing delivery speed.

Elle collectionne les timbres depuis son enfance.

She has been collecting stamps since her childhood.

'Depuis' + present tense for ongoing action.

Ce timbre rare vaut une petite fortune.

This rare stamp is worth a small fortune.

Verb 'valoir' (to be worth).

Il a oublié de timbrer l'enveloppe.

He forgot to stamp the envelope.

Verb 'timbrer' (to stamp).

La philatélie consiste à étudier les timbres.

Philately consists of studying stamps.

Technical term 'philatélie'.

Le timbre des cuivres était trop puissant pour l'orchestre.

The timbre of the brass was too powerful for the orchestra.

Musical context.

L'administration exige des timbres fiscaux électroniques.

The administration requires electronic fiscal stamps.

Formal vocabulary 'exiger' and 'dématérialisé'.

Chaque instrument possède son propre timbre.

Each instrument has its own timbre.

Possessive 'son propre'.

Le visage de Marianne orne la plupart des timbres.

Marianne's face adorns most stamps.

Cultural reference.

Une enveloppe non timbrée ne sera pas distribuée.

An unstamped envelope will not be delivered.

Future tense + negation.

Le timbre de ce poème est empreint de mélancolie.

The tone of this poem is imbued with melancholy.

Metaphorical usage for 'tone'.

On peut désormais imprimer ses timbres chez soi.

One can now print one's stamps at home.

Adverb 'désormais' (from now on).

La richesse des timbres vocaux enrichit la polyphonie.

The richness of vocal timbres enhances the polyphony.

Advanced musical terminology.

L'évolution du prix des timbres reflète l'inflation.

The evolution of stamp prices reflects inflation.

Economic context.

Le faussaire a imité les timbres avec une précision chirurgicale.

The forger imitated the stamps with surgical precision.

Metaphorical 'chirurgicale'.

Son discours portait le timbre de l'authenticité.

His speech bore the mark of authenticity.

Abstract 'mark/quality'.

Les timbres fiscaux sont une source de revenus non négligeable.

Fiscal stamps are a significant source of revenue.

Double negation 'non négligeable'.

L'acoustique de la salle modifie le timbre des instruments.

The acoustics of the room modify the timbre of the instruments.

Scientific context.

Il a l'esprit un peu timbré, mais c'est un génie.

He's a bit crazy, but he's a genius.

Refined use of 'timbré'.

La rareté des timbres dentelés attire les investisseurs.

The rarity of perforated stamps attracts investors.

Technical philatelic term 'dentelé'.

L'ontologie du timbre sonore échappe à une simple analyse fréquentielle.

The ontology of sound timbre eludes simple frequency analysis.

Philosophical and scientific register.

Ces timbres-poste constituent un véritable conservatoire de l'histoire nationale.

These postage stamps constitute a true conservatory of national history.

Sophisticated metaphor.

La subtilité des timbres orchestraux de Debussy est inégalée.

The subtlety of Debussy's orchestral timbres is unmatched.

Artistic critique.

Il s'agit d'un timbre fiscal dématérialisé, acquis via un portail sécurisé.

It is a digital fiscal stamp, acquired via a secure portal.

Modern administrative jargon.

Le timbre fêlé de la cloche annonçait le déclin de la cité.

The cracked ring of the bell heralded the decline of the city.

Literary and historical usage.

L'esthétique des timbres gravés en taille-douce est particulièrement prisée.

The aesthetics of stamps engraved in intaglio is particularly prized.

High-level art terminology.

Son timbre de voix, d'une tessiture rare, captivait l'auditoire.

Her vocal timbre, of a rare range, captivated the audience.

Precise musical description.

L'affranchissement par timbres mobiles tend à disparaître au profit du numérique.

Franking with mobile stamps tends to disappear in favor of digital.

Societal evolution context.

Colocações comuns

carnet de timbres

timbre fiscal

timbre de voix

collection de timbres

timbre rare

timbre-poste

timbre numérique

timbre oblitéré

timbre rouge

timbre vert

Frases Comuns

Vendre des timbres

— To sell stamps, common in shops.

Le tabac du coin vend des timbres.

Coller un timbre

— To stick a stamp on an envelope.

N'oublie pas de coller le timbre.

Un carnet de dix

— A booklet of ten stamps.

Donnez-moi un carnet de dix, s'il vous plaît.

Le prix du timbre

— The cost of postage.

Le prix du timbre va augmenter.

Un timbre à l'unité

— A single stamp.

Je voudrais juste un timbre à l'unité.

Timbre de collection

— A stamp for collectors.

C'est un magnifique timbre de collection.

Timbre commémoratif

— A commemorative stamp.

La poste a sorti un timbre commémoratif.

Acheter ses timbres en ligne

— To buy stamps on the internet.

J'achète toujours mes timbres en ligne.

Le timbre de l'orchestre

— The overall sound quality of the orchestra.

Le timbre de l'orchestre est magnifique.

Un timbre fiscal électronique

— A digital tax stamp.

J'ai reçu mon timbre fiscal électronique par email.

Frequentemente confundido com

timbres vs Tampon

Use 'tampon' for an ink stamp; use 'timbre' for a paper stamp.

timbres vs Timber

The English word 'timber' sounds similar but means wood/lumber.

timbres vs Timbales

A musical instrument (kettledrums), not to be confused with 'timbre'.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Avoir le timbre fêlé"

— To be a bit crazy or 'cracked'.

Il raconte n'importe quoi, il a le timbre fêlé !

informal

"Être un peu timbré"

— To be nuts or eccentric.

Elle est complètement timbrée d'avoir fait ça !

slang

"Porter le timbre de..."

— To bear the mark or characteristic of something.

Son œuvre porte le timbre du génie.

literary

"Un timbre de voix d'or"

— To have a beautiful, valuable-sounding voice.

Ce ténor a un timbre de voix d'or.

poetic

"Faire le timbre"

— Sometimes used in old contexts for making a sound or mark.

La cloche a fait son timbre.

archaic

"Timbrer une lettre"

— To stamp a letter (literal but common).

Il faut timbrer la lettre avant de la poster.

neutral

"Le cachet de la poste fait foi"

— The postmark (timbre) acts as proof of the date.

Envoyez votre dossier avant le 15, le cachet de la poste fait foi.

administrative

"Un timbre sec"

— An embossed stamp without ink.

Le notaire a apposé un timbre sec sur l'acte.

formal

"Changer de timbre"

— To change the tone of one's voice.

Il a soudainement changé de timbre pour nous menacer.

neutral

"Mettre le timbre"

— To finish or complete something by 'stamping' it.

Il a mis le timbre final à son projet.

metaphorical

Fácil de confundir

timbres vs Tampon

Both refer to 'stamping' in English.

Timbre is the adhesive label; Tampon is the tool or the ink mark.

J'ai mis un timbre sur la lettre, et le douanier a mis un tampon sur mon passeport.

timbres vs Vignette

Both are stickers.

Timbre is specifically for post or tax; Vignette is for cars or decorations.

Le timbre est pour la lettre, la vignette est pour la voiture.

timbres vs Cachet

Both relate to mail marking.

Cachet is the circular postmark; Timbre is the paper label.

Le cachet de la poste est sur le timbre.

timbres vs Sonorité

Both relate to sound quality.

Sonorité is general sound; Timbre is the specific identifying quality.

La sonorité est belle car le timbre est riche.

timbres vs Marque

General word for mark.

Marque is broad; Timbre is specific to postage/tax.

C'est une marque de fabrique, pas un timbre.

Padrões de frases

Je voudrais [nombre] timbres.

Je voudrais deux timbres.

Il faut [verbe] le timbre.

Il faut coller le timbre.

C'est un timbre pour [destination].

C'est un timbre pour l'Allemagne.

Il a un timbre de voix [adjectif].

Il a un timbre de voix grave.

Le timbre est [participe passé].

Le timbre est oblitéré.

Porter le timbre de [nom].

Cela porte le timbre de la vérité.

La richesse des timbres [adjectif].

La richesse des timbres orchestraux.

L'évolution des timbres [conjonction]...

L'évolution des timbres reflète la société.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

timbrage (the act of stamping)

timbreur (a person who stamps)

philatélie (stamp collecting)

Verbos

timbrer (to stamp/postmark)

oblitérer (to cancel a stamp)

Adjetivos

timbré (stamped / crazy)

philatélique (related to stamps)

Relacionado

enveloppe

poste

lettre

colis

facteur

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Common in daily life, though decreasing in postal usage.

Erros comuns

La timbre → Le timbre
The word is masculine, not feminine.
Pronouncing the 's' in 'timbres' → Silent 's'
Plural markers in French are usually silent.
Using 'timbre' for a passport stamp → Tampon
A physical ink mark is a 'tampon'.
Pronouncing 'timbre' like 'timber' → Nasal [ε̃]
The 'im' must be nasalized.
Using 'timbre' for a decorative sticker → Autocollant / Vignette
Stamps are specifically for postage/tax.

Dicas

Look for the Red Sign

In France, look for the 'Carotte' (a red diamond-shaped sign). These are 'Bureaux de Tabac' and they almost always sell 'timbres'.

Gender Tip

Associate 'Timbre' with 'Tramway'—both are masculine and involve transport/movement.

The Nasal Trick

To get the nasal sound in 'timbre', try saying 'sang' in French but keep your mouth more closed.

Check the Edges

Collectors look at the 'dentelure' (perforations) of 'timbres' to determine their value.

Digital is Better

For most French paperwork now, you need a 'timbre fiscal électronique'. You get a 16-digit code instead of a sticker.

Describe the Sound

When talking about music, use 'timbre' to explain why a guitar sounds different from a piano.

Carnet vs. Unité

It is usually cheaper and easier to buy a 'carnet' (booklet) of 10 'timbres' than buying them 'à l'unité'.

Marianne's Evolution

The design of Marianne on 'timbres' changes with different presidents. It's a fun way to track French political history.

Don't be Timbré

Use 'timbré' carefully; it's informal. Don't use it with your boss or a teacher!

International Rates

Always specify 'pour l'étranger' when buying 'timbres' for letters going outside of France.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a **Tim**id **Bre**eze that carries your letter away—but only if you stick a **timbre** on it!

Associação visual

Imagine a tiny **Marianne** (the face of France) singing with a beautiful **timbre** (voice) while sitting on a **timbre** (stamp).

Word Web

La Poste Enveloppe Musique Voix Fiscal Marianne Collection Lettre

Desafio

Go to a French website like 'laposte.fr' and try to find the section for 'timbres'. See how many different designs you can find.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Old French 'tymbre', which came from the Greek 'tympanon' meaning 'drum' or 'tambourine'.

Significado original: Originally referred to a bell struck by a hammer, which produced a specific sound.

Indo-European > Hellenic > Greek > Latin > Romance > French.

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities; stamps are universally understood, though some historical stamps may depict colonial themes.

English speakers use 'stamps' for postage and 'timbre' only for music. In French, one word does both.

The 'Cérès' stamp (first French stamp) The 'Marianne' series by various artists Debussy's writings on orchestral timbre

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

At the Post Office

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

Music Class

Écoutez le timbre de la flûte.
Le timbre change selon l'instrument.
Comment décrire ce timbre ?
Elle a un timbre très pur.

Administrative Office

Où acheter le timbre fiscal ?
Il faut un timbre à 50 euros.
Le timbre doit être électronique.
Collez le timbre ici.

Hobbyist Club

Je cherche des timbres rares.
Ma collection de timbres grandit.
Regarde ce timbre oblitéré.
C'est un timbre de 1920.

Daily Conversation

Il est un peu timbré.
J'ai oublié le timbre.
Quel beau timbre de voix !
On n'a plus de timbres.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Collectionnez-vous les timbres ou d'autres objets ?"

"Savez-vous où je peux acheter des timbres dans ce quartier ?"

"Que pensez-vous du nouveau design des timbres français ?"

"Avez-vous déjà remarqué le timbre de voix particulier de cet acteur ?"

"Est-ce que vous envoyez encore des lettres avec des timbres physiques ?"

Temas para diário

Décrivez votre collection de timbres imaginaire ou réelle.

Racontez une fois où vous avez dû acheter un timbre fiscal pour un document important.

Quel est votre instrument de musique préféré et pourquoi aimez-vous son timbre ?

Imaginez que vous créez un nouveau timbre pour votre pays. Quel dessin choisiriez-vous ?

Pensez-vous que les timbres-poste vont disparaître totalement un jour ?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

You can buy them at any post office (La Poste) or at a 'Bureau de Tabac' (tobacco shop). Many supermarkets also sell booklets of stamps at the checkout.

A 'timbre vert' (green stamp) is for standard mail delivery within France. It is slightly slower than the old priority mail but more environmentally friendly as it doesn't use planes.

Yes, in colloquial French, the adjective 'timbré' means 'crazy' or 'nuts'. It's similar to saying someone has a 'cracked' bell.

It is masculine: un timbre, le timbre.

It is pronounced [tɛ̃bʁ]. The 'im' is a nasal sound, the 'b' and 'r' are soft, and the 's' is silent.

It is a tax stamp required by the French government to pay for official documents like passports, visas, or driving licenses.

Yes, La Poste allows you to buy and print 'timbres' directly from their website at home.

Philately (la philatélie) is the hobby of collecting and studying postage stamps (les timbres).

Use 'timbre' for the sticker you put on mail. Use 'tampon' for the rubber stamp tool used with ink.

The woman is Marianne, the national symbol of the French Republic, representing liberty and democracy.

Cadastre-se grátis para ver dicas e notas