Homophones

In French, there are many nouns that have the same sound but different genders and meanings. Here’s a list of some examples:

  1. Le tour (the tour) / La tour (the tower)
  2. Les cours [masc. plural] (the lesson, class, course) / La cour (the court, courtyard)
  3. Le mousse (the foam) / La mousse (the moss)
  4. Le poste (the position or job) / La poste (the post office)
  5. Le manche (the handle) / La manche (the sleeve)
  6. Le pêche (fishing) / La pêche (peach)
  7. Le conte (the story) / La comte (the countess)
  8. Le masque (the mask) / La masque (the blush)
  9. Le mode (the mode or fashion) / La mode (the fashion)
  10. Le vase (the vase) / La vase (the mud)
  11. Le livre (the book) / La livre (the pound)
  12. Le foie (the liver) / La foi (faith)
  13. Le mur (the wall) / La mûre (the blackberry)
  14. Le sel (the salt) / La selle (the saddle)
  15. Le maire (the mayor) / La mer (the sea)
  16. Le poil (the hair) / La poêle (the pan)
  17. Le bas (the lower part) / La bât (the pack-saddle)

These nouns are homophones, which are words that sound the same but have different meanings and genders.

Don’t miss new articles!

Get 1 email a week with new articles about French

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy

Similar Posts

  • |

    singing

    How do you talk about singing in French? There are a few words – some verbs, some nouns. The verb “to sing,” which is “chanter.” The noun “a song,” which is “une chanson.” And the noun “the singing,” which is “le chant.” There is another verb “entonner,” which means “to start singing,” or “to launch…

  • Grammar: Irregular verbs

    Here are the 19 most important irregular verbs to know in French. They are important because they are very frequently used. They are also important to know because many exist in compound form (eg, venir is used in the compound forms revenir, devenir, prévenir, provenir, convenir, survenir and advenir, among others). Since these 19 verbs…

  • mèche

    The French noun “mèche” is a fascinating word with multiple meanings and uses, both literal and figurative. Understanding its various senses will enrich your French vocabulary and improve your ability to understand idiomatic expressions. Basic meanings of “mèche” 1. Wick (of a candle or lamp) 2. Strand of hair 3. Drill bit Idiomatic expressions with…

  • roman

    What does the French word “roman” mean? Is it someone from Ancient Rome? Is it someone who lives in modern Rome? It’s neither – “roman” is the masculine noun meaning “novel” or “fiction” or “books.” “Le roman” also means “The Romanesque” period of architecture, from the 11th and 12th centuries AD. It can also refer…

  • because

    How do you say “because” in French? Most learners are familiar with “parce que,” meaning “because.” “Parce que” is followed by a phrase containing a verb. That means you can’t use “parce que” to say something like “I won’t go to the beach, because of the rain.” The words “the rain” don’t contain a verb,…