la carte
map · card
C'est un objet en papier ou en plastique qui sert à montrer des informations, comme des routes, des pays ou pour payer dans les magasins.
The French word "carte" has several meanings depending on the context. Here is an explanation of its main usages:
Meaning of "carte"
-
Map / Chart
- Definition: A "carte" can refer to a geographical map or a chart used to show a representation of an area, such as a map of a country, city, or region.
- Examples:
- "une carte routière" (a road map)
- "une carte du monde" (a world map)
- Related words: plan, atlas
-
Menu / Card
- Definition: "Carte" is used in restaurants to describe the menu or a card listing foods or drinks offered.
- Examples:
- "la carte du restaurant" (the restaurant menu)
- "choisir à la carte" (to choose from the menu rather than a fixed formula)
- Related words: menu, liste
- Opposite: "menu" in French often contrasts with "carte" when fixed-price sets are offered instead of individually chosen dishes.
-
Card (like a playing card or a business card)
- Definition: It can mean a physical card made of paper or plastic, such as a credit card ("carte bancaire"), identity card ("carte d'identité"), or a playing card ("carte à jouer").
- Examples:
- "une carte postale" (postcard)
- "une carte de visite" (business card)
- Related words: ticket, badge
- Antonyms: There may not be a direct antonym, but "document", "paper", or "digital" may be contrasted in terms of format.
Breakdown of the word
- "Carte" is a feminine noun in French: la carte.
- Plural: les cartes
Summary
| Meaning | Explanation | Examples | Synonyms | Antonyms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Map | A representation of geography | carte routière (road map) | plan, atlas | — |
| Menu (offer) | A list of food/drink choices | la carte du restaurant | menu (in part) | menu (fixed menu) |
| Card | Paper/plastic card (ID, playing card) | carte d’identité, carte postale | badge, ticket | — |
In short, "carte" is a versatile French word meaning map, menu, or card depending on context.
Make “carte” part of your vocabulary.
Build your French vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Nous devons trouver la bonne carte pour le voyage.noun
We need to find the right map for the trip.
Tu as une carte dans ton sac.noun
You have a map in your bag.
Est-ce que vous acceptez les cartes ?noun
Do you accept cards?
Keep exploring French
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad