noun

le paysage

landscape

Vue d’un lieu naturel ou construit, comme des montagnes, des champs, des forêts ou des villes, que l’on peut observer d’un certain point.

Word: paysage

Language: French

Meaning

The French word "paysage" primarily means "landscape" in English. It refers to the visible features of an area of land, including physical elements such as mountains, hills, water bodies, vegetation, and man-made structures like buildings or roads, usually observed as a whole or a scenic view.

Parts of the Word

"Pay-": Derived from "pays," which means "country" or "land" in French.
"-sage": A suffix used in French to form nouns, often indicating a collective or related notion.

Thus, paysage literally relates to the "land" or "country" as viewed and is perceived visually.

Additional Meaning

Besides meaning the actual natural or rural scenery, "paysage" can also refer to:

Landscape in art: A genre of painting or photography focused on scenes of nature or the environment.

Synonyms

Panorama: Often refers to a wide, unbroken view of an extensive area.
Scène: Meaning "scene," sometimes used more generally for views or settings.
Vue: Meaning "view," referring to what is seen.

Antonyms

Because "paysage" refers to the visible external environment:

It does not have a direct antonym but could be contrasted with
- "Intérieur" (interior), referring to indoor scenes or inside places.
- "Monument" or specific urban elements instead of natural landscapes.

Example sentences

Le paysage de la campagne française est très beau.
(The landscape of the French countryside is very beautiful.)
Ce peintre est célèbre pour ses paysages.
(This painter is famous for his landscapes.)