noun

la scène

scene

C'est l'endroit où les acteurs jouent devant un public, comme dans un théâtre ou lors d'un spectacle.

Definition & meaning

Scène is a feminine French noun, pronounced approximately /sɛn/ (“sen”). Its meaning depends on context:

A stage in a theatre: the area where performers act.
A scene in a play, film, or book: a part of the story taking place at a particular time or in a particular setting.
An incident or confrontation, often an emotional or public one. In this sense, it can mean “a scene” as in “to make a scene.”
A setting or sphere of activity, especially in cultural or public life: for example, a city’s music or art scene.
A view or tableau depicted in a picture or described in writing.

Grammar & Word origin

Gender: feminine — une scène
Plural: scènes
Word structure: It is not normally divided into meaningful parts in modern French. The grave accent in è indicates the open “eh” sound.
Origin: From Latin scaena, ultimately from Ancient Greek skēnē, meaning a tent or stage structure used in theatre.

Synonyms & antonyms

There is no single synonym that fits every meaning:

épisode means a distinct part of a story, but does not necessarily refer to a specific stage scene.
tableau can mean a visually composed scene or a section of a play; it often suggests a complete, still image or grouping.
incident refers to an event, especially an unusual or noteworthy one, rather than a theatrical or narrative section.
altercation means an argument or quarrel and can describe one kind of dramatic scene.
plateau means the physical stage or platform, not usually a scene in a story.

There is no general antonym. For the theatrical sense, coulisses (“wings” or “backstage area”) contrasts with the stage, but it is not a strict antonym.

Common phrases & collocations

monter sur scène — to go on stage or perform
entrer en scène — to make an entrance; figuratively, to become involved
une scène de théâtre — a theatre stage or theatrical scene
une scène de film — a film scene
faire une scène — to make a scene, usually by reacting dramatically or angrily
la scène musicale — the music scene
une scène de crime — a crime scene