cartes — meaning in English: cards

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for cards

l'Europe

cartes

acheter

textes

comité

Skip this question

🎓

Learn French for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native French speakers often use the word 'cartes' in various contexts, such as playing card games with friends during social gatherings or discussing a set of maps when planning a trip. It's also common in educational settings when teaching young children about colors and numbers using flashcards.

Synonyms & nuances

'Cartes' specifically refers to 'cards' in a general sense, including playing cards and flashcards. In contrast, 'billets' can refer to tickets or notes, while 'feuilles' translates to 'sheets,' usually of paper. You would choose 'cartes' when discussing games or educational tools.

Culture

The word 'cartes' comes from the Latin word 'charta,' meaning paper or document. In French culture, playing cards have a long history, dating back to the 14th century, with games like 'Belote' being social staples. Interestingly, tarot cards, which originated in the same period, have also shaped French mysticism and culture.

FAQ

Q.What is the plural form of carte in French?

'Carte' becomes 'cartes' in the plural. This is a straightforward transformation, as French pluralization often adds an 's' to the singular form.

Q.How do you use cartes in a sentence?

You can use 'cartes' in various contexts, such as 'Nous jouons aux cartes ce soir' (We are playing cards tonight) or 'J'ai besoin de cartes pour étudier' (I need flashcards for studying).

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word cartes?

A common mistake is confusing 'cartes' with 'carton'—the latter refers to cardboard or a box rather than cards. Make sure to use 'cartes' when specifically talking about cards.

Learn french with Maspeak →

2000 French Words