Skip to content

phare

lighthouse

noun FAR Less Common
Travel & Places Landmarks

Origin: Greek Pharos (island near Alexandria)

Also means

headlight

Usage Note

Phare derives from the ancient lighthouse on the island of Pharos near Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In modern usage, les phares of a car are the headlights. Le phare as a standalone noun evokes a coastal lighthouse, a powerful symbol in French literature and art.

Examples

"Le phare guide les bateaux vers le port."

Natural Translation

The lighthouse guides boats toward the harbor.

Explore French by topic