Fenêtre is probably the first word that comes to mind when you think of "window" in French. But did you know there are several other options?

From letting in light and fresh air to offering a view of the world outside, windows are an essential part of our homes and buildings. As you delve deeper into the French language, you'll discover that there's more than one way to talk about these everyday features.

Let's open up to a variety of terms for "window" in French, and explore the nuances that make each one unique!

The standard 'window' - la fenêtre

La fenêtre is the most common and fundamental word for 'window' in French, referring to the opening in a wall or roof that allows light and air in.

As a feminine noun, it always uses feminine articles and adjectives. You'll encounter it in these forms:la fenêtre - a single windowles fenêtres - multiple windows

This word is universally understood and can be used in any situation, from casual conversation to formal descriptions.

While primarily referring to a physical window, 'la fenêtre' can also extend to other contexts, such as a 'window of opportunity' or a 'computer window'.

Generally, when used without a specific modifier, it refers to a physical window. For other meanings, context or a descriptive adjective/phrase is often present:une fenêtre d'ordinateur (a computer window)une fenêtre de tir (a window of opportunity, literally 'shooting window')

For example, 'J'ai ouvert la fenêtre' (I opened the window) clearly refers to a physical window. But 'Il faut saisir la fenêtre de tir' (We must seize the window of opportunity) indicates a metaphorical use.

A common literal expression is 'regarder par la fenêtre' (to look out the window). While 'faire la fenêtre' isn't standard for 'window shopping' (lèche-vitrine is), the context clarifies these uses.

Fortunately, the context usually makes it clear which type of 'fenêtre' is being discussed. The physical window is by far the most frequent usage, making it easy to understand.

In French architecture, windows are often significant, influencing light, ventilation, and the aesthetic of a building. Many older French buildings feature charming, often tall, windows frequently adorned with functional shutters (les volets).

💡 * J'ai fermé toutes les fenêtres avant de partir. (I closed all the windows before leaving.)

La lumière entre par la fenêtre. (The light comes in through the window.)

Ouvre la fenêtre, s'il te plaît. (Open the window, please.)

Il y a une belle vue depuis cette fenêtre. (There's a beautiful view from this window.)

Il a redimensionné la fenêtre du navigateur. (He resized the browser window.)

Nous avons une petite fenêtre de tir pour terminer le projet. (We have a small window of opportunity to finish the project.)

The 'bay window' or 'picture window' - la baie vitrée

In French, la baie vitrée refers to a large window or glass door, often sliding, that offers an expansive view and lets in a lot of light. It's commonly translated as 'bay window,' 'picture window,' or 'sliding glass door.'

The term baie literally means 'bay' or 'opening,' referring to the architectural opening in a wall. Vitré(e) comes from vitre (pane of glass) and means 'glazed' or 'made of glass.' So, une baie vitrée is essentially a 'glazed opening.'

La baie vitrée is a prominent feature in modern architecture, frequently found in living rooms or dining areas, leading out to a garden, balcony, or terrace. Its primary function is to maximize natural light and offer an unobstructed view, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces.

While it often implies a sliding glass door, la baie vitrée can also refer to large, fixed glass panels. The key characteristic is its size and transparency, designed to create a sense of openness and connection with the exterior.

💡 * Nous avons une belle baie vitrée dans le salon qui donne sur le jardin. (We have a beautiful bay window in the living room that looks out onto the garden.)

Ouvre la baie vitrée, il fait chaud ici. (Open the sliding glass door, it's hot in here.)

La lumière entre abondamment par la grande baie vitrée. (The light comes in abundantly through the large picture window.)

Ils ont installé une nouvelle baie vitrée pour moderniser leur cuisine. (They installed a new sliding glass door to modernize their kitchen.)

The 'skylight' or 'roof window' - le velux

The "skylight" or "roof window" - le velux

In French, le velux refers to a skylight or roof window. It's a common term used to describe windows installed directly into a roof, typically in attics or converted loft spaces.

Interestingly, Velux is originally a Danish brand name (from VE for ventilation and LUX for light) that has become so ubiquitous that it's now often used as a generic term for any roof window in French, much like "Kleenex" for tissues.

Velux is a masculine noun in French: un velux. Its plural form is des velux (the 'x' at the end remains unchanged in plural).

These windows are designed to bring natural light and ventilation into upper-story rooms, especially those under sloping roofs, transforming dark attics into bright, usable living spaces.

You'll frequently hear le velux when discussing home renovations, attic conversions, or simply describing a room with a window on the roof.

💡 * Il faut installer un velux dans le grenier. (We need to install a skylight in the attic.)

La pièce est très lumineuse grâce au velux. (The room is very bright thanks to the skylight.)

Il a ouvert le velux pour aérer la chambre. (He opened the skylight to air out the room.)

Ma chambre a deux velux. (My bedroom has two skylights.)

The 'shop window' or 'display window' - la vitrine

The term la vitrine in French translates directly to 'shop window' or 'display window' in English.

It refers to the glass-fronted display area of a shop where goods are exhibited to attract customers. Think of it as the public face of a store.

Beyond its literal meaning, la vitrine can also be used figuratively to describe something that showcases the best aspects of a company, region, or even an idea. For example, a 'vitrine technologique' is a technological showcase.

As indicated by the article la, vitrine is a feminine noun in French. It always takes feminine articles and adjectives.

💡 *La vitrine du magasin est superbement décorée pour Noël. (The shop window is beautifully decorated for Christmas.)
*J'ai vu une jolie robe dans la vitrine. (I saw a pretty dress in the shop window.)
*Ce projet est une véritable vitrine pour notre savoir-faire. (This project is a real showcase for our expertise.)
*Les artistes exposent leurs œuvres dans les vitrines des galeries. (Artists display their works in the gallery windows.)

The 'window pane' or 'glass' - la vitre

When referring to the transparent part of a window, the French word you'll most commonly hear is la vitre.

La vitre specifically denotes the pane of glass itself. It's the transparent sheet that allows light in and keeps the elements out.

It's important to distinguish la vitre from la fenêtre. While la fenêtre refers to the entire window structure (frame, glass, and all), la vitre is just the glass component.

Beyond house windows, la vitre can also refer to the glass of a car window (la vitre d'une voiture), a display case (la vitre d'une vitrine), or even the screen of a smartphone (though l'écran is more common for the latter).

Remember that vitre is a feminine noun, so it will always be preceded by feminine articles like la or une.

💡 * La vitre est sale, il faut la nettoyer. (The window pane is dirty, it needs to be cleaned.)

J'ai cassé la vitre en jouant au ballon. (I broke the window pane playing ball.)

Il y a de la buée sur les vitres ce matin. (There's fog on the window panes this morning.)

Le soleil brillait à travers la vitre. (The sun was shining through the window pane.)

Elle a regardé par la vitre. (She looked through the window pane.)

The 'car window' (side/rear) - la vitre de voiture

In French, when talking about the glass pane of a window, especially in a vehicle, the word you'll use is la vitre. It refers specifically to the transparent sheet of glass itself, rather than the entire window mechanism.

For car windows, la vitre is used for both the side windows and the rear window. It's important to differentiate this from le pare-brise, which is the term exclusively for the front windshield. So, if you're talking about rolling down the window or a broken side window, la vitre is your go-to word.

You'll often hear la vitre used in practical contexts related to vehicle operation. For example, to say 'open the window,' you'd use ouvrir la vitre or baisser la vitre (to roll down the window). To 'close the window,' it's fermer la vitre or remonter la vitre (to roll up the window).

La vitre is a feminine noun, so remember to use feminine articles and adjectives with it (e.g., une vitre, la vitre, cette vitre cassée). While it primarily refers to vehicle windows, it can also refer to a pane of glass in a house window, but in that context, la fenêtre (the whole window structure) is more common for the entire opening.

💡 * J'ai baissé la vitre pour sentir l'air frais. (I rolled down the window to feel the fresh air.)

La vitre arrière de ma voiture est cassée. (The rear window of my car is broken.)

Peux-tu nettoyer la vitre côté passager ? (Can you clean the passenger side window?)

Il a frappé à la vitre pour attirer mon attention. (He knocked on the window to get my attention.)

The 'ticket window' or 'counter window' - le guichet

In French, le guichet refers to a 'ticket window' or 'counter window.' It's the designated spot where you can purchase tickets, get information, or conduct transactions, typically in public service areas.

You'll most commonly encounter le guichet at train stations (gare), metro stations, bus terminals, banks, post offices, or even cinemas. It's the physical point of interaction for services.

Phrases like aller au guichet (to go to the counter/window) or faire la queue au guichet (to queue at the counter) are very common. It can also refer to an ATM, as in guichet automatique (automatic teller machine).

💡 * Je dois acheter un billet au guichet. (I need to buy a ticket at the window.)

Le guichet de la gare est fermé. (The station ticket window is closed.)

Où est le guichet pour les informations? (Where is the information counter?)

J'ai retiré de l'argent au guichet automatique. (I withdrew money from the ATM.)

Il y a une longue file d'attente devant le guichet. (There's a long queue in front of the counter.)

The 'dormer window' – la lucarne

In French, la lucarne refers to a dormer window, which is a window that projects vertically from a sloping roof, often with its own small roof. It's a key architectural element designed to bring light and air into attics or roof spaces.

You'll frequently find la lucarne on older French buildings, charming country houses, and converted attics. It adds character and functionality to the roofline.

Beyond architecture, la lucarne has a popular figurative meaning, especially in football (soccer). It refers to the top corner of the goal, often considered the most difficult and impressive spot to score in.

💡 *J'ai vu un chat dormir sur le toit près de la lucarne. (I saw a cat sleeping on the roof near the dormer window.)
*Pour aménager le grenier, il faut installer une lucarne. (To convert the attic, a dormer window needs to be installed.)
*Le footballeur a tiré et marqué un but magnifique en pleine lucarne. (The footballer shot and scored a magnificent goal right in the top corner.)
*Les vieilles maisons de campagne ont souvent de charmantes lucarnes. (Old country houses often have charming dormer windows.)

The 'peephole' or 'spyhole' - le judas

The French word for 'peephole' or 'spyhole' is le judas. This masculine noun refers to the small opening in a door, typically found on the entrance door of an apartment or house, that allows someone to see who is on the other side without opening the door.

Interestingly, the term le judas has a biblical origin, referring to Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. The association comes from the idea of 'spying' or 'betraying' by looking through a hidden opening, adding a unique historical layer to the word's meaning.

When referring to a peephole, you will almost exclusively use le judas. It's a common feature for security and privacy in residential buildings, and its use is straightforward. You will always use the masculine article, un judas or le judas.

💡 *J'ai regardé par le judas avant d'ouvrir la porte. (I looked through the peephole before opening the door.)
*Il y a un judas sur la porte d'entrée de l'appartement. (There's a peephole on the apartment's front door.)
*Le facteur a frappé, mais je n'ai vu personne par le judas. (The mailman knocked, but I didn't see anyone through the peephole.)
*Assurez-vous de vérifier le judas avant de laisser entrer qui que ce soit. (Make sure to check the peephole before letting anyone in.)

Are there other ways to say 'window' in French?

Are there other ways to say “window” in French?

Our list features the most common ways to say “window” in French. But French, like any language, is rich with synonyms, regionalisms, and specialized terms, some of which might surprise you!

You can also do an online search for “comment dire fenêtre en ___” followed by a specific Francophone country or region to discover local variations.

You might find some interesting synonyms or related terms for fenêtre on this list. Of course, always verify a word’s definition and try to see it used in context before you use it yourself.

Pay attention as you read, watch, and listen to things in French — you may discover different ways to refer to windows, especially in specific contexts like architecture or literature.

And if you’re looking for more specialized terms related to windows, or phrases using the word, the WordReference entry for fenêtre is an excellent place to start!

I hope you found this article helpful. As you continue your French journey, remember that language often reflects culture and environment. Here’s a fitting thought: Les fenêtres sont les yeux de la maison. (Windows are the eyes of the house.)

9 ways to say "window" in French