Conte (en. Tale)

/kɔ̃t/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

A short story, often fabulous, that is part of oral or written literature.

The fairy tale Snow White is very popular.

Le conte de fées Blanche-Neige est très populaire.

A symbolic narrative that conveys a moral or life lesson.

This philosophical tale addresses deep questions about existence.

Ce conte philosophique aborde des questions profondes sur l'existence.

A non-true story, often exaggerated.

It's a tale that is told to children to amuse them.

C'est un conte que l'on raconte aux enfants pour les amuser.

Comes from the Latin 'narratio', meaning the act of narrating.

when all is said and done

In summary, taking various factors into account.

compte fait

fairy tale

Wonderful story, often with magical elements.

conte de fées

folk tale

A well-known narrative passed down through oral tradition.

conte populaire

to narrate

To explain a story or an event.

raconter

narration

The act of telling or relating.

narration

fable

A short tale that conveys a morality, often with animals as characters.

fable

A narrative or story that is unlikely to be true.

Your story sounds a bit like a tale; I don't believe you.

Ton histoire semble un peu conte, je ne te crois pas.

To tell lies or embellishments.

He told a tale about his vacation, but I doubt that it's true.

Il a raconté un conte sur ses vacances, mais je doute que ce soit vrai.