Croquis (en. Sketch)

/kʁo.ki/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A sketch is a drawing made quickly, often used to capture the essence of a scene or a subject.
The artist made a sketch of the view he had from his window.
L'artiste a réalisé un croquis de la vue qu'il avait depuis sa fenêtre.
Often used in architecture or design to make sketches of ideas.
She presented a sketch of her house project.
Elle a présenté un croquis de son projet de maison.
A sketch can also refer to a diagram or an informal drawing.
The teacher asked the students to make a sketch of their idea.
Le professeur a demandé aux étudiants de faire un croquis de leur idée.

Etymology

From the French 'croquer', which means 'to nibble' or 'to write quickly'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to make a sketch
To create a quick drawing or a rough outline.
faire un croquis
life sketch
A drawing depicting scenes from everyday life.
croquis de vie
charcoal sketch
A drawing made with charcoal, often used for quick studies.
croquis au fusain

Related Words

outline
A first version or a sketch of a work.
esquisse
drawing
A graphical representation of a form or an idea.
dessin
illustration
A drawing used to explain or decorate a text.
illustration

Slang Meanings

In some circles, refers to a very simplistic or childish drawing.
His sketch looked like that of a child.
Son croquis ressemblait à celui d'un enfant.
Used to refer to a project or an idea that is still vague.
It's just a sketch of what I want to do.
C'est juste un croquis de ce que je veux faire.