Rue (en. Street)

/ʁy/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A thoroughfare in an urban area.
The main street is always very lively.
La rue principale est toujours très animée.
An area bordered by buildings.
The houses on this street are all old.
Les maisons de cette rue sont toutes anciennes.
Sidewalk or roadway.
He crossed the street to join his friends.
Il a traversé la rue pour rejoindre ses amis.

Etymology

From the Latin 'ruga' meaning 'wrinkle' or 'fold', related to the terrain.

Common Phrases and Expressions

school street
A street where several educational institutions are located.
rue des écoles
dead end street
A street that leads nowhere, a cul-de-sac.
rue sans issue
take the street
To go out for a stroll or a walk.
prendre la rue

Related Words

intersection
A crossing point between several streets.
carrefour
sidewalk
Part of a street reserved for pedestrians.
trottoir
boulevard
A wide street often lined with trees and shops.
boulevard

Slang Meanings

To use the word 'street' to refer to a difficult situation.
He told me it was the street for him to find a job.
Il m'a dit que c'était la rue pour lui de trouver un emploi.
To refer to the street as a symbol of urbanity.
Let's see what's happening on the street.
On va voir ce qui se passe dans la rue.