What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
phare
Example
Le phare est situé sur la côte bretonne. [phare: noun]
Example
Les marins ont été avertis du danger par le phare. [phare: noun]
lighthouse
Example
The lighthouse guided the ship safely into the harbor. [lighthouse: noun]
Example
The sailors were grateful for the warning from the lighthouse. [lighthouse: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lighthouse is more commonly used than phare in everyday language. Lighthouse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while phare is less common and is mainly used in French-speaking countries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between phare and lighthouse?
Both phare and lighthouse are formal words that are typically used in technical or nautical contexts.
