Sometimes, especially in a French exam, you are asked to describe an image: a photo, an advert, a painting… Here is the vocabulary and method to do it as well as possible, whether speaking or writing.
The short version
- Start by introducing the document: its type, the place and the time.
- Locate the elements using the planes: foreground, background, centre, left, right.
- Describe the overall view first, then the details.
- Express your interpretation, but stay consistent with the image.
- In an oral, finish with a clear conclusion.
Basic expressions to introduce an image
Before describing, introduce the document. Here are useful expressions to give its origin, type and context. The phrases you actually say stay in French.
| Element | Expressions to use (in French) |
|---|---|
| Type of document | Il s’agit d’une photo / d’une image / d’une affiche publicitaire / d’un dessin / d’une gravure / d’une bande dessinée / d’un tableau. |
| Type of photo | un portrait / une photo de groupe / un paysage / une nature morte |
| Image quality | claire / foncée / nette / floue |
| Type of painting | abstrait / expressionniste / impressionniste… |
| Place and time | La scène se passe à… / en… ; au printemps / en été ; le matin / le soir. |
How to locate the elements in the image
For a clear description, say where the elements are. These plane expressions structure your description.
| Position | Expression (in French) |
|---|---|
| Foreground | Au premier plan, on voit… |
| Background | À l’arrière-plan, il y a… |
| Centre | Au centre de l’image… |
| Left / right | À gauche / à droite, on aperçoit… |
| Top / bottom | En haut / en bas de l’image… |
Expressing an impression or interpretation
Describing is not enough: you also need to say what the image evokes for you. Here are phrases to give your impression and your interpretation.
| To… | Expression (in French) |
|---|---|
| Describe what you see | En regardant l’image, je remarque que… |
| Give an emotion | Je suis touché(e) parce que… |
| Give an opinion | Ce que je trouve beau / bizarre, c’est que… |
| Interpret | À mon avis, la photo veut montrer / exprimer / se moquer de… |
When you write your answer, always structure it: pick one idea and develop a few aspects, or present several ideas linked to the image. Whatever you choose, announce it in advance and stick to your plan, with no going back and no repetition.
Stay consistent with the image: even a very good answer that is off topic will not earn you the top mark. In an oral, give a clear conclusion so the examiner knows you have finished and are ready for questions.
Tip: learn a few expressions from each category by heart (introduction, planes, interpretation). On exam day you will always have a phrase ready, whatever image you are given.
Example: describing a photo in French
Look at the image and see how we described it in French.
Il s’agit d’une photo prise un jour d’été dans un parc. Au premier plan, nous voyons une scène de famille où trois enfants jouent à faire une bataille d’eau avec leur père. Les enfants portent un maillot de bain, le père est habillé et porte des lunettes de soleil. C’est probablement les vacances, il fait chaud et ils veulent s’amuser. Ils sourient tous. Le père est la cible des enfants qui lancent des seaux d’eau sur lui. À l’arrière-plan, d’autres personnes en maillot de bain se trouvent dans le parc.
Now it is your turn! Use the expressions you have learned to describe this image.
Practise describing an image in French
The best way to improve is to practise on a variety of images and get corrections. A native French teacher can give you precise vocabulary, train you under exam conditions and give you personal feedback in online lessons over Zoom. You can start with a free trial lesson and evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start describing an image in French?
Start by introducing the document: its type (photo, poster, painting…), then the place and time of the scene. Then announce the plan you will follow before going into detail.
Which French expressions help me locate elements in an image?
Use the plane expressions: « au premier plan » (in the foreground), « à l’arrière-plan » (in the background), « au centre », « à gauche / à droite » and « en haut / en bas de l’image ».
How do I describe an image out loud for an exam?
Describe the overall view first, then add the details, express your interpretation, and finish with a clear conclusion so the examiner knows you are done and ready for questions.
What is the difference between describing and interpreting an image?
Describing is saying what you objectively see: the planes, the colours, the people. Interpreting is explaining what the image is trying to show or express, with phrases like « à mon avis… ».
How can I get better at describing an image in French?
Practise regularly on varied images and have your descriptions corrected. A native teacher gives you precise vocabulary and personal feedback on what you actually produce.
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