In French, words ending with “au” and “eau” follow specific phonetic and orthographic rules. Here’s a comprehensive list of these words along with brief descriptions.
Words Ending in “au”
Chapeau
A headwear, usually a hat with a brim.
Tableau
A painting or a picture; also used to refer to a board or chart.
Cadeau
A gift or present.
Bateau
A boat or ship.
Garage
While “garage” does not end in “au,” it is sometimes incorrectly noted in lists. It is worth noting it ends in “age,” not “au.”
Words Ending in “eau”
Château
A castle or a large country house, often of medieval origin.
Bureau
An office or a piece of furniture used for writing or administrative work.
Eau
The French word for water.
Gateau
A French term for cake, particularly a fancy or decorative cake.
Niveau
A level or standard, used in contexts like measurements or proficiency.
Linge
Though “linge” does not end in “eau,” it might appear in similar lists. It ends in “inge.”
Couteau
A knife, especially a kitchen knife.
Each of these words has specific uses and meanings within the French language, and their endings often reflect historical and phonetic developments.