French Phrase
Le nord, c'est où sur cette carte ?
Meaning
The speaker is asking for the position of the north direction on the map that is being shown. It’s a direct way to request clarification about orientation.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are looking at a map, a diagram, or a navigation app and need to locate the north point. It’s common in classroom geography lessons, travel planning, or casual conversation about directions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lenord,c'estoùsurcettecarte?
Le (definite article)
Used before masculine singular nouns; here it introduces the cardinal direction 'nord'.
c'est (ce + est)
A contraction meaning 'it is' or 'this is'; used to point out something specific.
où (interrogative adverb)
Means 'where' and introduces a location question.
sur (preposition)
Means 'on' and links the location to the object 'carte'.
cette (demonstrative adjective)
Feminine singular form of 'this/that', agreeing with the noun 'carte'.
🗨In Conversation
Le nord, c'est où sur cette carte ?
Where is north on this map?
Il est en haut, à droite du texte.
It’s at the top, to the right of the text.
✕Common Mistakes
Le nord, c est où sur cette carte ?
After 'c'' you must use the contraction 'c’est', not 'c est' or 'c est où'.
Le nord, où le est sur cette carte ?
Do not say 'Le nord, où le est sur cette carte ?' – the verb 'être' must follow the pronoun 'c'' in this construction.
Le nord, c'est où sur ce plan ?
If the noun is masculine (e.g., 'plan'), you must use 'ce' instead of 'cette'.
↔Alternatives
Où se trouve le nord sur cette carte ?
Where is north located on this map?
Peux‑tu me montrer le nord sur cette carte ?
Can you show me the north on this map?
Quel est le point du nord sur cette carte ?
What is the north point on this map?
Cultural Tip
In French, cardinal directions are always preceded by the definite article (le nord, le sud, l’est, l’ouest). When pointing on a map, French speakers often say 'en haut' (at the top) for north, because most maps are oriented with north at the top. In informal speech you might also hear 'c’est où le nord ?' but the standard form is the one shown above.