partie

Partie is a French noun that denotes a portion, section, or component of something, as well as a side or share in a deal, game, or arrangement. The word derives from Latin pars, partis and entered French through Old French. In general use, une partie can refer to a portion of a whole: une partie du gâteau, une partie du monde, or a part of time or space, as in une partie du temps.

It also designates a game or round: une partie de cartes, une partie de jeu, or simply faire une partie. In legal language, les parties are the participants to a lawsuit or contract, with specific roles such as partie demanderesse (plaintiff) and partie défenderesse (defendant), and phrases like partie civile for civil parties.

In music, une partie is a line or voice within a musical work, or the arrangement for a particular instrument or vocal group, as in la partie de piano or la partie alto. In literature, film, and theater, the term is used for a section or division of a work, such as la première partie or la deuxième partie.

The plural parties is commonly used to denote multiple participants or sides, e.g., les parties au contrat. The term is often translated into English as part, portion, side, or game, depending on context. When translating, attention to context is essential to choose the appropriate sense.