nu
Page approvedn. m. · wall face · flush with · no exact equivalent
Definition
Surface visible et finie d'un mur ou d'un élément, par opposition à son axe. Le nu extérieur est la face côté dehors, le nu intérieur la face côté pièce. « Au nu de » veut dire dans le même plan que cette face : une fenêtre posée au nu extérieur affleure la façade.
The visible, finished surface of a wall or an element, as opposed to its centerline. The nu extérieur is the outside face, the nu intérieur the room-side face. Au nu de means in the same plane as that face: a window set at the nu extérieur is flush with the façade.
Diagram
Example sentences
Written (email, official document)
FRLes dimensions de la pièce sont données nu à nu, hors enduit.
ENThe room dimensions are given face to face, excluding plaster.
Spoken (standard)
FRLa fenêtre est posée au nu de la façade, pas en retrait.
ENThe window is set flush with the façade, not set back.
Spoken (informal)
FREntre axes ça passe, mais nu à nu le canapé ne rentre pas.
ENBetween centerlines it works, but face to face the sofa doesn't fit.
Nuances and pitfalls
Nu à nu or entre axes? A nu à nu dimension is measured between the finished faces of the walls: it is the space you can really use. An entre axes dimension is measured from centerline to centerline, as on a structural plan. The drawing must say which one is used.
Nu extérieur, nu intérieur. Depending on the face, you say nu extérieur or nu intérieur; au nu de la façade means in the plane of the façade. Sometimes the finish is specified: raw (before plaster) or finished.
Related terms
feuilluretableautrameValidation
- French term, register, FR sentences : ✓ validated
- US/UK equivalents and EN sentences : ✓ validated
- Diagram : ✓ validated
Reviewed by Raphaël B. · 8 Oct 2026
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