Jeu de société vs. jeu de plateau
In French, 'jeu de société' and 'jeu de plateau' are terms used to describe different types of games that can be played with family or friends. While both terms may sometimes be used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their meanings.
Jeu de société
A broad term for social games usually played with several players, which can include board games, card games, dice games, and more.
Monopoly est un jeu de société populaire dans le monde entier.
(Monopoly is a popular board game all around the world.)
Les Loups-garous de Thiercelieux est un jeu de société qui se joue avec des cartes.
(The Werewolves of Millers Hollow is a social game played with cards.)
Jeu de plateau
Specifically refers to games that are played on a board, involving pieces or tokens moved according to set rules.
Les Échecs sont un jeu de plateau classique pour deux joueurs.
(Chess is a classic board game for two players.)
Carcassonne est un jeu de plateau où les joueurs placent des tuiles pour construire une carte.
(Carcassonne is a board game where players place tiles to build a map.)
Summary
'Jeu de société' refers to any game intended for multiple players to enjoy socially, which can include 'jeux de plateau', but also embraces card games, dice games, and others without boards. 'Jeu de plateau' exclusively describes games that use a physical board as the primary component of gameplay. Understanding this distinction can enhance the accuracy when discussing gaming preferences and experiences in French.