américain — meaning in English: American

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for American

avoir

convient

américain

grand

réellement

Skip this question

🎓

Learn French for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 'américain' when discussing anything related to the United States, such as culture, politics, or food. For instance, you might hear it in conversations about American cuisine at a French restaurant or in a news report discussing American elections.

Synonyms & nuances

'Américain' specifically refers to something or someone from the United States, whereas 'américain(e)' could also imply a cultural aspect, like the American way of life. In contrast, 'US' or 'États-unisien' can feel more formal or technical, making 'américain' a more common choice in everyday conversation.

Culture

The term 'américain' has a fascinating history tied to France's early interactions with the United States, especially after the American Revolution. Interestingly, in certain contexts, 'américain' can also refer to a person of American nationality in a more generalized sense, showing how intertwined cultures can influence language.

FAQ

Q.What is the correct pronunciation of 'américain'?

'Américain' is pronounced as [a-meh-ri-kɛ̃]. The nasal 'in' sound is key to sounding authentic, and practicing with native speakers can help with this nuance.

Q.Is 'américaine' the feminine form of 'américain'?

Yes, 'américaine' is indeed the feminine form. It is used when referring to a female American or anything related to American culture that has a feminine noun.

Q.Can I use 'américain' to describe things that are American, like music or movies?

Absolutely! You can use 'américain' to describe anything related to the U.S., such as 'un film américain' for 'an American movie.' This usage is quite common in everyday conversations.

Learn french with Maspeak →

2000 French Words