allié
/a.lje/
The English word 'ally' translates to allié in French.
allié is the most straightforward translation of 'ally' and refers to a person, group or concept associated with another as a helper.
Meaning: person, group, concept, etc., which is associated with another as a helper (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes depending on gender and number: the feminine singular is alliée, the masculine or mixed plural is alliés and the feminine plural is alliées. The related verb form meaning 'to ally' or 'to unite' is allier.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /a.lje/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- While allié refers to a person or state, the French word for a 'marriage alliance' is often expressed through the term alliance, which also refers to a wedding ring.
- While allié is the direct translation, French speakers often use the phrase bras droit meaning 'right arm' to describe their most essential and trusted ally in a professional setting.
- French has a distinct word allié for a helper, but for a very close, trusted companion or 'ride or die' ally, speakers often use acolyte, which can sometimes carry a mischievous or criminal connotation.
Examples in context
- Je suis un allié des faibles.I am an ally of the weak.This sentence shows how to use allié to describe being an ally of a specific group.Tatoeba #7698794 by Maxence, translation #11987534 by phil9064
- L'Éthiopie est un allié de la Chine.Ethiopia is an ally of China.This sentence demonstrates using allié to describe a national relationship between two countries.Tatoeba #12555571 by Rovo, translation #10237151 by Amastan
- Je serai votre allié pour cette fois.I'll be your ally this time.This sentence shows how to express a promise to be someone's allié.Tatoeba #7698792 by Maxence, translation #12372288 by menaud
- France est un allié important des États-Unis.France is an important ally of the United States.
- Mes amis sont toujours là pour moi, ce sont mes alliés.My friends are always there for me, they are my allies.
- Je considère ma copine comme une alliée proche.I consider my friend [female] as a close ally.
- Le pays a trouvé un allié puissant dans sa lutte contre le terrorisme.The country has found a powerful ally in its fight against terrorism.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are discussing a strategy for a team project.
- ManonNous avons besoin d'un allié dans ce département.We need an ally in this department.
- LucasJe pense que Lucas peut nous aider.I think Lucas can help us.
- ManonC'est vrai, il serait un allié précieux.That's true, he would be a valuable ally.
- LucasJe vais lui parler demain matin.I will talk to him tomorrow morning.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry allié, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
