Amérique
/a.me.ʁik/
In French, 'America' is translated as Amérique.
Amérique refers to the landmass consisting of the North and South American continents. If you want to refer specifically to North America, use L'Amérique du Nord.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers frequently use 'America' to mean the United States, in French, Amérique refers to the landmass (the Americas). The standard term for the country is les États-Unis.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables: /a.me.ʁik/.
Did you know?
- Calling someone un Américain in France refers to a person from the United States, but in other parts of the Francophone world, it could imply someone from the entire continent.
- The French word Amérique originates from New Latin America.
- Because Amérique is a proper noun referring to a landmass, it is almost always preceded by the definite article l' in a sentence.
Examples in context
- Il est parti en Amérique.He has gone to America.This sentence shows how to use Amérique when describing a destination.Tatoeba #521606 by zmoo, translation #288838 by CK
- L'Amérique a des ennemis.America has enemies.This sentence shows how to use Amérique as a subject.Tatoeba #8974672 by Micsmithel, translation #2244898 by CK
- L'Amérique est très vaste.America is very large.This sentence shows how to use Amérique when describing the size of the landmass.Tatoeba #139230 by Aiji, translation #67543 by CK
- Dans le discours diplomatique, on utilise souvent le terme "Les États-Unis d'Amérique" pour se référer au pays.In the diplomatic speech, one often uses the term 'The United States of America' to refer to the country.
- Les États-Unis sont un pays qui regroupe de multiples cultures et traditions.The United States is a country that brings together multiple cultures and traditions.
- J'ai passé mes dernières vacances aux USA. C'était incroyable !I spent my last vacation in the USA. It was incredible!
- Pour nos vacances, nous avons décidé de visiter l'Amérique du Nord cette année.For our holidays, we decided to visit North America this year.
- 269 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are discussing a history textbook in a cafe.
- GabrielL'histoire de l'Amérique est fascinante.The history of America is fascinating.
- ManonOui, elle est très complexe.Yes, it is very complex.
- GabrielTu veux étudier l'Amérique ?Do you want to study America?
- ManonPeut-être un jour, Gabriel.Maybe one day, Gabriel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Amérique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Amérique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
