groupe
/ɡʁup/masculine
The English phrase 'band' (referring to a group of musicians) is groupe in French.
groupe is used to refer to a group of musicians. In the specialized field of ornithology, the verb baguer is used to describe the act of fastening an identifying band around a bird's leg.
Meaning: group of musicians (noun)
Which one should you use?
In certain colloquial contexts, specifically in parts of France, la bande may be used to refer to a band or a group of friends. For a more formal way to describe a musical band, you can use l'ensemble musical.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions of France, la bande is used colloquially to talk about a band or a group of friends.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
groupe is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡʁup/
Did you know?
- The word bande can mean a group of friends, but in a different context, la bande dessinée refers to comic strips, which are literally 'drawn bands' of images.
- In French music criticism, the phrase un groupe branché is used to describe a band that is trendy or 'plugged in' to the current scene.
- The word groupe descends from the Italian gruppo, which originally comes from the Vulgar Latin cruppus.
Examples in context
- Je joue dans un groupe.I play in a band.This sentence is useful for expressing that you play in a band with the word groupe.Tatoeba #6400173 by Aiji, translation #25513 by CK
- Tom joue dans un groupe.Tom plays in a band.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom is a member of a band using groupe.Tatoeba #5594094 by Aiji, translation #3371952 by Hybrid
- Le groupe est en hiatus.The band is on hiatus.This sentence is useful for saying that a band is on hiatus using groupe.Tatoeba #9042942 by Micsmithel, translation #838702 by sundown
- Je vais au concert ce soir pour voir le groupe de rock célèbre.I'm going to the concert tonight to see the famous rock band.
- Le chef d'orchestre dirige l'ensemble musical avec passion.The conductor passionately leads the musical ensemble.
- J'aime beaucoup ce groupe de musique, ils jouent un mélange de rock et de pop.I really like this band, they play a mix of rock and pop music.
- Je sors avec ma bande ce soir, nous allons au concert.I'm going out with my friends tonight, we're going to the concert.
- J'ai découvert un nouvel orchestre de jazz incroyable au festival.I discovered an incredible jazz band at the festival.
- La formation de rock belge est très populaire en Europe.The Belgian rock band is very popular in Europe.
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are at a music festival.
- EmmaQuel est ton groupe préféré ?What is your favorite band?
- LucasJ'adore ce groupe de rock.I love this rock band.
- EmmaLucas, est-ce que ce groupe est bon ?Lucas, is this band good?
- LucasOui, le groupe est génial !Yes, the band is great!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “band” translations and entries groupe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries groupe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
