être
/ɛtʁ/masculine
In French, the English phrase 'being' can be translated as être or créature.
Meaning: a living creature (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| être | /ɛtʁ/ /ɛːtʁ/ |
masculine |
| créature | /kʁe.a.tyʁ/ | feminine |
When you use 'being' as a verb to describe a state or existence, use être. If you are referring to 'being' as a noun meaning a living creature, use créature. In formal contexts, if you wish to say you are 'being' in a certain place (to find oneself), you can use the expression se trouver.
Which one should you use?
In contrast, when 'being' is used as a noun to refer specifically to a living creature, French uses the word créature.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When 'being' functions as a conjunction or a temporal marker (for example, in 'being that…'), use the present participle étant.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛtʁ/
Did you know?
- The French word être is a linguistic hybrid. Its conjugation is a mix of two different Latin words: esse, meaning 'be', and stāre, meaning 'stand'.
- In French, the word créature is not always neutral like the English 'being'. It often implies that the being is fragile, mysterious or a specific creation of a higher power.
- French uses the same word être for both the state of 'being' and the concept of 'existence'. This allows for philosophical puns and wordplay that are common in French literature.
Examples in context
- Cesse d'être idiot !Stop being stupid.The sentence uses être to express a state of behavior.Tatoeba #3430367 by sacredceltic, translation #3419612 by Hybrid
- Je préfère être seul.I prefer being alone.The sentence uses être to express a preference for a state of existence.Tatoeba #2497488 by sacredceltic, translation #6311326 by OsoHombre
- Je tiens à être payé.I insist on being paid.The sentence uses être to express a requirement regarding a state of being paid.Tatoeba #8385012 by Micsmithel, translation #14007377 by zogwarg
- Il est le directeur de l'entreprise.He is the director of the company.
- Elle est une scientifique de renom.She is a renowned scientist.
- Je me trouve actuellement à Paris.I am currently in Paris.
- Elle est vraiment intelligente.She's really smart.
- 626 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are watching a nature documentary.
- GabrielCet être est fascinant.This being is fascinating.
- ManonOui, il est très étrange.Yes, it is very strange.
- GabrielJe ne connais pas cet être.I don't know this being.
- ManonC'est une espèce rare.It's a rare species.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “being” translations and entries être, créature, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries créature, être, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
