blanc
/blɑ̃/
The English word blank translates to blanc in French. Wiktionary also lists vierge.
Meaning: free from writing, printing or marks (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| blanc | /blɑ̃/ (France) /blã/ (Quebec) |
| vierge | /vjɛʁʒ/ |
The term is an adjective used to describe something that is free from writing, printing or marks.
Which one should you use?
While blanc refers to a surface lacking marks, vierge is used for things like un terrain vierge (unexplored/undeveloped land) or une page vierge to emphasize that it is untouched or unused.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective blanc must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, becoming blanche for feminine nouns. The phrase une page blanche is the standard way to refer to a blank sheet of paper.
How do you pronounce it?
/blɑ̃/
Did you know?
- A blanc can also refer to a sudden, awkward silence in a conversation, which is called un blanc.
- The term blanc is used in the expression blanc-bec to describe a naive youth or a 'greenhorn', referencing the white feathers of a young bird.
- The word blanc is a distant relative of the English word 'blink', as both trace back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to shine'.
Examples in context
- Les enfants sont une page blanche.Children are a blank slate.This sentence uses blanc.Tatoeba #10536424 by lbdx, translation #9142661 by acell
- Elle a laissé blanche la dernière page.She left the last page blank.Tatoeba #4072023 by nimfeo, translation #3087269 by CM
- Tom a volontairement laissé la dernière page blanche.Tom purposely left the last page blank.Tatoeba #3480904 by Lulantis, translation #3480865 by CK
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are studying in a library.
- LucasOù est le papier blanc ?Where is the blank paper?
- ChloéIl est juste là, Lucas.It is right there, Lucas.
- LucasJe ne vois qu'un carnet blanc.I only see a blank notebook.
- ChloéPrends une feuille dedans alors.Take a sheet from inside it then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “blank” translations and entries blanc, vierge, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries blanc, vierge, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
