cadien
/ka.djɛ̃/
The English phrase "cajun" translates to French as cadien. Wiktionary also lists cadjin.
Meaning: of or relating to the Cajun people (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cadien | /ka.djɛ̃/ /ka.djɛ̃/ (Louisiana) |
|
| cadjin | /kadʒɛ̃/ (Louisiana) | Louisiana |
This adjective is used to describe things or people relating to the Cajun people.
Which one should you use?
The form cadien is the standard term, while cadjin is a variant. When used as a noun, the forms Cadien, Cadjin and Cadienne can refer to a person or, in certain contexts, can serve as an ethnic slur.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The spelling cadjin is specifically associated with Louisiana.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine singular form is cadienne and the feminine plural form is cadiennes.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ka.djɛ̃/.
Did you know?
- The identity of the cadien people is rooted in the 'Grand Dérangement', a forced mass expulsion from Canada by the British in 1755.
- The word cadien is a shortened version of acadien, which refers to the region of Acadia in what is now Canada.
- While cadien describes the people, the term cajun is often used in French-speaking Louisiana as a distinct cultural brand for music and cooking.
Examples in context
- C'est une chanson cadienne.This is a Cajun song.This sentence shows how to use the adjective cadien to describe a song.Tatoeba #12349500 by menaud, translation #10459975 by Amastan
- Ziri adore la musique cadienne.Ziri loves Cajun music.This sentence uses cadien to describe a type of music.Tatoeba #12349499 by menaud, translation #10459978 by Amastan
- J'adore cet assaisonnement cadien.I love that Cajun seasoning.This sentence uses cadien to describe a seasoning.Tatoeba #12349504 by menaud, translation #12092015 by shekitten
- La musique cadienne est un élément précieux de la culture de la Louisiane.Cajun music is a precious element of Louisiana's culture.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are looking at a map of Louisiana in a cafe.
- EmmaTu connais la culture cadienne ?Do you know Cajun culture?
- HugoOui, mon grand-père est un homme cadien.Yes, my grandfather is a Cajun man.
- EmmaC'est vraiment fascinant.That is really fascinating.
- HugoOui, il en parle souvent.Yes, he talks about it often.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cajun” translations and entries cadien, cadjin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cadien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
