caraïbe
/ka.ʁa.ib/
The English word Caribbean translates to French as caraïbe. Wiktionary also lists caribéen.
Meaning: pertaining to the sea and region bounded by the American continent and the West Indies (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| caraïbe | /ka.ʁa.ib/ |
| caribéen | /ka.ʁi.be.ɛ̃/ |
The term is used as an adjective to describe things pertaining to the sea and the region bounded by the American continent and the West Indies.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the Caribbean as a geographical region or sea, the plural form les Caraïbes is used.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ka.ʁa.ib/ and consists of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The French term caribéen is a direct linguistic borrowing from the English 'Caribbean', unlike the older root 'caraïbe'.
- French speakers often use the phrase Antilles françaises to specifically refer to the Caribbean territories governed by France, such as Guadeloupe and Martinique.
- In French, the word caraïbe can refer to both the geographical region and the indigenous people who inhabited the islands, whereas English often uses 'Carib' for the people.
Examples in context
- L'ouragan a déjà fait des ravages dans les Caraïbes.The hurricane has already caused havoc in the Caribbean.This sentence shows how to use the form caraïbe when discussing a hurricane in the region.Tatoeba #1065990 by sacredceltic, translation #1065840 by ondo
- Félicitations, vous venez de gagner une croisière aux Caraïbes !Congratulations, you've just won a cruise to the Caribbean.This sentence uses the form caraïbe in the context of winning a cruise.Tatoeba #3513926 by sacredceltic, translation #3502149 by Hybrid
- Le néerlandais se parle en Afrique du Sud et dans l'espace des Caraïbes.Dutch is spoken in South Africa and in the Caribbean area.This sentence uses the form caraïbe to describe the Caribbean area where Dutch is spoken.Tatoeba #2285487 by Rovo, translation #2283981 by shekitten
- La région des Caraïbes est réputée pour ses plages paradisiaques et sa culture vibrante.The Caribbean region is renowned for its heavenly beaches and vibrant culture.
- J'ai prévu de partir en vacances dans les Antilles cet été.I am planning to go on vacation to the Caribbean this summer.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are looking at a travel brochure.
- NathanJe veux visiter la zone caraïbe cet hiver.I want to visit the Caribbean zone this winter.
- ManonC'est une excellente idée, Nathan !That is an excellent idea, Nathan!
- NathanOn pourrait choisir une île caraïbe ensemble.We could choose a Caribbean island together.
- ManonJe suis d'accord, cherchons des vols.I agree, let's look for flights.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “caribbean” translations and entries caraïbe, caribéen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caribéen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
