Congo
/kɔ̃.ɡo/masculine
Congo is the French name for Congo.
Congo refers to the name of the Congo region or country in an ambiguous sense, as it can apply to multiple entities in the area.
Meaning: Congo, ambiguously (name)
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the name of the country in a sentence, it is used with the masculine definite article le, forming le Congo.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: /kɔ̃.ɡo/.
Did you know?
- Because there are two countries with this name, French diplomats and journalists often use the precise terms Congo-Brazzaville and Congo-Kinshasa to avoid confusion. This turns the city names into essential parts of the country's identification.
- The word congo originates from the name of the Kingdom of Kongo, which was a powerful state before the arrival of the Portuguese and French.
- When referring to the river, French speakers use le fleuve Congo, whereas for the country they use le Congo, distinguishing the water from the land through the word fleuve.
Examples in context
- Le Congo est un pays du tiers monde.The Congo is a Third World country.This sentence uses Congo to describe the country's status.Tatoeba #4548272 by Whidou, translation #6706817 by Micsmithel
- Kinshasa est la capitale de la République Démocratique du Congo.Kinshasa is the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo.This sentence uses Congo as part of the official name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Tatoeba #482209 by adjusting, translation #480582 by Miktsoanit
- Tom habite à Brazzaville, la capitale de la République du Congo.Tom lives in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo.Tatoeba #8754786 by Rafik, translation #11792067 by shekitten
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their upcoming travel plans.
- ChloéTu veux aller au Congo ?Do you want to go to the Congo?
- LucasOui, j'adore le Congo.Yes, I love the Congo.
- ChloéC'est un grand voyage pour toi, Lucas.It is a big trip for you, Lucas.
- LucasC'est vrai, mais je suis très enthousiaste.It's true, but I am very excited.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “congo” translations and entries Congo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries congo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
