continent
/kɔ̃.ti.nɑ̃/masculine
The English word 'continent' is translated into French as continent.
The word continent refers to each of the main land-masses on the Earth's surface.
Meaning: each of main land-masses on earth's surface (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word is a masculine noun, which means it uses the masculine article le to say 'the continent' (le continent). To form the plural 'continents', you add an 's' to the end of the word.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ̃.ti.nɑ̃/
Did you know?
- The French word continent can also be used as an adjective to describe someone who is self-controlled or restrained.
- French speakers use the phrase le vieux continent to refer specifically to Europe.
- While English speakers often debate whether 'America' is one or two continents, a French speaker is more likely to refer to 'l'Amérique' as a single, unified continent.
Examples in context
- L'Europe est un continent.Europe is a continent.This sentence is useful for identifying Europe as a continent.Tatoeba #5233960 by sicerabibax, translation #2635043 by CK
- L'Afrique est un continent.Africa is a continent.This sentence is useful for identifying Africa as a continent.Tatoeba #9159671 by Julien_PDC, translation #6978103 by CK
- L'Amérique est un continent d'immigration.America is a continent of immigration.This sentence is useful for describing America as a continent of immigration.Tatoeba #1018257 by sacredceltic, translation #1018256 by sacredceltic
- L'Afrique est un continent diversifié.Africa is a diverse continent.
- Le continent européen possède une histoire riche et variée.The European continent has a rich and diverse history.
- Le continent australien est réputé pour sa faune unique.The Australian continent is renowned for its unique wildlife.
- L'Amérique du Sud est le quatrième plus grand continent.South America is the fourth largest continent.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing geography in a library.
- LucasQuel est le plus grand continent ?Which is the largest continent?
- ManonC'est l'Asie, ce continent est immense.It's Asia, this continent is huge.
- LucasTu connais bien ce continent ?Do you know this continent well?
- ManonNon, je n'y suis jamais allée.No, I have never been there.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “continent” translations and entries continent, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
