Cuba
/ky.ba/feminine, masculine
Cuba is the French word for the country and largest island in the Caribbean.
The word refers to the nation of Cuba. While it can be treated as either masculine or feminine in French, it is a proper noun used to name the island and the country.
Meaning: country and largest island in Caribbean (name)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say you are 'in' Cuba, you must use the preposition à (e.g., à Cuba) rather than en.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ky.ba/. It consists of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The French pronunciation of Cuba requires a tight, rounded-lip 'u' sound, a feat that requires much more muscular tension in the mouth than the English 'u' used in 'cube'.
- In French, the adjective cubain follows a specific pattern of gender agreement that is essential for national identities. When describing a woman from Cuba, the suffix changes to cubaine, a rhythmic distinction typical of French demonyms.
- While Cuba is the name of the country, French speakers use the word cubain as both an adjective and a noun to describe the culture and people.
Examples in context
- Sainte Anne vivait en exil à Cuba.Santa Ana was living in exile in Cuba.This sentence shows the use of the preposition à with Cuba.Tatoeba #9497504 by Micsmithel, translation #807330 by Source_VOA
- Le bateau était plein de réfugiés cubains.That boat was full of refugees from Cuba.This sentence uses the adjective form related to Cuba.Tatoeba #916448 by sacredceltic, translation #49929 by CK
- Je veux visiter Cuba avant que Castro ne meure.I want to visit Cuba before Castro dies.This sentence shows how to express a desire to visit the country.Tatoeba #809299 by sacredceltic, translation #674828 by darinmex
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are looking at a travel magazine in a cafe.
- GabrielTu connais Cuba ?Do you know Cuba?
- ChloéOui, j'aimerais beaucoup y aller.Yes, I would really love to go there.
- GabrielCuba est une destination magnifique.Cuba is a magnificent destination.
- ChloéC'est vrai, les plages sont incroyables.It's true, the beaches are incredible.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cuba” translations and entries Cuba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
