début
/de.by/
The English phrase "debut" is translated into French as début.
The noun début refers to a performer's first-time performance to the public. Related concepts include commencement for a general beginning. If you wish to express the verb form of formally introducing someone to the public, you might use présenter or lancer, whereas se lancer is used to describe making one's initial formal appearance.
Meaning: a performer's first-time performance to the public (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun début is masculine. When specifically referring to a performer's first professional appearances, the noun is frequently used in the plural form, as in ses débuts.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and is pronounced /de.by/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the French verb débuter to mean "to make a debut." In French, débuter often simply means "to start" or "to begin" an activity.
Did you know?
- To express the action of making a debut, French speakers often use the reflexive phrase se lancer, which literally means to throw oneself into something.
- The French word début is actually a derivative of the Middle French verb desbuter, which originally meant to move or to begin a process.
- While English uses 'debut' specifically for a first public appearance, the French début can refer to any beginning, such as the début of a movie or the début of a storm.
Examples in context
- L'actrice a fait ses débuts à l'âge de huit ans.The actress made her debut when she was eight.This sentence is useful for showing the use of the plural form débuts to refer to an actress's first appearances.Tatoeba #9623365 by lbdx, translation #46588 by CK
- Ses propres débuts seraient bien moins prometteurs.His own debut would be far less auspicious.This sentence shows how to use débuts to discuss a performer's initial appearance.Tatoeba #9192085 by Micsmithel, translation #8286213 by LK
- Il est devenu populaire auprès des adolescents dès ses débuts à l'écran.He became popular among teenagers as soon as he made his debut on the screen.This sentence illustrates the use of débuts in the context of a screen debut.Tatoeba #9623378 by lbdx, translation #8474850 by ET
- J'ai assisté à la première du dernier film de Jean-Luc.I attended the debut of Jean-Luc's latest movie.
- C'est ma première exposition en tant qu'artiste.It's my debut exhibition as an artist.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing a new musician's first public show.
- EmmaAs-tu vu le début de ce jeune chanteur ?Did you see this young singer's debut?
- LucasOui, c'était vraiment impressionnant pour une première.Yes, it was really impressive for a first time.
- EmmaJe pense que son début sera un grand succès.I think his debut will be a great success.
- LucasJe suis d'accord, il a beaucoup de talent.I agree, he has a lot of talent.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry début, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries début, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
