destin
/dɛs.tɛ̃/
The English word 'destiny' is translated into French as destin.
destin refers to a predetermined condition, fate or a fixed order of things.
Meaning: predetermined condition, fate, fixed order of things (noun)
Which one should you use?
While both words can be translated as 'destiny', they are used in different contexts. Use destin when referring to fate as an abstract or impersonal force. In contrast, use destinée when referring to the specific course of a person's life or their individual journey.
How does it change in a sentence?
destin is a masculine noun and is typically used with the definite article le. The related form destinée is feminine and is typically used with the definite article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɛs.tɛ̃/
Did you know?
- The concept of fate in French can also be expressed through the phrase le sort, which literally means 'the lot' or 'the draw', referring to an ancient practice of casting lots to decide a future.
- In French, the verb destiner can be used to describe an object's intended purpose, such as saying a building is destiné à be a museum, which sounds more natural than using 'destiny' in English.
- The concept of destin in French history and philosophy often carries a heavy, almost tragic weight, similar to the classical Greek concept of 'Moira'.
Examples in context
- C'est ton destin !It is your destiny!This sentence shows how to express that something is someone's destin.Tatoeba #12317800 by felix63, translation #13859946 by tieguy
- Tu contrôles ta destinée.You control your destiny.This sentence uses destin to discuss the concept of controlling one's destiny.Tatoeba #4142460 by sacredceltic, translation #3730038 by CM
- Peut-être est-ce le destin.Maybe it's destiny.This sentence is useful for suggesting that something might be the result of destin.Tatoeba #1812429 by sacredceltic, translation #1345133 by CM
- Le destin nous réserve bien des surprises.Destiny has many surprises in store for us.
- Le cours du destinThe course of destiny
- Nul ne peut échapper au cours du destin.No one can escape the course of destiny.
- La voie du destinThe path or journey of destiny
- J'ai décidé de suivre la voie du destin.I have decided to follow the path of destiny.
- Le destin de notre nation repose entre nos mains.The destiny of our nation lies in our hands.
- Le cours du destin est difficile à prévoir.The course of destiny is hard to predict.
- Chacun a le pouvoir de changer sa destinée.Everyone has the power to change their destiny.
- Le cours de la destinée peut être sinueux.The course of destiny can be winding.
- La destinée nous réserve toujours des surprises.Destiny always has surprises in store for us.
- La voie de la destinée est unique à chacun.The path of destiny is unique to each person.
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are discussing their chance meeting in a new city.
- ChloéOn s'est rencontrés par destin, je crois.I believe we met by destiny.
- LucasC'est possible, Lucas et toi êtes liés.It's possible, Lucas and you are linked.
- ChloéOui, le destin a bien fait les choses.Yes, destiny worked things out well.
- LucasJe suis d'accord avec toi, Chloé.I agree with you, Chloé.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry destin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
