différents pays
The English phrase "different countries" is translated into French as différents pays.
This phrase is used to refer to several nations that are not the same.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective différents must agree in gender and number with the masculine plural noun pays.
Did you know?
- Although it looks like the English 'pays', the French word pays actually shares its roots with the English word 'page', via the concept of a specific territory or district.
- Depending on the region of France, the word pays can refer to a 'pays' as a traditional cultural area, such as the pays basque. These are distinct from administrative regions and are based on shared history and dialect.
- The French word pays is spelled exactly the same whether it is singular or plural, meaning you must rely entirely on the article or adjective to know if someone is talking about one 'country' or 'different countries'.
Examples in context
- Il a voyagé dans différents pays.He has traveled to different countries.
- Nous étudions les lois de différents pays.We are studying the laws of different countries.
- Ces produits viennent de différents pays.These products come from different countries.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are discussing their travel plans.
- GabrielTu veux visiter quels pays ?Which countries do you want to visit?
- LéaJe veux découvrir différents pays en Europe.I want to discover different countries in Europe.
- GabrielC'est un beau projet, Léa.That is a beautiful project, Léa.
- LéaMerci, Gabriel !Thanks, Gabriel!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pays, CC BY-SA 4.0.
