Égypte
/e.ʒipt/feminine
Égypte is the French word for Egypt.
Égypte refers to the country located in North Africa.
Meaning: country in North Africa (name)
Which one should you use?
The term L'Égypte antique is used specifically to refer to ancient Egypt. While Égypte is the standard name, La République Arabe d'Égypte is the official, full formal name of the country.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the term Égypte is widely understood and employed.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Égypte is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /e.ʒipt/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- French writers throughout history have used Égypte as a symbol of esoteric knowledge and alchemy, often linking the word to the concept of 'Hermeticism' via the legendary figure Hermes Trismegistus.
- French speakers often use l'Égypte as a shorthand in literature to evoke a sense of mystery or exoticism, a tradition rooted in the 19th-century trend of égyptomanie.
- While many people think the name comes from the Greek 'Aíguptos', that Greek word itself was likely a corruption of the local Egyptian name for the region.
Examples in context
- Sami va en Égypte.Sami is going to Egypt.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the preposition 'en' with Égypte to indicate direction.Tatoeba #6540544 by GB3, translation #6539754 by OsoHombre
- Je suis en Égypte.I'm in Egypt.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the preposition 'en' with Égypte to indicate location.Tatoeba #6997424 by Aiji, translation #5886623 by OsoHombre
- Sami a grandi en Égypte.Sami grew up in Egypt.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the preposition 'en' with Égypte to indicate a place where someone grew up.Tatoeba #6485080 by GB3, translation #6484957 by OsoHombre
- Je suis intéressé(e) par l'Égypte.I am interested in Egypt.
- Je vais en Égypte pour mes vacances.I am going to Egypt for my vacation.
- J'ai lu un livre sur l'histoire de l'Égypte.I read a book about the history of Egypt.
- Le climat de l'Égypte est chaud.The climate in Egypt is hot.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are discussing their dream vacation.
- ManonJe veux visiter l'Égypte un jour.I want to visit Egypt one day.
- NathanC'est une excellente idée, Manon.That is an excellent idea, Manon.
- ManonOn pourrait voir les pyramides en Égypte.We could see the pyramids in Egypt.
- NathanJe t'accompagne avec plaisir !I would love to go with you!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “egypt” translations and entries Égypte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Égypte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
