Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Égyptien | /e.ʒip.sjɛ̃/ | |
| Egyptien | masculine, alternative form |
The word is used to refer to a person from Egypt. When used as a noun to identify a person, it is capitalized, such as in 'un Égyptien' (an Egyptian man). It is also used as an adjective to describe things pertaining to Egypt. In the latter case, the adjective is not capitalized.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the noun and the adjective in French: the noun referring to a person is capitalized (Égyptien), while the adjective used to describe something is written in lowercase (égyptien). Additionally, Egyptien is an alternative spelling of Égyptien.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on gender and number. The feminine form of the noun or adjective is Égyptienne. The masculine plural form of the noun or adjective is Égyptiens.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /e.ʒip.sjɛ̃/.
Did you know?
- While Égyptien refers to the people, the word égyptomane describes a person with an obsessive passion for all things Egyptian.
- The word hieroglyphe is used in French to describe 'Egyptian' writing and derives from Greek words meaning 'sacred' and 'carving'.
- When talking about the ancient world, French speakers often use l'Égypte antique rather than just égyptien to distinguish between the modern nation and the pharaonic era.
Examples in context
- Ramsès II était un pharaon égyptien.Ramses II was an Egyptian pharaoh.This sentence uses Égyptien to describe a pharaoh.Tatoeba #7802740 by Aiji, translation #4763711 by AlanF_US
- Sami a servi dans la marine égyptienne.Sami served in the Egyptian navy.This sentence uses égyptienne to describe the navy.Tatoeba #8274074 by dolomitt, translation #6717763 by OsoHombre
- Sami ne sait pas faire l'accent égyptien.Sami can't do an Egyptian accent.This sentence uses égyptien to describe an accent.Tatoeba #6816032 by GB3, translation #6815685 by OsoHombre
- Après avoir étudié l'histoire de l'Égypte, je suis devenu passionné par les pyramides égyptiennes.After studying Egyptian history, I became fascinated by Egyptian pyramids.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing their new neighbor.
- LéaEst-ce que le nouveau voisin est Égyptien ?Is the new neighbor Egyptian?
- GabrielOui, Gabriel, il vient du Caire.Yes, he comes from Cairo.
- LéaIl a l'air très sympathique.He seems very friendly.
- GabrielC'est vrai, c'est un Égyptien très accueillant.That's true, he is a very welcoming Egyptian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “egyptian” translations and entries Égyptien, Egyptien, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
