même
/mɛm/
The French word for 'even' is même.
Meaning: arithmetic: divisible by two (adj)
Which one should you use?
While même can mean 'even' in certain contexts, the specific mathematical term for an 'even number' is pair.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/mɛm/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use même to mean 'even' in mathematics (e.g., an even number), whereas the correct term is pair.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of même includes -issimus, a suffix used to create the superlative form, meaning 'the most'.
- While pair means 'even' in mathematics, it is also the standard word for 'a pair' of objects, such as une paire de chaussures for 'a pair of shoes'.
- While même can mean 'even' as an intensifier, it is also the primary word for 'the same'.
Examples in context
- Même pas moi !Not even me!Tatoeba #1152579 by sacredceltic, translation #1356997 by sacredceltic
- Même Tom a menti.Even Tom lied.Tatoeba #6447131 by GB3, translation #6440630 by CK
- N'y songe même pas.Don't even think of it.Tatoeba #7715821 by Blabla, translation #1860487 by CK
- J'aime les sports, même le ski.I like sports, even skiing.
- Même le président était surpris.Even the president was surprised.
- 1185 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are doing math homework together.
- NathanEst-ce que ce nombre est pair ou même ?Is this number even or odd?
- LéaC'est un nombre même, Nathan.It is an even number, Nathan.
- NathanPourquoi est-il même ?Why is it even?
- LéaParce qu'il est divisible par deux.Because it is divisible by two.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry même, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries même, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
