événement
/e.ven.mɑ̃/
The English phrase 'event' translates to French as événement.
événement is used to describe a prearranged social activity. However, in French, it is more frequently used to describe a significant or noteworthy occurrence, such as a historical or news event.
Meaning: prearranged social activity (noun)
Which one should you use?
There are two correct ways to spell the word: événement and the modern rectified spelling évènement. While événement can refer to a social activity, the term Manifestation is used specifically when referring to protests, demonstrations or public rallies.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /e.ven.mɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- In a sporting context, a 'track and field event' is not called an événement, but is instead referred to as an épreuve.
- If you describe a person as 'un événement', you are not calling them a social activity, but suggesting they are a person of great importance or a 'big deal' in a specific context. It is a way of highlighting their impact.
- The Latin root ēveniō means 'to come out' or 'to turn out'. This explains why the word describes something that 'happens' or 'unfolds', rather than something that is 'built' or 'constructed'.
Examples in context
- Quel événement terrible !What a horrible event!This sentence is useful for expressing a reaction to a terrible événement.Tatoeba #1157561 by sacredceltic, translation #7590558 by AlanF_US
- C'est un événement religieux.It's a religious event.This sentence is useful for describing a religious événement.Tatoeba #7591134 by Vykan, translation #7590561 by AlanF_US
- Qui a organisé cet événement ?Who organized this event?This sentence is useful for asking who organized a specific événement.Tatoeba #10968816 by lbdx, translation #10247713 by ddnktr
- Le mariage de Marie et Pierre était un grand événement.Marie and Pierre's wedding was a significant event.
- Le festival de musique est un événement annuel très attendu.The music festival is a highly anticipated annual event.
- Viens à ma soirée demain soir ! Ce sera génial.Come to my party tomorrow night! It will be awesome.
- Il y a un évènement au parc demain. On y va ensemble ?There's an event at the park tomorrow. Shall we go together?
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing a party invitation.
- LéaTu viens à cet événement samedi ?Are you coming to this event on Saturday?
- HugoOui, je ne veux pas rater cet événement.Yes, I don't want to miss this event.
- LéaC'est un événement très important pour nous.It is a very important event for us.
- HugoJe serai là à l'heure, Léa.I will be there on time, Léa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry événement, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries événement, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
