Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rassemblement | /ʁa.sɑ̃.blə.mɑ̃/ | masculine |
| rencontre | /ʁɑ̃.kɔ̃tʁ/ | feminine |
| réunion | /ʁe.y.njɔ̃/ | feminine |
In French, different words are used for a gathering depending on the context. Use rassemblement for an assembly with a specific purpose or agenda, often involving a large crowd like a political rally. Use réunion when referring to a meeting. Use rencontre to describe a meeting or encounter.
Which one should you use?
While all three words can mean a gathering, they carry different connotations. Rassemblement often implies a large group of people, such as a crowd or a rally. Réunion is typically used for professional or formal meetings rather than casual social events. Rencontre refers more generally to a meeting or an encounter.
How does it change in a sentence?
rencontre is a feminine noun and becomes rencontres in the plural. réunion is a feminine noun and becomes réunions in the plural. rassemblement is a masculine noun and becomes rassemblements in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁa.sɑ̃.blə.mɑ̃/
Did you know?
- The word rencontre is used in French sports to describe a 'match' or 'game' between two teams.
- In many French-speaking regions, a casual social gathering at a home is often called a soirée instead of using one of the three terms mentioned above.
- If you tell a French person you are going to a rencontre, they might assume you are going on a date rather than attending a social event.
Examples in context
- Elle était l'organisatrice de la rencontre.She was the organiser of the gathering.This sentence is useful for identifying the organizer of the rencontre.Tatoeba #1016313 by sacredceltic, translation #9440478 by sundown
- Nous dûmes remettre la réunion à cause de la pluie.We had to postpone the gathering because of rain.This sentence shows how to express postponing a réunion due to weather.Tatoeba #557861 by sacredceltic, translation #476638 by Swift
- La pluie nous a forcés à repousser notre rassemblement.The rain compelled us to put off the gathering.This sentence demonstrates the use of rassemblement when a gathering is put off due to rain.Tatoeba #181935 by Romira, translation #26949 by auxitt
- Un rassemblement politiqueA political gathering
- Une rencontre d'affairesA business meeting
- Un pot d'adieuA farewell gathering
- Un pot de départA farewell party
- Une soirée entre amisA gathering or party among friends
- Allons prendre un apéroLet's go for a drink
- Nous organisons un rassemblement familial le week-end prochain.We are organizing a family gathering next weekend.
- Venez à notre soirée d'anniversaire ce samedi!Come to our birthday party this Saturday!
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are discussing a community event.
- HugoEst-ce que tu viens au rassemblement demain ?Are you coming to the gathering tomorrow?
- ChloéOui, je serai là avec mes amis.Yes, I will be there with my friends.
- HugoC'est un rassemblement pour tout le quartier.It's a gathering for the whole neighborhood.
- ChloéC'est une excellente idée, Hugo !That's a great idea, Hugo!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gathering” translations and entries rassemblement, rencontre, réunion, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
