Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| mondial | /mɔ̃.djal/ |
| global | /ɡlɔ.bal/ |
The specific word you choose depends on whether you mean 'worldwide' or 'total/overall'.
Which one should you use?
While both words can translate to 'global', they carry different nuances in French. mondial is the standard adjective used to describe things relating to the entire world, such as the global economy or global warming. In contrast, global often functions as a synonym for 'total', 'overall' or 'holistic' (for example, a global overview or a total amount) rather than strictly meaning 'worldwide'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective mondial must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use mondiale for feminine singular nouns, mondiaux for masculine plural nouns and mondiales for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɔ̃.djal/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use global to mean 'worldwide' in French. While global is a word in French, it is more natural and precise to use mondial when referring to geopolitical or planetary contexts.
Did you know?
- The word mondial has its roots in a distinction between the material 'world' and the spiritual realm. Historically, it referred to things of this earthly life rather than the heavens.
- If you want to describe a 'global warming' phenomenon in French, you should use le réchauffement climatique rather than using mondial.
- The word mondial shares a root with monde, which means 'world' and is used in the common phrase tout le monde to mean 'everyone'.
Examples in context
- Penser global, agir local.Think global, act local.This sentence demonstrates the use of global in a common expression.Tatoeba #13223383 by lbdx, translation #3543738 by Hybrid
- L'économie mondiale est tombée en récession.The global economy has fallen into a recession.This sentence shows the use of mondial when discussing the economy.Tatoeba #7802737 by Aiji, translation #4480234 by AlanF_US
- Le changement climatique est un problème mondial.Climate change is a global problem.This sentence shows the use of mondial when discussing a global problem.Tatoeba #3394658 by sacredceltic, translation #3300229 by Hybrid
- catastrophe mondialeGlobal catastrophe
- La situation économique mondiale est préoccupante.The global economic situation is worrying.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are discussing news on the radio.
- ChloéLe réchauffement climatique est une menace mondiale.Global warming is a worldwide threat.
- NathanOui, c'est un défi pour tout le monde.Yes, it is a challenge for everyone.
- ChloéIl faut agir vite pour le monde entier.We must act fast for the whole world.
- NathanTu as raison, Chloé.You are right, Chloé.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “global” translations and entries mondial, global, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries global, mondial, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
