Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| roman graphique | masculine | |
| bande dessinée | /bɑ̃d de.si.ne/ | feminine |
| BD | /be.de/ | feminine |
| bédé | /be.de/ | feminine |
The term roman graphique is used specifically to describe the long-form graphic novel format. In a broader sense, the term bande dessinée is used to refer to any comic book or comic strip.
Which one should you use?
While roman graphique refers specifically to the long-form graphic novel format, bande dessinée is the general term for any comic book or comic strip.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In everyday spoken French, the most common way to refer to comics is through the abbreviation BD, which is an informal term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Belgium, bande dessinée is commonly used to refer to graphic novels.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because roman graphique is a masculine noun, you would use the indefinite article un when saying "a graphic novel" (un roman graphique). The terms bande dessinée and BD are feminine.
When do people say it?
In France and Belgium, the medium of bande dessinée is often referred to as the "Ninth Art" (le neuvième art).
Did you know?
- Despite the English term 'comic book' often implying something light or ephemeral, the French concept of bande dessinée is treated with the cultural weight of a serious art form.
- The English word 'romance' comes from the same ultimate root as the French roman used in roman graphique.
- The informal version of BD is sometimes written and pronounced as bédé to reflect its sound as a spoken word.
Examples in context
- J'aime lire des romans graphiques en français.I enjoy reading graphic novels in French.
- As-tu lu cette BD fantastique ?Have you read this fantastic graphic novel?
- J'adore les romans graphiques québécois.I love Québécois graphic novels.
- J'ai grandi en lisant des bandes dessinées belges.I grew up reading Belgian graphic novels.
- Ce roman graphique est passionnant.This graphic novel is fascinating.
- J'ai acheté un nouveau roman graphique.I bought a new graphic novel.
- Il écrit un roman graphique sur l'histoire.He is writing a graphic novel about history.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are at a bookstore.
- EmmaEst-ce que tu as vu ce roman graphique ?Have you seen this graphic novel?
- GabrielNon, mais il a l'air très beau.No, but it looks very beautiful.
- EmmaJe vais l'acheter pour toi, Gabriel.I am going to buy it for you, Gabriel.
- GabrielC'est vraiment très gentil de ta part.That is really very kind of you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “graphic novel” translations and entries bande dessinée, BD, bédé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries BD, bande, bande dessinée, bédé, roman, CC BY-SA 4.0.
