gitan
/ʒi.tɑ̃/masculine
The English word 'gypsy' can be translated into French using gitan. Wiktionary also lists tsigane and manouche.
Meaning: a member of the Romani people or another nomadic group (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gitan | /ʒi.tɑ̃/ | masculine |
| tsigane | /tsi.ɡan/ | feminine, masculine |
| manouche | /ma.nuʃ/ | feminine, masculine |
These terms are used to refer to a member of the Romani people or another nomadic group.
Which one should you use?
gitan is a masculine form, while tsigane can be used for both masculine and feminine subjects.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term manouche predominantly refers to the Romani community of Northern France, especially in regions such as Alsace or Lorraine. In Southern France, particularly in the Provence region, the term gitan is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of gitan is gitane. To form the plural, you use tsiganes, gitans or manouches.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒi.tɑ̃/
Did you know?
- The word gitan comes from the Spanish word gitano, which was a shortening of egiptano because people once mistakenly believed the Romani people originated in Egypt.
- The word manouche is not just a name for a people, but it is also the name of a specific style of jazz born in France known as 'jazz manouche'.
- The word gitane is also the name of one of the most famous brands of French cigarettes, reflecting a romanticized cultural image.
Examples in context
- La vieille gitane bougea sa main au-dessus de la boule de cristal et, scrutant à l'intérieur, vit mon avenir.The old gypsy moved her hand over the crystal ball and, peering inside, beheld my future.This sentence is useful for seeing how the feminine form gitane is used in a narrative context.Tatoeba #814781 by sacredceltic, translation #632111 by darinmex
- Ce gitan joue magnifiquement de la guitare.This gypsy plays the guitar magnificently.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are looking at a traditional painting.
- LucasRegarde cet homme sur le tableau.Look at this man in the painting.
- LéaC'est un gitan avec un chapeau.It is a gypsy with a hat.
- LucasIl a l'air très fier.He looks very proud.
- LéaOui, les couleurs sont magnifiques.Yes, the colors are magnificent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gypsy” translations and entries gitan, tsigane, manouche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gitan, manouche, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
