Hollande
/ɔ.lɑ̃d/feminine
In French, Holland is referred to as Hollande.
Hollande is used to refer to the specific region of the Netherlands. It can also refer to a type of linen cloth in a different context.
Meaning: region of the Netherlands (name)
Which one should you use?
While Hollande refers specifically to the historical region, les Pays-Bas is the geographically accurate and formal name for the entire country (the Netherlands).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The name of the region is a feminine noun and is typically used with the definite article la. However, when expressing origin with the preposition de, the article is dropped, resulting in de Hollande instead of de la Hollande.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔ.lɑ̃d/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- The French term toile de Hollande refers to a specific, ultra-fine bleached linen that was historically prized in French luxury fashion.
- In French, calling the entire country la Hollande instead of les Pays-Bas can be seen as a geopolitical error rather than just a colloquialism. While English speakers use 'Holland' and 'the Netherlands' interchangeably, French speakers often view the former as an imprecise way to name the nation.
- In French, the word Hollande is a feminine singular noun, yet it is used to describe a country whose official name, les Pays-Bas, is masculine plural.
Examples in context
- Je viens de Hollande.I come from Holland.This sentence is useful for expressing where someone comes from using Hollande.Tatoeba #1082163 by Julien_PDC, translation #2302308 by Adelpa
- Ces fleurs viennent de Hollande.These flowers come from Holland.This sentence is useful for describing the origin of flowers using Hollande.Tatoeba #5662086 by Aiji, translation #3527255 by adamtrousers
- Il est revenu de Hollande en juin.He returned from Holland in June.This sentence is useful for stating when someone returned from the region using Hollande.Tatoeba #6637477 by Aiji, translation #288625 by CK
- Je rêve de visiter les Pays-Bas un jour.I dream of visiting the Netherlands one day.
- La Hollande est célèbre pour ses tulipes colorées.Holland is famous for its colorful tulips.
- On m'a offert des fromages délicieux en provenance de Hollande.I was given some delicious cheeses from Holland.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are discussing a vacation trip.
- GabrielTu veux aller en Hollande cet été ?Do you want to go to Holland this summer?
- ChloéOui, j'aimerais beaucoup visiter la Hollande.Yes, I would really like to visit Holland.
- GabrielOn peut louer des vélos là-bas.We can rent bicycles there.
- ChloéC'est une excellente idée, Gabriel !That is an excellent idea, Gabriel!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “holland” translations and entries Hollande, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
