homosexuel
/ɔ.mo.sɛk.sɥɛl/masculine
The English word homosexual is translated into French as homosexuel.
The term is used as an adjective to describe someone who is sexually attracted solely or primarily to the same sex. It is the most commonly used term for 'homosexual' in French. You can also use the phrase Les personnes homosexuelles to mean 'homosexual individuals' or 'homosexual people', or Les personnes de même sexe to mean 'people of the same sex'.
Meaning: sexually attracted solely or primarily to the same sex (adj)
Which one should you use?
The masculine form homosexuel is used when referring to a man or a general concept. The feminine form homosexuelle is used when referring to a woman.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In modern spoken French, the English loanword gay is very common and is often used instead of the more clinical-sounding homosexuel.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Canadian province of Quebec, some people may use the term gai interchangeably with homosexuel or homo in a more informal setting.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the adjective is homosexuelle.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔ.mo.sɛk.sɥɛl/
Did you know?
- Despite its Greek roots, the word homosexuel entered the French language through a German influence, specifically the term 'homosexuell'.
- Historically, before homosexuel became standard, French literature often used the term uranisme to describe the same concept.
- While 'homosexuel' is common, using the shortened form homo can be perceived as derogatory or highly informal depending on the context and the speaker's tone.
Examples in context
- Mon meilleur ami est homosexuel.My best friend is homosexual.This sentence is useful for describing a person's sexual orientation using the form homosexuel.Tatoeba #6562064 by YasinLa, translation #6179255 by RobinvanderVliet
- Je ne suis pas homosexuel mais bisexuel.I'm not homosexual, but bisexual.This sentence is useful for making a comparison between two sexual orientations using the form homosexuel.Tatoeba #3744562 by Sisyphe, translation #9770523 by helloroto
- Et si j'étais homosexuel, serait-ce un péché ?And if I was homosexual, would that be a sin?This sentence is useful for posing a hypothetical question about sexual orientation using the form homosexuel.Tatoeba #2707404 by chtof, translation #1706008 by AnneWy
- Il est homosexuelHe is homosexual
- Elle est homosexuelleShe is homosexual
- Les personnes homosexuelles ont les mêmes droitsHomosexual people have the same rights
- Les personnes de même sexe peuvent se marierPeople of the same sex can get married
- Il est homoHe is gay
- La société doit respecter les personnes homosexuelles et leurs droits.Society should respect homosexual individuals and their rights.
- Paul et Jean sont homo et vivent heureux ensemble.Paul and Jean are gay and live happily together.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are discussing a character in a movie.
- LucasLe personnage principal est homosexuel.The main character is homosexual.
- ManonAh oui, c'est un film très touchant.Ah yes, it is a very touching film.
- LucasIl est très courageux.He is very brave.
- ManonC'est vrai, Lucas.That is true, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “homosexual” translations and entries homosexuel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries homosexuel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
