iceberg
/ajs.bɛʁɡ/masculine
The English word iceberg is translated into French as iceberg. If unsure, use iceberg. Wiktionary also lists montagne de glace.
Meaning: huge mass of floating ice (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| iceberg | /ajs.bɛʁɡ/ /is.bɛʁɡ/ |
masculine |
| montagne de glace | /mɔ̃.taɲ də ɡlas/ |
The term refers to a huge mass of floating ice.
Which one should you use?
The term montagne de glace is an obsolete way to refer to an iceberg.
How does it change in a sentence?
iceberg is a masculine noun, so you use the masculine indefinite article un to say un iceberg (an iceberg).
How do you pronounce it?
/ajs.bɛʁɡ/ (2 syllables)
When do people say it?
While 'the tip of the iceberg' can be translated literally, the idiomatic expression used in French is la partie émergée de l'iceberg (the emerged part of the iceberg).
Did you know?
- While English uses the word 'iceberg', the French word iceberg is actually a loanword from English itself.
Examples in context
- Le Titanic a heurté un iceberg.The Titanic hit an iceberg.This sentence shows the word iceberg used in the context of a maritime collision.Tatoeba #1534457 by sacredceltic, translation #1534378 by Spamster
- C'est la partie émergée de l'iceberg.It's the tip of the iceberg.This sentence demonstrates the idiomatic use of iceberg to mean the tip of the iceberg.Tatoeba #10496234 by lbdx, translation #318342 by CM
- Ce n'est que la partie visible de l'iceberg.It's just the tip of the iceberg.This sentence provides an alternative way to express the idiom 'the tip of the iceberg' using the word iceberg.Tatoeba #540850 by sacredceltic, translation #2301493 by Hybrid
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are watching a nature documentary on TV.
- ManonRegarde cet immense iceberg dans l'eau.Look at that huge iceberg in the water.
- LucasIl est vraiment impressionnant, cet iceberg.That iceberg is truly impressive.
- ManonIl semble glisser lentement.It seems to be sliding slowly.
- LucasOui, c'est magnifique à voir.Yes, it is beautiful to watch.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “iceberg” translations and entries iceberg, montagne de glace, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, glace, iceberg, montagne, montagne de glace, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
