Which one should you use?
While 'iconique' exists in French, it is often used in a digital or semiotic context (like an 'icon' on a screen), whereas emblématique is the preferred term for something that is a representative symbol of a culture or group. Additionally, célèbre translates to famous but can also be used to describe something or someone as iconic.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective emblématique is the same in both its masculine and feminine forms.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɑ̃.ble.ma.tik/. It has 4 syllables.
When do people say it?
The term culte means cult and is used among friends to describe something popular or well-liked. Reserve the expression culte for objects, movies, music or other cultural elements that have acquired a fervent following or cult status over time.
Did you know?
- In French, the term iconique was long restricted to religious art and computer icons, but it is now frequently used as an anglicism borrowed from English.
- If you want to describe a movie that has a legendary, devoted following, you should use the word culte rather than emblématique.
- The word emblématique shares its roots with the English word 'emblem', which refers to a heraldic symbol or a badge.
Examples in context
- Le béret est un couvre-chef français emblématique.The beret is an iconic French headpiece.This sentence shows how to use emblématique to describe a French headpiece.Tatoeba #9207062 by Micsmithel, translation #7794145 by karloelkebekio
- L'imagerie emblématique du télescope spatial a redéfini notre vision de l'univers et notre place dans le temps et l'espace.The space telescope's iconic imagery has redefined our view of the universe and our place in time and space.This sentence illustrates using emblématique to describe imagery from a space telescope.Tatoeba #9025806 by Micsmithel, translation #8713538 by Hybrid
- En Kabylie on mange le couscous, le plat emblématique de la kabylie.In Kabylie we eat couscous, the iconic dish of kabylie.This sentence demonstrates how to use emblématique to describe a dish from Kabylie.Tatoeba #8114911 by Igider, translation #8114909 by Igider
- Le musée du Louvre est un lieu emblématique de ParisThe Louvre Museum is an iconic place of Paris
- Les châteaux de la Loire sont célèbres dans le monde entier et considérés comme des lieux iconiquesThe castles of the Loire Valley are famous worldwide and considered iconic places
- Le jeu vidéo 'Tetris' est un jeu culte des années 80The video game 'Tetris' is an iconic game from the 80s
- Cette discothèque est un lieu légendaire pour les amateurs de musique électroniqueThis nightclub is an iconic place for electronic music lovers
- Le film 'Star Wars' est considéré comme un chef-d'œuvre mythique du cinémaThe movie 'Star Wars' is considered an iconic masterpiece of cinema
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are discussing famous landmarks in Paris.
- ManonLa Tour Eiffel est vraiment emblématique de Paris.The Eiffel Tower is truly iconic of Paris.
- HugoC'est vrai, tout le monde la reconnaît.That's true, everyone recognizes it.
- ManonOn doit prendre des photos là-bas, Hugo.We must take photos there, Hugo.
- HugoJe suis d'accord, c'est un lieu incontournable.I agree, it's a must-visit place.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “iconic” translations and entries emblématique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries emblématique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
