infini
/ɛ̃.fi.ni/
The English word 'infinity' is translated to French as infini.
The term refers to endlessness, unlimitedness or the absence of an end or limit. While infini is the root adjective, the direct translation for the noun 'infinity' is l'infini. Additionally, the idiomatic phrase une infinité de is used to mean 'a vast number of' or 'countless' when placed before a noun.
Meaning: endlessness, unlimitedness, absence of end or limit (noun)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the noun and the adjective. Use l'infini when you are referring to the noun 'infinity' or 'the infinite'. Use the adjective infini to describe a noun as being infinite. For example, if you are describing a feminine noun, the adjective changes to the feminine form infinie to ensure proper agreement.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the noun form to mean 'the infinite' or 'infinity', it is a masculine noun that requires the definite article l'. As an adjective, infini must agree with the gender of the noun it modifies, changing to infinie for feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛ̃.fi.ni/
Did you know?
- In French grammar, the term infinitif for the base form of a verb comes from the same root as infini. It describes the verb in its 'unlimited' state before it is constrained by a subject or tense.
- The French word infini shares a common ancestor with the English word 'finish'. This is because both languages trace the concept of 'infinity' back to the Latin root for 'boundaries' or 'ends'.
- In French literature, the term l'infini is frequently used in a more poetic and spiritual sense than the purely mathematical 'infinity' used in English.
Examples in context
- On peut toujours trouver une infinité plus infinie qu'une autre infinité.You can always find an infinity more infinite than another infinity.This sentence illustrates the concept of one infinity being more infinite than another using infini.Tatoeba #8762274 by marioo, translation #8762275 by marioo
- Les deux miroirs qui se faisaient face créaient une répétition de l'image qui s'étendait à l'infini.The two mirrors facing each other created a repeating image that went on to infinity.This sentence describes an image extending to infinity using infini.Tatoeba #801882 by sacredceltic, translation #713011 by darinmex
- Les exploits infinis de Christophe Colomb sont une menace pour Google. Ils ne savent pas indexer l'infini, quand quelqu'un cherche "Christophe Colomb".Christopher Columbus's infinite accomplishments are a threat to Google, who do not know how to index infinity when someone searches for "Christopher Columbus".This sentence refers to infinite accomplishments and the inability to index the infinite using infini.Tatoeba #763309 by gall, translation #536623 by FeuDRenais
- Je pense que l'amour est un mystère infini.I think love is an infinite mystery.
- Le chercheur a consacré sa vie à étudier l'infinité de l'univers.The researcher dedicated their life to studying the infinity of the universe.
- J'aimerais rire avec toi à l'infini.I would love to laugh with you endlessly.
- C'est vraiment infini, cette route-là!That road goes on forever!
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are looking at the starry night sky.
- ChloéLe ciel semble s'étendre vers l'infini.The sky seems to extend towards infinity.
- NathanC'est vrai, on se sent tout petit.It's true, we feel so small.
- ChloéL'infini me fascine et m'effraie à la fois.Infinity fascinates and scares me at the same time.
- NathanJe comprends ce que tu ressens, Chloé.I understand what you feel, Chloé.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry infini, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries infini, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
