Jamaïque
/ʒa.ma.ik/feminine
The English phrase "Jamaica" is translated into French as Jamaïque.
Jamaïque is the name of the country located in the Caribbean.
Meaning: country in the Caribbean (name)
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Jamaïque is a feminine noun, you use the preposition en to say "in Jamaica" (en Jamaïque).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒa.ma.ik/. The word has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The French word Jamaïque is derived from the Taíno word xaymaca, which means 'land of springs'.
- In French, the word Jamaïque requires a diaeresis (the two dots) over the 'i' to ensure the 'a' and the 'i' are pronounced as two separate syllables rather than a single sound.
- In French, when referring to the people of Jamaïque, the word Jamaïcain is used, which follows the standard French pattern of adding 'ain' to a country name to create a nationality.
Examples in context
- La Jamaïque est une magnifique destination tropicale.Jamaica is a magnificent tropical destination.
- La Jamaïque est une île magnifique.Jamaica is a magnificent island.
- Elle veut voyager en Jamaïque.She wants to travel to Jamaica.
- Le climat en Jamaïque est tropical.The climate in Jamaica is tropical.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their vacation plans at a cafe.
- LucasTu connais la Jamaïque ?Do you know Jamaica?
- ManonOui, j'adore ce pays.Yes, I love that country.
- LucasManon, est-ce que tu veux y aller ?Manon, do you want to go there?
- ManonAbsolument, c'est mon rêve.Absolutely, it is my dream.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jamaica” translations and entries Jamaïque, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Jamaïque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
