langue
/lɑ̃ɡ/feminine
The French word for language is langue.
The term langue is used to refer to a specific linguistic system or a body of words used for communication.
Meaning: body of words used as a form of communication (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, langue means tongue, which refers to both the physical organ in the mouth and the system of communication.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish langue from langage. While langue refers to a specific linguistic system, langage refers to the general faculty of speech or a particular style of communication, such as body language (langage corporel).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, some people use the term franglais to refer to the mix of French and English spoken in that area.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun langue is feminine, so it is used with the feminine article la to form la langue.
How do you pronounce it?
/lɑ̃ɡ/
Did you know?
- French uses langue in the phrase langue de bois, which translates to 'wooden language' and refers to vague or evasive political speech.
- A person who is very outspoken or prone to saying things that cause trouble is described as having la langue bien pendue or 'a well-hung tongue'.
- The English word 'tongue' is a direct relative of the French langue, as both evolved from the same Latin root lingua.
Examples in context
- Tu parles ma langue.You speak my language.This sentence shows how to use langue to indicate the language someone speaks.Tatoeba #576502 by sacredceltic, translation #69320 by Lumi_alt
- Aimes-tu ma langue ?Do you like my language?This sentence demonstrates a question using langue.Tatoeba #10504610 by Rovo, translation #10504370 by DJ_Saidez
- C'est une langue morte.It's a dead language.This sentence shows how to describe a language that is no longer spoken using langue.Tatoeba #6048105 by Fabimoto, translation #6046849 by mailohilohi
- Je m'intéresse à l'apprentissage des langues étrangères.I'm interested in learning foreign languages.
- La langue anglaise est très répandue dans le monde.The English language is widely spoken around the world.
- Le langage des signes est utilisé par les personnes sourdes.Sign language is used by deaf people.
- La programmation est un langage universel.Programming is a universal language.
- Je parle français couramment.I speak French fluently.
- Elle aime parler espagnol avec ses amis.She likes to speak Spanish with her friends.
- 1055 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are discussing their study goals.
- HugoQuelle langue veux-tu apprendre, Léa ?Which language do you want to learn, Léa?
- LéaJe veux apprendre une langue asiatique.I want to learn an Asian language.
- HugoC'est une langue très difficile.That is a very difficult language.
- LéaOui, mais j'aime cette langue.Yes, but I love this language.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “language” translations and entries langue, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries langue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
