légende
/le.ʒɑ̃d/feminine
The English phrase "legend" can be translated into French as légende.
In French, légende is used to refer to the key of symbols and color codes found on a map. It can also refer to a mythical story or a legendary figure.
Meaning: key to the symbols and color codes on a map (noun)
Which one should you use?
While légende can be used generally to mean a mythical story, when you are specifically discussing a map, it refers to the explanatory key or symbols used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun légende is feminine, so it is preceded by the feminine article la (e.g., la légende).
How do you pronounce it?
/le.ʒɑ̃d/
When do people say it?
To specifically describe an urban legend, use the phrase légende urbaine.
Did you know?
- In some historical French contexts, a légende referred specifically to the short biography of a saint that was read on their feast day.
- French speakers use the word légende to describe the captions found under photos or illustrations in a textbook, not just on maps.
- The word légende comes from the Latin 'legendus', meaning 'something that must be read'.
Examples in context
- Cet homme est une légende.This man is a legend.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a person as a legend using légende.Tatoeba #1623763 by sacredceltic, translation #1619615 by Spamster
- C'est une légende urbaine.This is an urban legend.This sentence shows how to use the phrase for an urban legend with légende.Tatoeba #13389090 by lbdx, translation #8110409 by Hybrid
- Ce n'est qu'une légende urbaine.That's just an urban legend.This sentence provides another example of expressing that something is just an urban legend using légende.Tatoeba #13392478 by lbdx, translation #6884336 by Hybrid
- La légende du Roi Arthur est l'un des récits légendaires les plus célèbres au monde.The legend of King Arthur is one of the most famous legendary tales in the world.
- Tout le monde a entendu parler de la légende urbaine du crocodile qui vit dans les égouts de la ville.Everyone has heard of the urban legend about the crocodile living in the city sewers.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are looking at a hiking map in a park.
- LéaRegarde la légende sur cette carte.Look at the legend on this map.
- HugoAh, je vois les symboles pour les sentiers.Ah, I see the symbols for the trails.
- LéaLa légende explique aussi les couleurs.The legend also explains the colors.
- HugoC'est beaucoup plus clair maintenant.It is much clearer now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “legend” translations and entries légende, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries légende, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
