pollution lumineuse
/pɔ.ly.sjɔ̃ ly.mi.nøz/feminine
The English phrase 'light pollution' is translated into French as pollution lumineuse.
pollution lumineuse refers to the presence of excessive artificial light in the environment.
Meaning: excess artificial light (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun pollution (pollution) and the adjective lumineuse (luminous/light-related).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the noun pollution is feminine, the definite article used is la (forming la pollution lumineuse) and the adjective must take the feminine form lumineuse.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɔ.ly.sjɔ̃ ly.mi.nøz/
Did you know?
- In the context of urban planning, French officials may use the term sobriété lumineuse (light sobriety) to describe the policy of using as little artificial light as possible.
- The word lumineuse is used to describe the 'enlightenment' of the 18th century, known in French as le Siècle des Lumières.
- While pollution lumineuse describes the problem, the French term trame noire refers to the ecological corridors of darkness designed to help nocturnal animals migrate without artificial light.
Examples in context
- La pollution lumineuse est un problème croissant dans les zones urbaines modernes.Light pollution is a growing problem in modern urban areas.
- Au bord de cette ville, la pollution lumineuse nuit à l'observation des étoiles.On the outskirts of this city, light pollution hampers stargazing.
- La pollution lumineuse cache les étoiles.Light pollution hides the stars.
- Il faut réduire la pollution lumineuse en ville.We must reduce light pollution in the city.
- Cette pollution lumineuse dérange les oiseaux.This light pollution disturbs the birds.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are looking at the night sky from their balcony.
- EmmaOn ne voit pas bien la Voie lactée.We can't see the Milky Way well.
- NathanC'est à cause de la pollution lumineuse.It is because of the light pollution.
- EmmaC'est dommage pour l'observation des étoiles.It's a shame for stargazing.
- NathanOui, la ville est trop éclairée.Yes, the city is too brightly lit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “light pollution” translations and entries pollution lumineuse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
