solitaire
/sɔ.li.tɛʁ/
The English word 'lonely' is translated into French as solitaire.
solitaire is used to describe a person who is unhappy because they feel isolated.
Meaning: of person: unhappy by feeling isolated (adj)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between solitaire and seul. While solitaire describes a person's character or a state of being lonely, seul is used to describe the physical state of being alone (without others present).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective solitaire is invariable in gender, meaning it stays the same for both masculine and feminine subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /sɔ.li.tɛʁ/.
Did you know?
- A solitaire is also the name of a specific type of diamond ring that features a single stone.
- In a religious context, a solitaire can refer to a hermit who chooses a life of isolation for spiritual reasons.
- The term solitaire is also the French name for the popular card game known in English as 'solitaire'.
Examples in context
- Tu es très solitaire.You're very lonely.This sentence shows how to use solitaire to describe someone's state.Tatoeba #2227192 by sacredceltic, translation #2218492 by CK
- Je suis un homme solitaire.I am a lonely man.This sentence uses solitaire to describe a man.Tatoeba #4721097 by michelnialon, translation #416842 by blay_paul
- Tom est déprimé et solitaire.Tom is depressed and lonely.This sentence illustrates the use of solitaire alongside another adjective.Tatoeba #7094061 by pititnatole, translation #3442322 by CK
- Je me sens solitaire ce soirI feel lonely tonight
- Je me sens isolé(e)I feel isolated
- Je me sens triste et seul(e)I feel sad and lonely
- Dans cette grande ville, je me sens solitaire malgré les gens autour de moi.In this big city, I feel lonely despite the people around me.
- Je suis tout seul ce soir, ça me rend triste.I'm all alone tonight, it makes me feel sad.
- J'ai passé mes vacances dans le sud de la France, et parfois je me sentais un peu esseulé(e).I spent my vacation in the south of France, and sometimes I felt a bit lonely.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are talking about a new neighbor.
- ManonLe nouveau voisin a l'air solitaire.The new neighbor seems lonely.
- HugoC'est vrai, il ne parle à personne.It's true, he doesn't talk to anyone.
- ManonJe pense qu'il se sent solitaire ici.I think he feels lonely here.
- HugoOn devrait l'inviter à dîner.We should invite him to dinner.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry solitaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
