langue principale
The English phrase 'main language' is translated into French as langue principale.
The primary language that a person speaks or that is used in a specific region.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of langue (language) and principale (main/principal).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because langue is a feminine noun, the adjective principale must end in 'e' to agree with it.
Did you know?
- The word langue is a polysemous term that can describe a person's speech, the organ in their mouth, or even a long, narrow strip of land in geography.
- French uses the word langue to describe a language, but uses langage to describe the general faculty of speech or a specialized way of talking, such as 'computer language'.
- The term langue principale is often used specifically to distinguish a person's most used language from their langue maternelle, or 'mother tongue'.
Examples in context
- Je parle le français comme langue principale.I speak French as my main language.
- Le français est sa langue principale.French is his/her main language.
- Quelle est la langue principale de ce pays ?What is the main language of this country?
- L'anglais n'est pas ma langue principale.English is not my main language.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are talking about their language skills.
- NathanLéa, quelle est ta langue principale ?Léa, what is your main language?
- LéaC'est l'espagnol, mais je parle français.It's Spanish, but I speak French.
- NathanC'est impressionnant, tu es polyglotte !That's impressive, you are a polyglot!
- LéaMerci, Nathan, c'est gentil.Thank you, Nathan, that's kind.
