majeur
/ma.ʒœʁ/
The English phrase 'major' can be translated into French as majeur. If unsure, use majeur. Wiktionary also lists de taille and très important.
Meaning: greater in significance or importance (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| majeur | /ma.ʒœʁ/ |
| de taille | /də taj/ /də tɑj/ |
| très important |
The term is used to describe something that is greater in significance or importance.
Which one should you use?
While majeur is the standard term, you can also use the phrases de taille or très important to express the idea of something being major. In a musical context, such as referring to a major scale, the word is majeur.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective majeure is the feminine form of majeur.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ma.ʒœʁ/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the English word 'major' as an adjective in French. However, in French, 'major' is primarily a military rank or a noun and should not be used as a general adjective for importance.
Did you know?
- In French, calling a person majeur can refer to them being of legal age, whereas in English 'major' is rarely used this way.
- The adjective majeur is a doublet of the words maire and mayeur, all of which descend from the Latin word maior meaning 'larger'.
Examples in context
- C'est une crise majeure.This is a major crisis.This sentence demonstrates the use of majeur to describe a crisis.Tatoeba #5647372 by Aiji, translation #3735906 by CK
- Ce n'est pas un problème majeur.It's not a major problem.This sentence shows how to use majeur when discussing a problem.Tatoeba #8395889 by Aiji, translation #7464481 by CK
- Le chômage est un problème majeur.Unemployment is a major problem.This sentence illustrates using majeur in relation to unemployment.Tatoeba #12354374 by lbdx, translation #8352117 by CK
- J'ai choisi la spécialité de droit public.I have chosen the major of public law.
- Ma spécialité est les langues étrangères.My major is foreign languages.
- Quelle filière veux-tu choisir à l'université ?Which major do you want to choose at the university?
- Je suis en filière informatique.I am in the computer science major.
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are discussing a decision at work.
- HugoC'est un changement majeur pour l'entreprise.It is a major change for the company.
- EmmaTu as raison, Hugo.You are right, Hugo.
- HugoNous devons être très prudents.We must be very careful.
- EmmaJe suis d'accord avec toi.I agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “major” translations and entries majeur, de taille, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, majeur, taille, très, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
