homme
/ɔm/masculine
The English word 'man' is translated into French as homme.
The word homme refers to an adult male human. When written as L'Homme, it refers to the human species or humanity in a biological or philosophical context. In a scientific context, the capitalized Homme refers to the genus Homo.
Meaning: adult male human (noun)
Which one should you use?
While homme is the standard term for an adult male, mec is a colloquial way to say 'guy' or 'dude'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
homme is a masculine noun and requires masculine articles such as un or le.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔm/
When do people say it?
To address a man politely, use the term Monsieur.
Did you know?
- The French word homme shares a surprising ancestor with the English word 'earthling', originating from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'earth'.
- While homme refers to a male, the phrase les droits de l'homme refers to 'human rights' for everyone regardless of gender.
- The French word homme is a close relative of the Spanish hombre and the Italian uomo.
Examples in context
- Sois un homme !Be a man.This sentence uses homme to show how it is used in an imperative context.Tatoeba #2222103 by sacredceltic, translation #2221008 by Hybrid
- Tu es un homme.You're a man.This sentence uses homme to state a fact about a person.Tatoeba #6813325 by Micsmithel, translation #5668071 by protondonor
- Tu es mon homme.You're my man.This sentence uses homme in a possessive context.Tatoeba #8468592 by Rovo, translation #2635054 by Joseph
- Le président est un homme d'une grande influence.The president is a man of great influence.
- Les Messieurs sont invités à assister à la réunion.The gentlemen are invited to attend the meeting.
- Mon frère est un gars très sympa.My brother is a really nice guy.
- Ce type est vraiment drôle.This guy is really funny.
- 1882 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are walking in a park.
- NathanRegarde cet homme, il court très vite.Look at that man, he is running very fast.
- LéaOui, c'est un homme très sportif.Yes, he is a very athletic man.
- NathanEst-ce que tu connais cet homme ?Do you know this man?
- LéaNon, je ne connais pas cet homme.No, I do not know this man.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “man” translations and entries homme, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries homme, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
