masculin
/mas.ky.lɛ̃/
The English word 'masculine' is translated into French as masculin.
The adjective masculin is used to describe something belonging to, appropriated to or used by males. It can also function as a noun to refer to the masculine gender in a grammatical context.
Meaning: belonging to males, appropriated to, or used by, males (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the adjective, the feminine form is féminin and the plural form is masculins.
How do you pronounce it?
masculin is pronounced /mas.ky.lɛ̃/ and has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- There are words in French that change meaning entirely depending on whether they are masculin or féminin. For instance, le poste is a job or position, while la poste is the post office.
- While masculin describes gender, the word mâle is used specifically for biological sex in animals. Calling a human mâle instead of masculin can sound clinical or even insulting.
- French has a concept called le masculin générique, where the masculin form is used to include everyone regardless of gender. To avoid this, some modern writers use écriture inclusive by adding a dot between masculine and feminine endings.
Examples in context
- Le yin est féminin et le yang est masculin.The yin is feminine and the yang is masculine.This sentence uses masculin to contrast the yin and yang.Tatoeba #4479376 by mouche, translation #3393687 by Hybrid
- En espagnol, les substantifs peuvent être masculins ou féminins.In Spanish, nouns can be masculine or feminine.This sentence uses masculin to describe the gender of nouns in Spanish.Tatoeba #13819277 by Rovo, translation #13820374 by Ooneykcall
- Quels exemples de comportement qualifieriez-vous de typiquement masculins ?What examples of behaviour would you consider typically masculine?This sentence uses masculin to describe typical examples of behaviour.Tatoeba #4271020 by mariezou, translation #934930 by sundown
- Le rôle de l'homme est souvent considéré comme masculin dans notre société.The role of men is often considered masculine in our society.
- Il incarne une figure virile dans le monde du cinéma français.He embodies a masculine figure in the world of French cinema.
- Je cherche un mec viril pour jouer le rôle principal.I'm looking for a masculine guy to play the lead role.
- Le charme mâle de cet homme est indéniable.The masculine charm of this man is undeniable.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are discussing the clothing style for a themed party.
- LéaTu cherches un costume masculin pour la fête ?Are you looking for a masculine costume for the party?
- LucasOui, je veux un look très masculin.Yes, I want a very masculine look.
- LéaCe costume noir est très masculin.This black suit is very masculine.
- LucasMerci, il me convient parfaitement.Thanks, it suits me perfectly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “masculine” translations and entries masculin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
