massif
/ma.sif/
The English phrase massive can be translated into French as massif.
The word can be used as an adjective to describe something of great size, significance or import. Overwhelming. When used as a noun, un massif refers to a large, compact mass of rock or a mountain range.
Meaning: of great size, significance or import, overwhelming (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the masculine form massif when describing a masculine noun and the feminine form massive when describing a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of two syllables and is pronounced /ma.sif/.
Did you know?
- In French gardening, un massif is the specific term for a flower bed or a grouping of ornamental plants. It describes a dense cluster of flora rather than just a large size.
- In jewelry, or massif refers to 'solid gold' as opposed to gold-plated or gold-filled items. It guarantees the material is the same throughout the entire object.
- In French, if you call a person massif, you are often describing their physical build as stocky or sturdy rather than just their size.
Examples in context
- Le bâtiment est d'une taille énorme.The building is of massive size.
- La statue est vraiment imposante.The statue is truly massive.
- Le gratte-ciel est un mastodonte architectural.The skyscraper is an architectural mastodon.
- La fête était juste gigantesque !The party was totally massive!
- Ce concert était monumental !That concert was massive!
- Ce gâteau était énormissime, j'en ai mangé la moitié !That cake was massive, I ate half of it!
- Ce projet est vraiment colossal !This project is truly massive!
- Il y a un bloc massif de pierre ici.There is a massive block of stone here.
- C'est un changement massif pour l'entreprise.It is a massive change for the company.
- Le projet nécessite un effort massif.The project requires a massive effort.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are looking at a large building.
- LéaRegarde ce bâtiment, il est vraiment massif !Look at that building, it is truly massive!
- HugoOui, Hugo trouve ça impressionnant.Yes, Hugo finds it impressive.
- LéaL'impact architectural est massif.The architectural impact is massive.
- HugoJe suis tout à fait d'accord avec toi.I completely agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “massive” translations and entries massif, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
