moyen
/mwa.jɛ̃/
The French word for medium (of intermediate size) is moyen.
As an adjective, moyen describes something of an intermediate size. For example, in cooking instructions, feu moyen is expressed as 'medium heat'.
Meaning: of intermediate size (adj)
Which one should you use?
While moyen refers to an intermediate size or level, the word médium (with an accent) refers to a person who communicates with the dead or a medium for communication.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective moyen must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, becoming moyenne in the feminine form. The adjective moyen takes the form moyens when modifying a masculine plural noun. The adjective moyen takes the form moyennes when modifying a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /mwa.jɛ̃/.
Did you know?
- In French, describing someone as moyen can be a subtle insult, implying they are merely mediocre or unremarkable rather than just average in height.
- In French, the word 'moyen' can also be used as a noun to mean 'a means' or 'a way' of doing something, such as 'un moyen de transport'.
- The word moyen is related to the nautical term misaine, which refers to the foremast of a ship.
Examples in context
- C'était une personne de corpulence et de taille moyennes.It was a person of medium build and height.This sentence shows how to use moyen when describing a person's build and height.Tatoeba #14021151 by Myrano_, translation #13706614 by terrywallwork
- Saisir de chaque côté à feu moyen pendant 4 à 5 minutes.Sear on each side over medium heat for 4 – 5 minutes.This sentence demonstrates using moyen in a cooking context for heat intensity.Tatoeba #1833671 by Rovo, translation #896000 by pauldhunt
- Faites chauffer l'huile de sésame dans la poêle à feu moyen, ajoutez le poulet, l'ail et faites frire, lorsque la couleur change, versez la soupe chinoise, ajoutez le chou chinois et faites cuire.Heat sesame oil in the pan on a medium flame, add the chicken meat, the garlic and fry, when the colour changes pour in the Chinese soup, add the Chinese cabbage and boil.This sentence provides an example of using moyen for a medium flame in a recipe.Tatoeba #2510294 by nimfeo, translation #327888 by U2FS
- Il porte une chemise de taille moyenne.He is wearing a medium-sized shirt.
- J'apprécie votre niveau de compétence moyen.I appreciate your average level of skill.
- Ce film était juste moyen.This movie was just average.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are shopping for a t-shirt.
- LucasEst-ce que ce t-shirt existe en taille moyen ?Does this t-shirt come in medium size?
- EmmaOui, je vais regarder dans le rayon.Yes, I will check in the section.
- LucasMerci Emma, c'est parfait pour moi.Thank you Emma, it is perfect for me.
- EmmaLe voici, c'est bien un moyen.Here it is, it is indeed a medium.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “medium” translations and entries moyen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries moyen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
