monument
/mɔ.ny.mɑ̃/masculine
The English word "monument" can be translated into French as monument. If unsure, use monument. Wiktionary also lists mémorial.
Meaning: structure built for commemorative or symbolic reasons (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| monument | /mɔ.ny.mɑ̃/ | masculine |
| mémorial |
The word monument refers to a structure built for commemorative or symbolic reasons.
Which one should you use?
While monument refers to a physical structure, mémorial is often used to refer to the commemorative act or the specific memorial itself, often in a more solemn or abstract sense.
How do you pronounce it?
The word monument has 3 syllables and is pronounced /mɔ.ny.mɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- A 'monument naturel' in France is a specific legal category for protected geological or botanical sites, not just man-made structures.
- The phrase monumental can be used colloquially in French to describe something of an impressive or excessive size, such as a monumental gaffe meaning a huge mistake.
- The word monument is borrowed from the Latin monumentum. In Latin, this word was closely tied to the idea of a reminder or a warning.
Examples in context
- Ils vont démolir ce monument.They're going to knock down that monument.This sentence shows the use of monument in the context of demolition.Tatoeba #12730439 by lbdx, translation #463248 by lukaszpp
- Un monument a été érigé à la mémoire du défunt.A monument was erected in memory of the deceased.This sentence shows the use of monument being erected in memory of a deceased person.Tatoeba #1223569 by sacredceltic, translation #1222981 by CK
- Un monument a été érigé en mémoire des défunts.A monument has been erected to the memory of the deceased.This sentence shows the use of monument being erected in memory of the deceased (plural).Tatoeba #4450557 by franlexcois, translation #239956 by CM
- J'ai visité un bâtiment historique aujourd'huiI visited a historic building today
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are walking in a historic city center.
- LéaRegarde ce magnifique monument en pierre.Look at this magnificent stone monument.
- GabrielOui, il est vraiment impressionnant.Yes, it is truly impressive.
- LéaEst-ce qu'on peut prendre une photo du monument ?Can we take a photo of the monument?
- GabrielBien sûr, fais attention à ne pas bousculer les gens.Of course, be careful not to bump into people.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monument” translations and entries monument, mémorial, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries monument, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
