montagne
/mɔ̃.taɲ/feminine
The English word mountain is translated into French as montagne. Wiktionary also lists mont.
Meaning: large mass of earth and rock (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| montagne | /mɔ̃.taɲ/ | feminine |
| mont | /mɔ̃/ | masculine |
The word refers to a large mass of earth and rock. You may also encounter the term Montagnes russes to mean roller coasters.
Which one should you use?
montagne is the general term for a mountain, whereas mont is a masculine form often used in specific proper names or for smaller, more symbolic hills such as Mont Blanc.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form montagne is considered colloquial.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of montagne is montagnes.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and is pronounced /mɔ̃.taɲ/.
Did you know?
- During the French Revolution, a radical political faction known as La Montagne sat on the highest benches of the National Convention.
- The term montagnard refers to someone living in the mountains, but it can also imply a rugged or hardy character regardless of where they currently live.
- The word montagne evolved from the Early Medieval Latin montānia, which served as a collective noun based on the Latin mōns.
Examples in context
- Aimez-vous la montagne ?Do you like the mountain?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's preference for the mountain with montagne.Tatoeba #1483758 by martin9, translation #3637932 by MTC
- Tom est guide de montagne.Tom is a mountain guide.This sentence shows how to describe someone's job as a mountain guide using montagne.Tatoeba #6697814 by GB3, translation #6697504 by Hybrid
- Carlos a gravi la montagne.Carlos climbed the mountain.This sentence illustrates the action of climbing a mountain with montagne.Tatoeba #126674 by TRANG, translation #63498 by CN
- Le mont Blanc est la plus haute montagne d'EuropeMont Blanc is the highest mountain in Europe.
- Ils ont atteint la cime de la montagneThey reached the mountain's summit.
- J'adore grimper au sommet de ces picsI love climbing to the top of these mountains.
- Les montagnards sont habitués aux conditions difficilesMountain dwellers are accustomed to harsh conditions.
- Allons faire un tour sur les montagnes russesLet's take a ride on the roller coasters.
- 234 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are planning a hiking trip.
- GabrielOn part à la montagne ce week-end ?Are we going to the mountains this weekend?
- EmmaOui, j'adore la montagne en été.Yes, I love the mountains in summer.
- GabrielIl y a une grande montagne par ici.There is a big mountain around here.
- EmmaElle est magnifique, n'est-ce pas ?It is magnificent, isn't it?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mountain” translations and entries montagne, mont, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mont, montagne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
