montagnes
The English phrase "mountains" is translated into French as montagnes.
montagnes is the most common and general term used to refer to mountains. While montagnes describes mountains in general, you may also encounter the term chaînes de montagnes to specifically mean "mountain chains".
Which one should you use?
While montagnes is the general term, the word massifs is used when referring specifically to mountain ranges or massifs.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form montagne is a feminine noun. It can be used to refer to a single mountain or to the general concept of mountain terrain.
Did you know?
- The French term montagnard describes a mountain dweller, but during the French Revolution, it referred to the most radical members of the National Convention who sat on the highest benches.
- While montagne refers to the landform, the word montant in French refers to the amount of money paid, showing a shared root in the idea of 'rising' or 'increasing'.
- The phrase montagne de is frequently used as a quantifier in French to describe an overwhelming pile of objects, such as une montagne de dossiers for a pile of paperwork.
Examples in context
- Il en fait des montagnes.He makes mountains out of molehills.This sentence shows how to use montagnes in the idiom for making a mountain out of a molehill.Tatoeba #14046319 by Myrano_, translation #292278 by CK
- Les montagnes sont belles.The mountains are beautiful.This sentence uses montagnes to describe the beauty of mountains.Tatoeba #11226338 by lbdx, translation #2543432 by CK
- J'ai grandi dans les montagnes.I grew up in the mountains.This sentence shows how to use montagnes when talking about growing up in a mountainous area.Tatoeba #11557969 by Aiji, translation #2330008 by CK
- les hautes montagnesThe high mountains
- les sommets enneigésThe snow-capped peaks
- 74 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are planning a summer vacation.
- HugoOn part dans les montagnes cet été ?Are we going to the mountains this summer?
- ManonOui, j'adore marcher dans les montagnes.Yes, I love walking in the mountains.
- HugoC'est parfait pour éviter la chaleur.It's perfect for avoiding the heat.
- ManonJe vais préparer nos sacs pour les montagnes.I will prepare our bags for the mountains.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
