muse
/myz/feminine
In French, the word for 'muse' is muse. If unsure, use muse. Wiktionary also lists égérie.
Meaning: a source of inspiration (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| muse | /myz/ | feminine |
| égérie | /e.ʒe.ʁi/ | feminine |
The word muse refers to a source of artistic or poetic inspiration. You may also encounter the related verb songer, which means to become lost in thought.
Which one should you use?
While muse is used to denote artistic or poetic inspiration, égérie is often used in a more professional or formal context to describe a woman who serves as the central inspiration or constant companion of an artist, a designer or a specific movement.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
muse is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/myz/
Did you know?
- In modern French fashion and branding, égérie is the standard term for a celebrity brand ambassador or the 'face' of a perfume line.
- The word égérie traces its roots back to a specific Roman nymph named Ēgeria, who was said to have advised the legendary king Numa Pompilius.
- Unlike the English 'muse', which can sometimes be used as a verb, in French muse is almost exclusively a noun used to name the source of inspiration.
Examples in context
- « Des romans ? Je hais les romans. » Oh muse, pardonne son blasphème."Novels? I hate novels." Oh muse, forgive her blasphemy.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use muse when addressing a personified inspiration.Tatoeba #1244872 by sacredceltic, translation #1244851 by Scott
- Tu es ma muse.You are my muse.This sentence is useful for using muse to describe a person's role in your life.Tatoeba #11470366 by carlosalberto, translation #11470359 by carlosalberto
- Mon artiste préféré trouve l'inspiration grâce à sa muse.My favorite artist finds inspiration through his muse.
- J'ai trouvé ma muse pour mon dernier roman.I found my muse for my latest novel.
- La danseuse classique est la muse du chorégraphe.The ballet dancer is the muse of the choreographer.
- Cette femme est sa muse.This woman is his muse.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are talking about his latest poem.
- GabrielJ'ai enfin terminé mon poème pour toi.I finally finished my poem for you.
- ManonC'est adorable, mais pourquoi moi ?That's sweet, but why me?
- GabrielParce que tu es ma muse, Manon.Because you are my muse, Manon.
- ManonJe suis flattée, Gabriel !I am flattered, Gabriel!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “muse” translations and entries muse, égérie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries égérie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
