nature
/na.tyʁ/feminine
The English word 'nature' is translated into French as nature.
The term nature refers to the natural world and its order. In formal discussions, scientific contexts or academic writing, you may see the phrase La Nature used. If you wish to discuss the protection and preservation of the environment, the word L'environnement is used. To specifically encompass ecosystems, landscapes and non-human living beings, you can use Le monde naturel, which means 'the natural world'. For describing untouched or untamed environments, use La nature sauvage (wild nature). If you are talking about the experience of being outside and enjoying the outdoors, the idiomatic expression Le grand air is used. Related terms include arbre (tree), fleur (flower) and montagne (mountain).
Meaning: the natural world and its order (noun)
Which one should you use?
In English, 'nature' is often used without an article, but in French, you must use the definite article 'la' when referring to the natural world in a general sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun nature is feminine. When referring to the natural world in a general sense, the noun must be preceded by the definite article la, as in la nature.
How do you pronounce it?
/na.tyʁ/
When do people say it?
To express the idea of going outside to enjoy nature, the French use the idiom prendre un bol d'air frais, which literally translates to 'to take a bowl of fresh air'.
Did you know?
- The word nature is used in the phrase en nature to describe a payment made in goods or services instead of money.
- The French word naturelle is frequently used to describe a 'plain' or 'standard' version of a food item, such as a yogurt without fruit.
- In French, the phrase est-ce que c'est naturel can refer to both the natural world and whether a person's behavior is authentic or genuine.
Examples in context
- Dieu ou la nature.God or nature.This sentence contrasts God and nature.Tatoeba #1175993 by Sibelius, translation #2163107 by MethodGT
- La nature est belle.Nature is beautiful.This sentence illustrates the use of the definite article with nature.Tatoeba #2264049 by sacredceltic, translation #2239323 by Hybrid
- J'aime la mère nature.I love mother nature.This sentence shows the use of the phrase 'mother nature'.Tatoeba #537752 by sacredceltic, translation #535871 by kroko
- 198 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are walking through a forest.
- HugoLa nature est calme ici.Nature is calm here.
- EmmaOui, c'est magnifique.Yes, it is magnificent.
- HugoOn sent la force de la nature.We can feel the force of nature.
- EmmaC'est vrai, Hugo.That is true, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nature” translations and entries nature, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
