Néo-Zélandais
masculine
The French term for 'new zealander' is Néo-Zélandais.
The term Néo-Zélandais is used to describe a person from New Zealand or someone of New Zealand descent. It can also function as an adjective to describe things relating to New Zealand.
Meaning: a person from New Zealand or of New Zealand descent (noun)
Which one should you use?
As a noun, Néo-Zélandais refers to the person themselves, whereas as an adjective, it describes something pertaining to the country.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canada, the variation néo-zélandien can be used to mean New Zealander.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number. To refer to a female New Zealander, use the feminine form Néo-Zélandaise, which is created by adding an 'e' to the masculine form. To refer to a group of New Zealanders (masculine or mixed gender), add an 's' to the masculine form to get Néo-Zélandais.
Did you know?
- While Néo-Zélandais is the standard term, the name of the country Nouvelle-Zélande comes from the Dutch city of Zeeland, meaning 'low land'.
- In France, the adjective zélandais is occasionally used as a shorthand, but using it without the Néo- prefix can sometimes confuse speakers with residents of the Dutch province of Zeeland.
- When using Néo-Zélandais as a noun to refer to a person, the first letter is capitalized, but if you use it as an adjective, such as in un vin néo-zélandais, the first letter remains lowercase.
Examples in context
- L'ambassadeur néo-zélandais a assisté à la conférence.The New Zealand ambassador attended the conference.
- Jean est un kiwi super cool.Jean is a super cool New Zealander.
- Je suis allé en vacances avec deux kiwis .I went on vacation with two New Zealanders.
- C'est un Néo-Zélandais très sympathique.He is a very friendly New Zealander.
- Mon voisin est un Néo-Zélandais.My neighbor is a New Zealander.
- Le premier Néo-Zélandais est arrivé.The first New Zealander has arrived.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are talking about their new colleague.
- NathanC'est qui le nouveau collègue ?Who is the new colleague?
- LéaIl s'appelle Mark, il est Néo-Zélandais.His name is Mark, he is a New Zealander.
- NathanAh, il vient de quelle ville ?Oh, which city is he from?
- LéaIl vient d'Auckland.He comes from Auckland.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “new zealander” translations and entries Néo-Zélandais, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Néo-Zélandais, CC BY-SA 4.0.
