Terre-Neuve
/tɛʁ.nœv/feminine
Newfoundland in French is Terre-Neuve.
Terre-Neuve is the name of the island off the coast of Eastern Canada. It can also refer to the breed of dog, known as a chien de Terre-Neuve or terre-neuve.
Meaning: Island off the coast of Eastern Canada (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The name is a literal translation of 'Newfoundland', composed of terre (land) and neuve (new).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador is sometimes used to refer to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador as a whole.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When saying one is 'from Newfoundland', use the preposition de directly before the name without an article, as in de Terre-Neuve.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables: /tɛʁ.nœv/.
Did you know?
- In French, the adjective neuve is used for 'new' land instead of nouvelle, as neuf refers to something that is brand new or unused.
- The name Terre-Neuve is not an original French discovery, but a direct translation of the Portuguese name 'Terra Nova'.
- If you are talking about the breed of dog rather than the island, the word terre-neuve can be written entirely in lowercase.
Examples in context
- « Êtes-vous américain ? » « Je suis canadien. » « D'où ? » « De Terre-Neuve. »"American?" "Canadian." "Where from?" "Newfoundland."This sentence is useful for practicing how to state that you are from Terre-Neuve.Tatoeba #12255637 by menaud, translation #6078230 by OsoHombre
- La province de Terre-Neuve est réputée pour sa beauté naturelle.The province of Newfoundland is renowned for its natural beauty.
- Elle part en vacances à Terre-Neuve.She is going on vacation to Newfoundland.
- Terre-Neuve est une belle île.Newfoundland is a beautiful island.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing their travel plans.
- ChloéOù vas-tu en vacances, Hugo ?Where are you going on vacation, Hugo?
- HugoJe vais à Terre-Neuve avec ma famille.I am going to Newfoundland with my family.
- ChloéC'est loin du Québec !That is far from Quebec!
- HugoOui, mais je veux voir les icebergs.Yes, but I want to see the icebergs.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “newfoundland” translations and entries Terre-Neuve, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Terre-Neuve, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
