sans nom
/sɑ̃ nɔ̃/
The English phrase "no name" is translated into French as sans nom.
sans nom is used to describe someone or something that does not have a name.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition sans (without) and the noun nom (name).
How does it change in a sentence?
sans nom functions as an adjective phrase and is invariable. It does not change its form regardless of whether the noun it modifies is masculine, feminine, singular or plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/sɑ̃ nɔ̃/
Did you know?
- While sans nom means 'no name', the French phrase nom d'une pipe is a common, mild exclamation of surprise similar to 'good grief'.
- In French, describing something as sans nom is often used hyperbolically to describe an emotion or horror that is so intense it is 'indescribable'.
- The preposition sans was formed when the Latin word sine merged with absentia in early French.
Examples in context
- Le bâtiment situé au bout de la rue est anonyme, il est simplement appelé "La Maison Sans Nom."The building located at the end of the street is anonymous, it is simply called 'The No Name House.'
- J'ai reçu un courrier d'un expéditeur inconnu sans nom ou adresse.I received a letter from an unknown sender without a name or address.
- Le témoin de l'accident est resté anonyme et est enregistré comme "Personne Non Identifiée" dans le rapport de police.The witness of the accident remained anonymous and is recorded as 'Unidentified Person' in the police report.
- C'est un plat sans nom.It is a dish without a name.
- Elle a écrit un poème sans nom.She wrote a nameless poem.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are looking at an old, unmarked book in a library.
- LucasRegarde ce vieux livre sans nom.Look at this old nameless book.
- EmmaIl est très mystérieux, ce livre sans nom.This nameless book is very mysterious.
- LucasPeut-être qu'il est sans nom par choix.Maybe it is nameless by choice.
- EmmaC'est possible, Lucas.That's possible, Lucas.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sans nom, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nom, sans, CC BY-SA 4.0.
