nonne
/nɔn/feminine
The English phrase "nun" is translated into French as nonne. Wiktionary also lists religieuse and bonne sœur.
Meaning: member of a Christian religious community of women (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| nonne | /nɔn/ | feminine |
| religieuse | /ʁə.li.ʒjøz/ | feminine |
| bonne sœur | /bɔn sœʁ/ | feminine |
| nonnain | /nɔ.nɛ̃/ | feminine |
All the terms provided refer to a woman who is a member of a Christian religious community. Note that religieuse can also refer to an eclair, which is a type of pastry.
Which one should you use?
While nonne is the direct translation of the English word nun, religieuse is a more formal and respectful way to refer to a nun. In contrast, bonne sœur is a more colloquial or affectionate way to refer to a nun, often used in casual conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, the term bonne sœur is used to mean "good sister" or "nun".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of nonne is nonnes.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔn/
Did you know?
- In French, nonne can be used pejoratively to describe a woman who is perceived as overly austere, prudish or boring.
- The word nonne is a direct descendant of the Late Latin word nonna, which originally meant 'nurse' or 'grandmother'.
- While religieuse refers to a nun, it is also the name of a cream puff pastry consisting of two choux buns stacked with a small one on top.
Examples in context
- Êtes-vous une bonne sœur ?Are you a nun?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is a bonne sœur.Tatoeba #12683539 by Olcyx, translation #11897849 by CK
- Elle est nonne.She's a nun.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is a nonne.Tatoeba #2279078 by sacredceltic, translation #2276593 by Hybrid
- Ma tante, qui est religieuse, est tout le temps en train de prier.My aunt, who is a nun, is always praying.This sentence is useful for describing someone who is a religieuse.
- Elle est devenue une religieuseShe became a nun
- Les nonnes prient tous les joursThe nuns pray every day
- Ma sœur est devenue une nonneMy sister became a nun
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are discussing a book about history.
- NathanEst-ce que cette nonne est dans le livre ?Is this nun in the book?
- ChloéOui, elle est très célèbre.Yes, she is very famous.
- NathanC'est une nonne courageuse.She is a brave nun.
- ChloéElle a vécu une vie incroyable.She lived an incredible life.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nun” translations and entries nonne, religieuse, bonne sœur, nonnain, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nonnain, nonne, sœur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
