nymphe
/nɛ̃f/feminine
The English word nymph is translated into French as nymphe.
In a mythological context, nymphe refers to a spirit of the water, forest or mountain.
Meaning: mythology: water, forest or mountain spirit (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun nymphe is feminine, which means it is preceded by feminine articles such as la or une.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɛ̃f/
Did you know?
- In French biology, nymphe refers to a juvenile stage of certain insects, such as dragonflies, that undergo incomplete metamorphosis.
- The French word nymphe shares a root with the word nymphéas, which is the French term for water lilies.
- The French word maintains a very classical, high-register feel, meaning it is rarely used in casual-spoken French outside of literature or art.
Examples in context
- Les nymphes des bois étaient décrites comme des créatures gracieuses et mystérieuses.The nymphs of the woods were described as graceful and mysterious creatures.
- Dans la mythologie grecque, les nymphes étaient souvent associées à la nature et aux cours d'eau.In Greek mythology, nymphs were often associated with nature and watercourses.
- Cette nymphe protège la source.This nymph protects the spring.
- On raconte l'histoire d'une nymphe de la forêt.They tell the story of a forest nymph.
- La nymphe vit dans les montagnes.The nymph lives in the mountains.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are looking at a painting in a museum.
- HugoRegarde cette peinture, c'est une nymphe.Look at this painting, it is a nymph.
- LéaElle a l'air très paisible, Hugo.She looks very peaceful, Hugo.
- HugoElle représente l'esprit de la nature.She represents the spirit of nature.
- LéaJ'adore le style de cette œuvre.I love the style of this work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nymph” translations and entries nymphe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
