Paris
/pa.ʁi/masculine
Paris is the French name for the capital of France.
Paris refers to the capital city of France. In poetic or descriptive contexts, you may encounter several nicknames for the city, such as La Ville Lumière (The City of Light), La Capitale de la Mode (the fashion capital) or La Ville de l'Amour (The City of Love). Other famous landmarks associated with the city include La Tour Eiffel (The Eiffel Tower) and the famous avenue Les Champs-Élysées.
Meaning: capital of France (name)
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate that someone is in or going to the city, use the preposition à before the name, forming à Paris.
How do you pronounce it?
/pa.ʁi/
When do people say it?
Paris is organized into 20 administrative districts known as arrondissements.
Did you know?
- The city's nickname La Ville Lumière originally referred to the city's early installation of street lamps to reduce crime, rather than its romantic atmosphere.
- The name Paris comes from the Parisii, a Celtic Gaulish tribe that settled on the banks of the Seine river long before the Romans arrived.
- The city's arrondissements are arranged in a spiral shape, often described by locals as looking like a snail's shell.
Examples in context
- Il est à Paris.He's in Paris.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone is in Paris.Tatoeba #6480157 by GB3, translation #6170057 by CarpeLanam
- Je suis à Paris.I am in Paris.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are in Paris.Tatoeba #1082487 by Julien_PDC, translation #1098336 by cntrational
- Tom vit à Paris.Tom lives in Paris.Tatoeba #8741673 by Julien_PDC, translation #6063591 by Hybrid
- Je voyage à Paris le mois prochain.I am traveling to Paris next month.
- Tu es déjà allé(e) à Paname ?Have you been to Paname before?
- 441 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing their travel plans.
- HugoTu veux aller à Paris ?Do you want to go to Paris?
- ManonOui, j'adore Paris.Yes, I love Paris.
- HugoC'est une ville magnifique.It is a magnificent city.
- ManonOui, Hugo, c'est vrai.Yes, Hugo, it's true.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paris” translations and entries Paris, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Paris, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
