Parisien
/pa.ʁi.zjɛ̃/masculine
The English phrase "parisian" refers to a person from Paris, translated into French as Parisien.
Parisien is used as a noun to describe someone from Paris. It can also function as an adjective, written in lowercase as parisien, to mean "of Paris".
Meaning: someone from Paris (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use the masculine form Parisien when referring to a man or a mixed-gender group of Parisians. Use the feminine form Parisienne when referring specifically to a woman.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun changes based on gender and number: Parisienne is the feminine singular form, and parisiens is the masculine plural form. Note that when using the plural form Parisien(ne)s, the final 's' is silent.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /pa.ʁi.zjɛ̃/ and consists of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- While Parisien simply means someone from Paris, the term is often used by other French people as a subtle stereotype for someone perceived as arrogant, stressed or impatient.
- In French, the word Parisienne is used as a fashion term to describe a specific effortless, chic style that is admired worldwide.
- While Parisien is the literal term for a resident, people from the broader metropolitan region are called Franciliens after the Île-de-France region.
Examples in context
- C'est un Parisien.He's a Parisian.This sentence is useful for identifying a man as a Parisian using Parisien.Tatoeba #794960 by U2FS, translation #794970 by U2FS
- Hier, j’ai rencontré un Parisien à Londres.Yesterday, I met a Parisian in London.This sentence shows how to describe meeting a Parisian using Parisien.
- Les policiers parisiens, dit-il, sont extrêmement habiles à leur façon. Ils sont persévérants, ingénieux, rusés et très savants du type de connaissance que semble principalement requérir leurs fonctions."The Parisian police," he said, "are exceedingly able in their way. They are persevering, ingenious, cunning, and thoroughly versed in the knowledge which their duties seem chiefly to demand."This sentence uses the adjective form parisiens to describe the police.Tatoeba #711228 by Scott, translation #711222 by Scott
- Jean est un vrai Parisien.Jean is a true Parisian.
- Les Parisiens sont connus pour leur élégance.The Parisians are known for their elegance.
- Les habitants de Paris sont fiers de leur ville.The inhabitants of Paris are proud of their city.
- Damien est un vrai Parisien – il connaît tous les meilleurs restaurants.Damien is a true Parisian – he knows all the best restaurants.
- Les Parisiens sont vraiment sympas.Parisians are really nice.
- Les Parisiens du coin savent toujours où trouver les meilleurs croissants.The locals from Paris always know where to find the best croissants.
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are talking about a new neighbor.
- LucasEst-ce que ton nouveau voisin est un Parisien ?Is your new neighbor a Parisian?
- LéaOui, c'est un Parisien très sympathique.Yes, he is a very friendly Parisian.
- LucasIl aime beaucoup Paris, alors ?He loves Paris a lot, then?
- LéaAbsolument, il adore sa ville.Absolutely, he loves his city.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “parisian” translations and entries Parisien, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
