pèlerinage
/pɛl.ʁi.naʒ/masculine
The English word "pilgrimage" is translated into French as pèlerinage.
The noun pèlerinage refers to a religious journey or a trip made to a sacred place. When expressing the act of undertaking such a journey, French speakers typically use the phrase faire un pèlerinage (to make/do a pilgrimage) rather than using the verb for going.
Meaning: religious journey, or one to a sacred place (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term pèlerinage is more commonly used in France.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
pèlerinage is a masculine noun. The related verb pèleriner means to go on a pilgrimage.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables: /pɛl.ʁi.naʒ/.
Did you know?
- Historically, French pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela often carried a bourdon, a long staff used for support and protection.
- France hosts one of the world's most famous sites of pèlerinage at Lourdes, where the act of visiting is often associated with the specific custom of drinking from the sanctuary's springs.
- The word pèlerin shares a linguistic root with the English word 'pilgrim', as both descend from the Latin 'peregrinus', meaning 'foreigner' or 'one from abroad'.
Examples in context
- Quel est le but d'une vie de pèlerinage ?What's the purpose of a life of pilgrimage?This sentence is useful for asking about the purpose of a life of pèlerinage.Tatoeba #1545582 by dominiko, translation #1210112 by marcelostockle
- Tom a fait un pèlerinage.Tom made a pilgrimage.This sentence is useful for stating that someone has made a pèlerinage.Tatoeba #2044109 by jcgillet, translation #1513225 by Spamster
- Le pèlerinage à Lourdes est un événement religieux majeur pour les catholiques.The pilgrimage to Lourdes is a significant religious event for Catholics.
- Les pèlerinages sont souvent associés à des lieux religieux importants comme La Mecque ou Jérusalem.Pilgrimages are often associated with significant religious places like Mecca or Jerusalem.
- Ils préparent un grand pèlerinage en Italie.They are preparing a great pilgrimage to Italy.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are discussing their future travel plans.
- LucasJe veux faire un pèlerinage l'année prochaine.I want to go on a pilgrimage next year.
- EmmaC'est une excellente idée, Lucas !That is an excellent idea, Lucas!
- LucasOù penses-tu que je devrais aller ?Where do you think I should go?
- EmmaLourdes est un lieu de pèlerinage important.Lourdes is an important pilgrimage site.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pilgrimage” translations and entries pèlerinage, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pèlerinage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
