public
/py.blik/
The English word 'public' is translated into French as public.
As an adjective, public describes something that is able to be known or seen by everyone. The word public can also be used as a noun to refer to the members of the community or the people in general.
Meaning: able to be known or seen by everyone (adj)
Which one should you use?
When used as an adjective meaning 'public', the spelling is identical to the English word, but the pronunciation is different.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective public changes based on gender and number: the feminine form is publique, the plural form is publics and the feminine plural form is publiques.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of public is /py.blik/.
Did you know?
- The French use public to describe a 'public' house or 'public' space, but they rarely use it for 'public' transport, preferring transports en commun (common transport).
- A service public in France refers to a vast network of state-run essential services, including transport and health, which is a core pillar of the French social model.
- While the English 'public' remains unchanged as a noun, the French public refers specifically to an audience, such as the 'public' watching a concert.
Examples in context
- Il surprit le public.He took the public by surprise.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use the noun form of public.Tatoeba #578069 by sacredceltic, translation #300289 by CM
- Ne jure pas en public.Don't swear in public.Tatoeba #1268072 by gillux, translation #240479 by CK
- Ils priaient en public.They were praying in public.Tatoeba #11837998 by Amastan, translation #8414684 by Amastan
- Le gouvernement s'adresse au public pour obtenir son opinion.The government addresses the public to obtain their opinion.
- 176 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing a park in the city.
- HugoEst-ce que ce jardin est public ?Is this garden public?
- ManonOui, c'est un espace public.Yes, it is a public space.
- HugoIl est très beau, ce lieu public.This public place is very beautiful.
- ManonC'est vrai, tout le monde l'apprécie.It's true, everyone appreciates it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “public” translations and entries public, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
