rap
/ʁap/
The French verb rap means to speak lyrics in the style of rap music.
When referring to the music industry as a whole, people often use the borrowed expression Le rap game. To specify the genre within the context of France, you can use Le rap français.
Meaning: to speak lyrics in the style of rap music (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
As a regular -er verb, the third-person singular present form is rappe.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁap/
Did you know?
- Many French rappers use verlan, a type of slang where syllables are inverted, to create complex internal rhymes that are difficult for non-native speakers to decode.
- France is widely considered the second largest market for rap in the world, trailing only the United States.
- The expression poser un texte (to lay down a text) is a common way to say one is about to 'rap' or record lyrics.
Examples in context
- Tu aimes le rap ?Do you like rap?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's musical preferences regarding rap.Tatoeba #4165 by TRANG, translation #2310 by CK
- Le rap, c'est de la merde.Rap is crap.This sentence is useful for expressing a negative opinion about rap.Tatoeba #10134984 by Micsmithel, translation #29734 by zvzuibqx
- Le rap a évolué depuis les années 1970 et est devenu un genre musical influent dans le monde entier.Rap has evolved since the 1970s and has become an influential music genre worldwide.
- J'adore le rap français, en particulier les titres du rap game actuel.I love French rap, especially the tracks from the current rap game.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are talking about their hobbies.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu sais rap, Nathan ?Do you know how to rap, Nathan?
- NathanOui, j'apprends depuis un an.Yes, I have been learning for a year.
- ChloéC'est génial, montre-moi !That's great, show me!
- NathanD'accord, je vais rap un peu.Okay, I'll rap a little bit.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rap, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
