relation
/ʁə.la.sjɔ̃/feminine
The French word for relationship is relation.
While relation can refer to a romantic or sexual involvement, it is often used in a more formal or abstract sense to describe the connection between two entities or concepts.
Meaning: romantic or sexual involvement (noun)
Which one should you use?
In many contexts, relation describes a connection or link. To specify a romantic relationship and avoid ambiguity, French speakers often use the phrase relation amoureuse. The term rapport can be used to refer to a professional relationship or a connection between individuals based on a specific context in formal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word relation is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ʁə.la.sjɔ̃/. It has 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use relation to mean a romantic relationship, but in French, relation most commonly refers to a connection or link between things, whereas relation amoureuse or couple is more natural for romance.
Did you know?
- To describe a romantic relationship that is not officially a 'couple', French speakers might use une liaison, which often implies a secret or illicit affair.
- In French, the term relation can be used in the plural relations to refer to one's professional network or social contacts, similar to the English word 'connections'.
- The term relation descends from the Latin relātiōnem, which originally referred to the act of reporting or bringing a matter back to someone.
Examples in context
- Leur relation se détériore.Their relationship is deteriorating.This sentence shows how a relationship can decline.Tatoeba #7809653 by Aiji, translation #7194636 by AlanF_US
- Une seule relation me suffit.One relationship is enough for me.This sentence expresses a preference for having only one relationship.Tatoeba #8537465 by Aiji, translation #5099149 by AlanF_US
- Ziri était dans une relation.Ziri was in a relationship.This sentence describes someone being in a relationship.Tatoeba #11756615 by Amastan, translation #10243484 by Amastan
- 83 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are talking about their dating lives.
- LéaTu cherches une relation sérieuse ?Are you looking for a serious relationship?
- GabrielOui, je veux une relation stable.Yes, I want a stable relationship.
- LéaC'est difficile de trouver une bonne relation.It is difficult to find a good relationship.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord avec toi, Léa.I agree with you, Léa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “relationship” translations and entries relation, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries relation, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
