sud
/syd/masculine
The French word for south is sud. Wiktionary also lists midi.
Meaning: compass point (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sud | /syd/ | masculine |
| midi | /mi.di/ | masculine |
sud is a masculine noun used to refer to the compass point. When referring to a specific geographical region as a proper noun, such as the South of France, Sud is often capitalized.
Which one should you use?
While sud is the standard term for the compass point, midi is frequently used in a more colloquial or traditional sense to refer to the south of France.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Southwest of France, the term Sud-Ouest is used to refer to the southwestern region, while Sud-Est is used to indicate the southeastern region of France.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say something is located to the south of a specific place, use the construction au sud de. When talking about travelling south, use the preposition vers followed by le sud.
How do you pronounce it?
/syd/
Did you know?
- The French word sud was actually borrowed from the Old English word 'sūþ'.
- While 'sud' is the compass point, the word 'midi' refers to the south because it originally meant 'midday', the time when the sun is highest in the sky.
- In France, le Midi is not just a direction but a cultural identity associated with Provence and the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Examples in context
- Nice est au sud.Nice is to the south.This sentence shows the use of sud to indicate direction.Tatoeba #3260262 by nimfeo, translation #3260263 by sundown
- Ziri vit au Sud.Ziri lives in the south.This sentence shows the use of the capitalized Sud as a proper noun for a region.Tatoeba #11838039 by Amastan, translation #10764450 by Amastan
- Il doit venir du Sud.He must be from the South.This sentence shows the use of the capitalized Sud to describe someone's place of origin.Tatoeba #133066 by nimfeo, translation #302139 by CM
- Je voyage vers le sud de la France.I am traveling towards the south of France.
- Cette recette est typiquement méridionale .This recipe is typically southern.
- On part en vacances dans le Midi cet été.We're going on vacation to the South of France this summer.
- J'aime les spécialités du Sud-Ouest de la France.I love the specialties from the southwestern region of France.
- Les plages de la France du Sud-Est sont magnifiques.The beaches in the southeastern part of France are beautiful.
- 131 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are looking at a map of France.
- EmmaOù se trouve Marseille ?Where is Marseille located?
- LucasC'est dans le sud de la France.It is in the south of France.
- EmmaEst-ce qu'il fait chaud là-bas ?Is it hot there?
- LucasOui, le sud est très ensoleillé.Yes, the south is very sunny.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “south” translations and entries sud, midi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries midi, sud, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
