sultan
/syl.tɑ̃/masculine
The French word for sultan is sultan. If unsure, use sultan. Wiktionary also lists soudan.
Meaning: ruler (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sultan | /syl.tɑ̃/ | masculine |
| soudan | masculine |
sultan is a masculine noun meaning ruler. Le sultan refers to the leader of an Islamic state, historically used in countries such as the Ottoman Empire.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /syl.tɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- In French, the term sultan can be used metaphorically to describe someone who behaves like an absolute ruler in their private life or workplace.
- The term is an exotic loanword that entered the French language via Ottoman Turkish, bypassing much of the Latin-based vocabulary used for European monarchs.
- While it describes a historical ruler, the word can also be found in older French literature to evoke a sense of 'orientalism' or exoticism rather than strictly political authority.
Examples in context
- Le sultan de l'Empire ottoman était connu pour sa grande influence sur le commerce et la politique.The sultan of the Ottoman Empire was known for his great influence on trade and politics.
- Le sultan règne sur ce pays.The sultan rules over this country.
- Le sultan porte des vêtements riches.The sultan wears rich clothes.
- Le palais du sultan est immense.The sultan's palace is immense.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are looking at a history book in a library.
- NathanRegarde cette illustration du sultan.Look at this illustration of the sultan.
- ManonIl a l'air très puissant.He looks very powerful.
- NathanEst-ce que le sultan vivait ici ?Did the sultan live here?
- ManonOui, il habitait dans ce château.Yes, he lived in this castle.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sultan” translations and entries sultan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sultan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
