superpuissance
/sy.pɛʁ.pɥi.sɑ̃s/
The French word for superpower is superpuissance.
In French, superpuissance is used for a geopolitical superpower, whereas the English meaning of a fictional extraordinary ability is expressed as super-pouvoir. It is a common mistake to use superpuissance to describe a superhero's ability.
Meaning: fictional extraordinary ability (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of super- (super) and puissance (power/might).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of superpuissance is superpuissances.
How do you pronounce it?
/sy.pɛʁ.pɥi.sɑ̃s/ (4 syllables)
Did you know?
- While super-pouvoir describes a comic book ability, the word puissance is also used in French mathematics to describe exponents, such as 'two to the power of three'.
- The word puissance shares a root with the English word 'puissant', an archaic term for powerful that is rarely used today.
- In French law and history, puissance refers not just to strength but to legal authority or sovereignty, making superpuissance as much about jurisdiction as it is about force.
Examples in context
- La Chine est une superpuissance.China is a superpower.This sentence shows how to identify a country as a superpuissance.Tatoeba #11040815 by Amastan, translation #7809732 by Amastan
- La Chine est devenue une superpuissance.China has become a superpower.This sentence demonstrates the use of superpuissance when describing a change in status.Tatoeba #11040847 by Amastan, translation #7809733 by Amastan
- Les États-Unis veulent devenir l'unique superpuissance dans le monde.United States want to be the World unique superpower.This sentence illustrates the use of superpuissance in a global context.Tatoeba #2352787 by Amastan, translation #2881802 by Popolon
- La Chine est considérée comme une superpuissance économique mondiale.China is considered a global economic superpower.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are talking about a comic book movie.
- GabrielQuelle superpuissance voudrais-tu avoir ?What superpower would you want to have?
- ChloéJe voudrais avoir la superpuissance de voler.I would like to have the superpower of flying.
- GabrielMoi, je préfère l'invisibilité comme superpuissance.Me, I prefer invisibility as a superpower.
- ChloéC'est un choix très utile, Gabriel !That is a very useful choice, Gabriel!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry superpuissance, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
