même
/mɛm/masculine
The English word "same" is translated into French as même.
The adjective même is used to describe things that are not different as regards self. Identical. It is typically preceded by a definite article like le, la or les.
Meaning: not different as regards self, identical (adj)
Which one should you use?
While même emphasizes identity (the exact same thing), pareil often implies similarity or being "just like" something else. The word identique is a formal translation for "same" emphasizing exact similarity.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, même is widely used to convey the meaning of "same" both formally and informally.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective même is invariable in gender, meaning it is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. When used as an adjective to mean "the same", même takes an 's' in the plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɛm/
Did you know?
- While même means 'same', if you want to say 'even' as in 'even a child could do it', you use the exact same word: même un enfant peut le faire.
- In French, placing même after a noun, such as in moi-même, changes its function from 'same' to 'self', creating words like 'myself' or 'himself'.
- The word même is a linguistic relative of the English word 'self' through its Latin roots, which emphasized the concept of 'the very same' or 'the very self'.
Examples in context
- J'ai le même âge.I am the same age.This sentence is useful for stating that your age is identical to someone else's when using même.Tatoeba #2681591 by Micsmithel, translation #259716 by CK
- C'est le même vin.It's the same wine.This sentence is useful for identifying a specific identical item, such as wine, using même.Tatoeba #5466001 by alexisslay, translation #5465169 by CK
- Ça revient au même.That comes to the same thing.This sentence is useful for saying that a situation results in the same outcome using même.Tatoeba #2083256 by sacredceltic, translation #2083135 by halfb1t
- Ces deux tableaux sont identiques.These two paintings are identical.
- Nous avons les mêmes centres d'intérêt.We both have the same interests.
- Nous avons le même problème.We have the same problem.
- 1232 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are looking at two identical shirts in a store.
- EmmaRegarde, c'est le même modèle.Look, it is the same model.
- GabrielOui, il est très beau.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- EmmaTu veux le même que moi ?Do you want the same one as me?
- GabrielNon, je préfère une autre couleur.No, I prefer a different color.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “same” translations and entries même, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries même, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
