banane
/ba.nan/feminine
The English word "banana" is banane in French.
banane is a feminine noun used to refer to the edible fruit.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the noun is feminine, the indefinite article must be the feminine form 'une' rather than the masculine 'un'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ba.nan/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French slang, the word banane is used to describe a smile. The expression avoir la banane means to be grinning from ear to ear or to be very happy.
- The French word banane was not borrowed directly from an African language, but arrived in France via Portuguese explorers who had first adopted the term from a Niger-Congo language.
- A banane is also a common French term for a fanny pack or waist bag. This is because the shape of the bag resembles the curve of the fruit.
Examples in context
- Je suis une banane.I am a banana.This sentence shows how to use banane with the verb 'to be'.Tatoeba #3682721 by Rovo, translation #3682681 by Vortarulo
- Je mange ta banane.I'm eating your banana.This sentence shows how to use banane with a possessive adjective.Tatoeba #5247105 by martin9, translation #11094971 by ddnktr
- Carotte ou banane ?Carrot or banana?This sentence shows how to use banane in a choice between two items.Tatoeba #8659345 by Micsmithel, translation #7319734 by MarijnKp
- Je voudrais acheter une banane.I would like to buy a banana.
- J'ai acheté des bananes au marché.I bought some bananas at the market.
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are in the kitchen looking at a fruit bowl.
- ChloéIl reste une banane ?Is there a banana left?
- LucasOui, elle est sur la table.Yes, it is on the table.
- ChloéTu veux la manger ?Do you want to eat it?
- LucasNon, je préfère une pomme.No, I prefer an apple.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “banana” translations and entries banane, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries banane, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
