années vingt
feminine, plural
The phrase "twenties" in French is translated as années vingt. Wiktionary also lists années 20.
Meaning: the decade of the 1920s (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| années vingt | feminine, plural |
| années 20 | feminine, plural |
This phrase refers specifically to the decade of the 1920s. To say "to be in one's twenties" (referring to a person's age), you would use the expression Être dans la vingtaine.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase années vingt is composed of années (years) and vingt (twenty).
How does it change in a sentence?
In writing, it is common to use the full year les années 1920 to refer specifically to the 1920s, though années vingt remains the standard spoken form.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use vingt ans to refer to the decade. While vingt ans means twenty years of age, années vingt is the correct term for the historical decade.
Did you know?
- In French, the 'Roaring Twenties' are called les années folles, which translates literally as 'the crazy years'.
- The word vingt contains a silent 'g' that was actually added back into the spelling in Middle French to reflect its Latin roots, even though it is not pronounced.
- The term vingtaine can be used to describe any group of approximately twenty people or things, not just a person's age in their twenties.
Examples in context
- Il a la trentaine et elle a la vingtaineHe is in his thirties and she is in her twenties
- Les étudiants de la vingtaine sont souvent à la recherche de nouvelles opportunitésStudents in their twenties are often looking for new opportunities
- J'ai rencontré des gens sympathiques dans la vingtaineI met some nice people in their twenties
- Il a une vingtaine d'années et travaille dans le domaine de la finance.He is in his twenties and works in the field of finance.
- Dans la vingtaine, les Québécois aiment faire du camping.In their twenties, Quebecers enjoy camping.
- Elle aimait la mode des années vingt.She loved the fashion of the twenties.
- Ce film parle des années vingt.This movie is about the twenties.
- La musique des années vingt est entraînante.The music of the twenties is catchy.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are discussing a history project at a cafe.
- ChloéTu aimes l'esthétique des années vingt ?Do you like the aesthetic of the twenties?
- GabrielOui, c'est une période très élégante.Yes, it is a very elegant period.
- ChloéJe veux l'utiliser pour mon projet.I want to use it for my project.
- GabrielC'est une excellente idée, Chloé.That is an excellent idea, Chloé.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “twenties” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vingt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
