impie
/ɛ̃.pi/
The English word 'unholy' can be translated into French as impie.
impie is used to describe something that is not holy or is evil. While it can mean 'unholy' in a religious sense, it is more frequently used to mean 'impious' or 'lacking reverence' in a moral or religious context.
Meaning: not holy, evil (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
use impiés for the masculine plural and impiës for the feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛ̃.pi/
Did you know?
- Unlike English, where 'unholy' can be used as an intensifier for a large number, such as 'an unholy amount', French would use démesuré or colossal.
- The root of impie comes from the Latin word pius, which originally described the duty of a son to his father rather than just religious piety.
- In some historical contexts, being impie was not just a religious failing but a legal crime against the state in France.
Examples in context
- La profanation de cette église est un acte impie.The desecration of this church is an unholy act.
- Cet autel a été utilisé pour des pratiques profanes.This altar was used for unholy practices.
- Ces lieux sont maudits, il est préférable de ne pas y entrer.These places are unholy/cursed, it's better not to enter.
- Son comportement est d'une nature blasphématoire.His behavior is of an unholy/disrespectful nature.
- C'est un acte impie.It is an impious act.
- Il a des pensées impies.He has impious thoughts.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are discussing a dark legend.
- ChloéC'est une histoire vraiment impie.It is a truly unholy story.
- NathanTu penses que c'est vrai, Chloé ?Do you think it is true, Chloé?
- ChloéJe ne sais pas, mais c'est effrayant.I don't know, but it is scary.
- NathanMoi aussi, je suis inquiet, Nathan.I am worried too, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unholy” translations and entries impie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries impie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
