unir
/y.niʁ/
The English verb 'unite' is translated into French as unir.
unir is a transitive verb meaning to bring together as one. You can also use the related noun union to express the concept of a union.
Meaning: (transitive) to bring together as one (verb)
Which one should you use?
The transitive form unir is used to unite something else, whereas the reflexive form s'unir is used when people or groups unite with one another or join forces.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used reflexively as s'unir, the meaning shifts to 'to unite with one another' or 'to join forces'.
How do you pronounce it?
/y.niʁ/
Did you know?
- The noun union is used in French to describe not just a political entity, but also a trade union, which is called un syndicat rather than une union.
- In French, the phrase faire bloc is often used as a more idiomatic way to say people are uniting or 'standing together' against an opponent.
- While unir means 'to unite', the French word for 'wedding' is union, which can specifically refer to the civil or religious ceremony that joins two people.
Examples in context
- Je pense que le monde s'unirait si j'étais le chef des États-Unis.I think the world would unite if I were the leader of the United States.This sentence shows a hypothetical use of unir.Tatoeba #9161029 by Julien_PDC, translation #8771254 by shekitten
- Le président a appelé la population à s'unir pour combattre la pauvreté et la maladie.The president called on the people to unite in fighting poverty and disease.This sentence demonstrates a call for people to use the reflexive s'unir to join forces.Tatoeba #1268307 by sacredceltic, translation #275900 by CK
- Les arabo-musulmans algériens détestent les Juifs et l'Occident, mais ils sont prêts à s'unir à Israël, à la France et aux États-Unis pour anéantir les Kabyles souverainistes et laïques.Algerian Arab-Muslims hate the Jews and the West, but they are ready to unite with Israel, France and the USA to annihilate the sovereignist and secular Kabyles.This sentence illustrates the use of s'unir in the context of groups joining together.Tatoeba #9830864 by Igider, translation #9511665 by Igider
- Les deux pays ont décidé d'allier leurs forces pour résoudre le problème.The two countries have decided to unite their forces to solve the problem.
- Le chef d'État souhaite rassembler la nation autour d'un objectif commun.The head of state wishes to unite the nation around a common goal.
- On se réunit tous les vendredis pour discuter de nos projets.We gather every Friday to discuss our projects.
- On s'est regroupés pour mettre en place une action solidaire.We gathered to organize a solidarity action.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are discussing a community project.
- ChloéNous devons unir nos efforts pour ce projet.We must unite our efforts for this project.
- NathanC'est une excellente idée, Chloé.That is an excellent idea, Chloé.
- ChloéCela va unir tout le quartier.It will unite the whole neighborhood.
- NathanJe suis tout à fait d'accord avec toi.I completely agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unite” translations and entries unir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
