Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nations Unies | /na.sjɔ̃.z‿y.ni/ | feminine, plural |
| Organisation des Nations Unies | /ɔʁ.ɡa.ni.za.sjɔ̃ de na.sjɔ̃.z‿y.ni/ | feminine |
This phrase refers to the international coalition known as the United Nations. You may also see it used in the phrase une initiative des Nations Unies to mean "an initiative of the United Nations".
What does it mean word for word?
The term Nations Unies is a literal translation where Nations means "Nations" and Unies is the feminine plural adjective for "United".
Which one should you use?
Nations Unies is the standard shorthand for the organization. The full name Organisation des Nations Unies is the complete title used in more official settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal, official or legal contexts, use the full name Organisation des Nations Unies. You can also use the abbreviation ONU for Organisation des Nations Unies.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Nations Unies is feminine plural, the preposition à (to/at/for) contracts with the definite article les to become aux when expressing working for or being at the UN, as in aux Nations Unies. Additionally, the preposition de (of) contracts with the definite article les to become des when referring to something belonging to or originating from the UN, such as in des Nations Unies.
How do you pronounce it?
4 syllables: /na.sjɔ̃.z‿y.ni/
Did you know?
- In French, the word nation can refer to an ethnic group or a people, not just a sovereign state, adding a layer of cultural identity to the phrase Nations Unies.
- The French word unies comes from the verb unir, which is a cognate of the English word 'unit' and 'unite'.
- The abbreviation ONU is so common in French that it is often used as a noun in its own right, whereas English speakers almost always use the abbreviation 'UN'.
Examples in context
- Tom travaille aux Nations Unies.Tom works for the United Nations.This sentence shows how to use Nations Unies when saying someone works for the organization.Tatoeba #7695180 by Maxence, translation #2540759 by CK
- Il était ambassadeur aux Nations Unies.He was ambassador to the United Nations.This sentence demonstrates the use of Nations Unies when describing an ambassador to the organization.Tatoeba #3597366 by Littleben, translation #803178 by Source_VOA
- Le pays a demandé l'aide des Nations Unies.The country appealed to the United Nations for help.This sentence illustrates how to use Nations Unies when a country appeals to the organization for help.Tatoeba #11276048 by lbdx, translation #47866 by orcrist
- Les Nations Unies jouent un rôle crucial dans le maintien de la paix mondiale.The United Nations plays a crucial role in maintaining global peace.
- L'ONU fait beaucoup pour l'aide humanitaire dans le monde.The UN does a lot for humanitarian aid around the world.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing global news.
- NathanAs-tu lu le rapport des Nations Unies ?Did you read the United Nations report?
- ManonOui, c'est très préoccupant, Nathan.Yes, it is very worrying, Nathan.
- NathanLe monde a besoin des Nations Unies.The world needs the United Nations.
- ManonJe suis d'accord avec toi, Manon.I agree with you, Manon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “united nations” translations and entries Nations Unies, Organisation des Nations Unies, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
