États-Unis
/e.ta.z‿y.ni/masculine, plural
The English phrase "united states" is translated into French as États-Unis.
États-Unis refers to the country in North America. When you want to say you are in or going to the United States, you must use the preposition aux (e.g., aux États-Unis).
Meaning: country in North America (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a literal translation of "United States", where États means "States" and Unis means "United".
How does it change in a sentence?
The name is a masculine plural noun phrase, which requires the masculine plural article les. Because the name is plural, you must use the plural contraction aux (a combination of à + les) when expressing "to the" or "in the" United States.
How do you pronounce it?
/e.ta.z‿y.ni/
Did you know?
- While États-Unis is the name of the country, French speakers often use the term l'Amérique to refer specifically to the United States rather than the entire continent.
- In French, États-Unis is always plural, so you must use plural adjectives and verbs to describe the country, whereas English treats 'United States' as a singular entity.
- The term États-Unis is a 'calque', meaning it was created by translating the English words 'United States' directly into French rather than using an original French name.
Examples in context
- J'ai été aux États-Unis.I have been to the United States.This sentence is useful for expressing having visited the United States with États-Unis.Tatoeba #5403010 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #5403001 by AlanF_US
- Nous vivons aux États-Unis.We live in the United States.This sentence is useful for expressing living in the United States with États-Unis.Tatoeba #605872 by qdii, translation #464412 by lukaszpp
- New York est aux États-Unis.New York is in the United States.This sentence is useful for stating that a location is within the United States with États-Unis.Tatoeba #7477054 by theachaean, translation #5160171 by CarpeLanam
- Les États-Unis sont un pays situé en Amérique du Nord.The United States is a country located in North America.
- L'économie des États-Unis d'Amérique est la plus grande du monde.The economy of the United States of America is the largest in the world.
- J'ai prévu de partir aux US pour les vacances.I have planned to go to the US for the holidays.
- 244 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are discussing travel plans.
- GabrielTu veux voyager aux États-Unis ?Do you want to travel to the United States?
- LéaOui, j'adore les États-Unis.Yes, I love the United States.
- GabrielC'est un pays très grand.It is a very large country.
- LéaOn peut visiter beaucoup de choses.We can visit many things.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “united states” translations and entries États-Unis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries États-Unis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
