Univers
/y.ni.vɛʁ/masculine
The English phrase 'universe' is translated into French as Univers.
Univers refers to the sum of everything that exists. When referring specifically to the physical cosmos as a proper noun, it is often written with a capital letter as l'Univers.
Meaning: sum of everything that exists (name)
Which one should you use?
Note that in French, the word univers is spelled with an 's' at the end even in its singular form. This may be confusing for English speakers who expect an 's' to function only as a plural marker.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Because univers begins with a vowel, the definite article le elides to l’ in the phrase l'univers.
How do you pronounce it?
/y.ni.vɛʁ/
Did you know?
- The word univers is built from the Latin root 'vertere', which means 'to turn', implying the cosmos is something 'turned into one'.
- In French, you can speak about l'univers de quelqu'un, which refers to a person's unique psychological or emotional interiority.
- While l'univers is the general term, French speakers use le cosmos specifically to emphasize the universe as an ordered and harmonious system.
Examples in context
- Quel âge a l'univers ?How old is the universe?This sentence is useful for asking about the age of the Univers.Tatoeba #890829 by sacredceltic, translation #682266 by Source_VOA
- L'univers est sans limite.The universe is endless.This sentence describes the infinite nature of the Univers.Tatoeba #9433721 by Micsmithel, translation #682267 by Source_VOA
- Quel est l'âge de l'univers ?What's the age of the universe?This sentence is another way to ask about the age of the Univers.Tatoeba #1215561 by sacredceltic, translation #1215290 by Scott
- L'espace est mystérieux, l'univers est vaste.Space is mysterious, the universe is vast.
- Le cosmos fascine les astronomes du monde entier.The universe fascinates astronomers worldwide.
- 159 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are looking at a star map.
- NathanL'univers est vraiment immense.The universe is truly immense.
- EmmaOui, et il est magnifique.Yes, and it is beautiful.
- NathanTu aimes observer l'univers ?Do you like observing the universe?
- EmmaC'est ma passion, Nathan.It is my passion, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “universe” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry univers.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries univers, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
