inconnu
/ɛ̃.kɔ.ny/
The English phrase "unknown" is translated into French as inconnu.
inconnu is an adjective meaning "not known". It can also be used as a noun to refer to a fact or a place. Additionally, in the context of algebra, the feminine form inconnue refers to a variable whose value is to be found.
Meaning: not known (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the prefix in- (not) and connu (known, which is the past participle of connaître).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form changes to match the gender and number of the noun it modifies: use inconnu for masculine singular, inconnue for feminine singular, inconnus for masculine plural and inconnues for feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛ̃.kɔ.ny/
Did you know?
- In certain legal contexts, a person whose identity is not established is referred to as X, mirroring the algebraic inconnue.
- In French literature and film, an inconnu often refers to a mysterious stranger, whereas in English, 'unknown' usually describes a fact or a person's fame.
- If a French speaker describes a person as un inconnu, they aren't just saying the person is not famous, but that they are a complete stranger.
Examples in context
- Son nom était inconnu.Her name was unknown.This sentence is useful for describing a name that is not known using inconnu.Tatoeba #133842 by Micsmithel, translation #1636645 by GeeZ
- Le mobile est inconnu.The motive is unknown.This sentence is useful for stating that a motive is unknown using inconnu.Tatoeba #11988526 by lbdx, translation #5748150 by CM
- Leur sort demeure inconnu.Their fate is still unknown.This sentence is useful for saying a fate remains unknown using inconnu.Tatoeba #12803095 by lbdx, translation #9101606 by CK
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are looking at an old painting in a museum.
- LéaTu connais le peintre ?Do you know the painter?
- GabrielNon, c'est un artiste inconnu.No, he is an unknown artist.
- LéaC'est dommage, son style est magnifique.That's a shame, his style is magnificent.
- GabrielOui, c'est un talent inconnu.Yes, it is an unknown talent.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unknown” translations and entries inconnu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
