USA
/y.ɛs.a/masculine, plural
The phrase USA is a French abbreviation for the United States of America. Wiktionary also lists ÉUA.
Meaning: abbreviation of the United States of America (name)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| USA | /y.ɛs.a/ | masculine, plural |
| ÉUA | masculine, plural, rare |
This term is used as an abbreviation for the name of the country. In most contexts, it is treated as a masculine plural noun.
Which one should you use?
While USA is common in journalistic or casual contexts, the more standard and formal way to refer to the country is États-Unis.
How does it change in a sentence?
The abbreviation is almost always preceded by the definite article les. When you want to say 'in' or 'to' the USA, you must use the contraction aux (a combination of 'à' and 'les') because the abbreviation is a plural masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /y.ɛs.a/ across three syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, the adjective for things from the USA is américain, which can lead to ambiguity since it also refers to the entire continent of America.
- French speakers rarely use USA in spoken conversation, preferring to say les États-Unis even in casual settings.
- Although USA is plural, French speakers may use it with a singular verb in very specific journalistic contexts when referring to the country as a single political entity.
Examples in context
- On vend, aux USA, le beurre à la livre.Butter is sold by the pound in the USA.This sentence shows how to use USA when discussing how goods are sold.Tatoeba #4431322 by sacredceltic, translation #241316 by CK
- Le Japon fait beaucoup de commerce avec les USA.Japan does a lot of trade with the USA.This sentence demonstrates the use of USA in the context of international trade.Tatoeba #1464786 by sacredceltic, translation #1463515 by CK
- L'agressivité au volant est un sérieux problème aux USA.Road rage is a serious problem in the USA.This sentence illustrates how to use USA when discussing social problems.Tatoeba #3658809 by sacredceltic, translation #2573391 by VirtuOZ
- Je suis allé aux États-Unis d'Amérique l'année dernière.I went to the United States of America last year.
- J'ai prévu de partir en vacances aux States cet été.I plan on going on vacation to the States this summer.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing travel plans in a cafe.
- LéaTu aimerais partir faire un tour aux USA ?Would you like to go on a trip to the USA?
- GabrielOui, je rêve de visiter les USA depuis longtemps.Yes, I have been dreaming of visiting the USA for a long time.
- LéaGabriel, tu devrais regarder les prix des vols.Gabriel, you should look at the flight prices.
- GabrielC'est vrai, je vais vérifier ça dès maintenant.That's true, I will check that right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “usa” translations and entries USA, ÉUA, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
