vague
/vaɡ/feminine
The French word for wave is vague. Wiktionary also lists flot.
Meaning: moving disturbance, undulation (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vague | /vaɡ/ | feminine |
| flot | /flo/ | masculine |
The word vague refers to a moving disturbance or an undulation. It is used to describe both physical water waves and abstract concepts, such as a wave of emotion.
Which one should you use?
While vague is used for both physical waves and abstract waves, the masculine noun flot refers to a flow or a surge.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun vague is feminine and is used with the feminine article une. The noun flot is masculine and requires the masculine article un.
How do you pronounce it?
/vaɡ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse the French noun vague (wave) with the French adjective vague, which means unclear or hazy. Although they are spelled the same, their meanings depend on the context of the sentence.
Did you know?
- The French noun vague actually traces its roots back to Old Norse, coming from the word vágr which meant 'sea'.
- While English speakers use 'wave' for both ocean swells and a hand gesture, the French word vague cannot be used for a physical wave made with your hand.
- In French literature and poetry, flot is often used to evoke a romantic or dramatic surge of water, whereas vague is more descriptive of the ocean's surface.
Examples in context
- Une vague géante inonda le canoë.A giant wave flooded the canoe.This sentence shows how to use vague for a physical water wave.Tatoeba #8954174 by Aiji, translation #3389769 by AlanF_US
- Une vague de tendresse la submergea.A wave of tenderness swept over her.This sentence illustrates the use of vague for an abstract wave of emotion.Tatoeba #11138899 by lbdx, translation #6108895 by OjisanSeiuchi
- Vague après vague déferlait sur la plage.Wave after wave surged upon the beach.This sentence demonstrates the repetitive use of vague to describe waves on a beach.Tatoeba #1159846 by sacredceltic, translation #282351 by Luornu
- Il m'a salué en agitant la main.He greeted me by waving his hand.
- Elle m'a dit au revoir en faisant un signe de la main.She said goodbye to me by waving her hand.
- Quand elle m'a vu, elle a fait coucou.When she saw me, she waved hello.
- Les enfants m'ont salué d'un geste de la main en partant.The children waved goodbye to me as they left.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are watching the ocean from a cliff.
- HugoRegarde cette grande vague là-bas.Look at that big wave over there.
- LéaOui, la vague est magnifique.Yes, the wave is magnificent.
- HugoEst-ce qu'une vague va nous atteindre ?Is a wave going to reach us?
- LéaNon, cette vague est trop loin.No, that wave is too far away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wave” translations and entries vague, flot, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries flot, vague, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
