alliance
/a.ljɑ̃s/feminine
In French, the term for wedding ring is alliance.
The word alliance is a noun used to refer specifically to the ring that symbolizes a marriage.
Meaning: a ring symbolizing marriage (noun)
Which one should you use?
While une bague refers to any type of ring, such as an engagement ring or a piece of fashion jewelry, une alliance refers specifically to a wedding ring.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun alliance is feminine, which means you must use feminine articles and adjectives with it, such as une belle alliance. To form the plural, use les alliances.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.ljɑ̃s/
Did you know?
- The term alliance is also used in political and military contexts to describe a formal agreement between nations.
- The word alliance comes from the verb 'allier', which means 'to unite' or 'to ally'.
- In France, it is traditional to wear the alliance on the ring finger of the left hand, although this varies by region in other French-speaking countries.
Examples in context
- Sami a mis son alliance.Sami put on his wedding ring.This sentence shows how to use alliance when talking about putting a ring on.Tatoeba #6386243 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #6386233 by OsoHombre
- Il a enlevé son alliance.He took off his wedding ring.This sentence shows how to use alliance when talking about taking a ring off.Tatoeba #11230764 by lbdx, translation #7391389 by CH
- Elle a enlevé son alliance.She took her wedding ring off.Tatoeba #11967310 by lbdx, translation #7391378 by CH
- Est-ce que tu as vu sa bague de mariage ?Have you seen her wedding ring?
- J'ai acheté une alliance magnifique pour notre mariage.I bought a beautiful wedding ring for our wedding.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is looking at their jewelry in a shop.
- ChloéCette alliance est très belle.This wedding ring is very beautiful.
- HugoElle te va très bien, Chloé.It suits you very well, Chloé.
- ChloéMerci, Hugo. Est-ce que tu l'aimes ?Thank you, Hugo. Do you like it?
- HugoOui, elle est parfaite.Yes, it is perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wedding ring” translations and entries alliance, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alliance, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
