Winnipeg
/wi.ni.pɛɡ/
Winnipeg is the French name for the capital of Manitoba.
You can use it in phrases such as Je vais à Winnipeg (I'm going to Winnipeg) or Connaissez-vous Winnipeg? (Do you know Winnipeg?).
Meaning: capital of Manitoba (name)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /wi.ni.pɛɡ/.
Did you know?
- Early French accounts recorded the name as Ouinipigon, a phonetic adaptation used by explorers like La Vérendrye.
- Even though the name is of Indigenous origin, when it appears in French texts, it is treated as a masculine noun, which influences how adjectives like grand or ancien are used to describe it.
- While many French place names are adapted to French phonetics, Winnipeg is one of the few where French speakers typically adopt the English pronunciation rather than forcing a Gallicised version.
Examples in context
- Standardiste, je désirerais appeler Winnipeg, mais j'ai oublié le numéro.Operator, I'd like to place a call to Winnipeg, Canada, but I can't quite remember the number.This sentence shows how to express the desire to place a call to Winnipeg.Tatoeba #390317 by Scott, translation #30981 by papabear
- J'ai un ami qui habite à Winnipeg.I have a friend who lives in Winnipeg.
- Le vol pour Winnipeg est très cher.The flight to Winnipeg is very expensive.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are talking about their upcoming vacation.
- NathanOù vas-tu pour tes vacances, Emma ?Where are you going for your vacation, Emma?
- EmmaJe pars en voyage à Winnipeg.I am taking a trip to Winnipeg.
- NathanC'est super ! Tu y vas quand ?That's great! When are you going?
- EmmaJe pars pour Winnipeg lundi prochain.I leave for Winnipeg next Monday.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “winnipeg” translations and entries Winnipeg, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Winnipeg, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
