pays des merveilles
masculine
The English word "wonderland" is translated into French as pays des merveilles.
This term refers to an imaginary or real place that is full of wonder or marvels.
Meaning: Imaginary or real place full of wonder or marvels (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of pays (country or land), des (of the) and merveilles (marvels or wonders).
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun phrase, it is typically preceded by the definite article le to form le pays des merveilles.
When do people say it?
When referring specifically to the setting of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, the word Pays is often capitalized in French literary contexts.
Did you know?
- The word pays in pays des merveilles shares a common ancestor with the English word 'pagan', which originally referred to someone from a specific rural district.
- In French, the word pays can mean a whole nation or a small, rural province depending on the context.
- While pays des merveilles refers to a land of marvels, the French word merveille is the root of the English word 'marvel'.
Examples in context
- Alice a réellement existé, mais le pays des merveilles est un lieu fictif.Alice really existed, but Wonderland is a fictional place.This sentence is useful for noting the distinction between the real Alice and the fictional pays des merveilles.Tatoeba #9858684 by Micsmithel, translation #12317382 by Miktsoanit
- Alice pourra te dire qu'au Pays des merveilles, tout est sens dessus dessous.Alice will tell you that in Wonderland everything is topsy-turvy.This sentence is useful for describing the topsy-turvy nature of the pays des merveilles.Tatoeba #805712 by sacredceltic, translation #696938 by darinmex
- C'est tellement amusant d'imaginer un Pays des Rêves où tout est possible!It's so much fun to imagine a Wonderland where everything is possible!
- Ce parc d'attractions est un véritable pays des merveilles.This amusement park is a true wonderland.
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are walking through a beautiful botanical garden.
- ManonRegarde ces fleurs, c'est un pays des merveilles !Look at these flowers, it is a wonderland!
- LucasTu as raison, Manon, c'est magnifique.You are right, Manon, it is magnificent.
- ManonJe me sens comme dans un rêve ici.I feel like I am in a dream here.
- LucasC'est un endroit parfait pour une promenade.It is a perfect place for a stroll.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wonderland” translations and entries pays des merveilles, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries des, pays, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
