🇫🇷 How to say

“country” in French

pays
Illustration of "country" in a French cultural setting
A traveler looks at a large world map on a wall, their finger tracing a route across the green and brown shapes of different nations.

Usage note

"Pays" is the basic word for country and is used just like its English equivalent. It can mean both a nation-state and, more generally, one's homeland or native region.

Examples

  • La France est un beau pays.

    France is a beautiful country.

  • Je veux visiter un autre pays.

    I want to visit another country.

  • De quel pays viens-tu ?

    Which country are you from?

Quick check

What does "pays" mean?

  • A. country
  • B. foot
  • C. food
  • D. wind

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