The French word for “word” is un mot. Its plural is des mots, and the final t is silent in both forms. The word is masculine: un mot (“a word”), le mot (“the word”).
word = un mot
words = des mots
Meaning and Pronunciation
Mot means “word.” It is pronounced approximately moh; the final t is silent. Include the article when learning the noun because French nouns have grammatical gender; a in French explains un and une: un mot is masculine.
Meaning: a word
Singular and Plural
The written plural adds s: mot becomes mots. That final s is also silent, so the singular and plural usually sound alike. The article or surrounding words show whether the noun is singular or plural: un mot versus des mots.
Useful Phrases
- un mot — a word
- des mots — words
- un mot français — a French word
- mot de passe — password
- mot à mot — word for word
Different Ways to Use words
Core Meaning and Context
The central translation introduced above is the best place to start, but always read the surrounding sentence before choosing a word. A dictionary entry gives a useful equivalent; context shows which sense the speaker intends. Notice the subject, the action, and the words immediately before and after words. These clues help distinguish a literal meaning from a familiar phrase, and they prevent a translation from sounding awkward. When a word has more than one sense, compare the full examples rather than memorizing a single English gloss.
Common Sentence Patterns
Learn words as part of a short phrase instead of memorizing it alone. Pay attention to word order, articles, particles, verb forms, or grammatical endings in the examples. A form that works before one kind of word may need to change in another sentence. When you make your own example, keep the pattern simple and replace only one detail at a time; this makes it easier to see how the expression behaves. Reusing a complete pattern is usually more reliable than translating each word independently.
Choosing the Right Tone
Language choices also depend on who is speaking and the situation. A phrase used with friends may feel too casual in a work email, while a formal expression can sound stiff in relaxed conversation. The examples on this page show practical usage, but local habits vary by region and community. If you are unsure, choose a neutral expression and listen to how fluent speakers use it in comparable situations. The relationship between speakers can matter as much as the dictionary definition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is translating each English word separately and keeping English word order. Instead, identify the whole idea first, then use the natural construction in french. Also check spelling marks, capitalization, gender, number, and pronunciation where relevant. Read the complete sentence aloud once you have chosen a form. If it does not fit the context or sounds unlike the examples, revisit the meaning rather than forcing a direct one-to-one match. Keep a note of the phrase and its context so you can recognize when it applies again.
words in french: Quick Comparison
Use this quick guide to select the expression that fits the situation. The central translation is a useful starting point, while grammar and context determine the natural form.
| Situation | Check | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Basic meaning | The sense described above | Start with the direct equivalent. |
| Full phrase | Grammar and surrounding words | Match the complete construction. |
| Conversation | Relationship and formality | Choose a natural tone. |
| Writing | Spelling and standard form | Use the conventional written version. |
How to Pronounce words
Use the pronunciation guide and audio button near the top of the article. First listen without speaking, then repeat the word slowly and at a natural speed. Finally, practice it inside one of the example sentences. This last step matters because speech rhythm and neighboring sounds can change how a word feels when it is spoken naturally. Focus on the syllables and vowel sounds shown in the guide instead of relying only on English spelling.
For a short practice routine, say the word once by itself, repeat the complete phrase, and then use it in a new sentence. Keep the rhythm smooth; stressing every syllable equally can make a phrase sound unnatural. Listening and repeating the full example helps connect pronunciation with meaning and grammar.
Examples
- Comment dit-on ce mot en français? — How do you say this word in French?
- Je ne comprends pas ce mot. — I don’t understand this word.
- Elle connaît beaucoup de mots espagnols. — She knows many Spanish words.
- Écris ton nom et quelques mots. — Write your name and a few words.
Frequently Asked Questions About Words in French
Tap a question below to see the answer.
Is mot masculine or feminine?
Mot is masculine: un mot.
Do you pronounce the final t or s?
No. The final t in mot and final s in mots are silent.
How do you say password in French?
Password is mot de passe.
Summary: Words in French
“Word” is un mot, and “words” is des mots. Both forms sound alike because the final consonants are silent.
