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naissance
/nɛsɑ̃s/
birth
La naissance de son enfant a été un moment très émouvant.
The birth of her child was a very moving moment.
formal
The act of being born or the process of giving birth.
La naissance d'un enfant est un événement important dans la vie.
The birth of a child is an important event in life.
Can refer to both the birth of a child and the act of giving birth.
formal
The beginning or origin of something.
La naissance de cette idée remonte à plusieurs années.
The origin of this idea dates back several years.
Used metaphorically to describe the origin of concepts, movements, or events.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Usage
'Naissance' is more formal than 'accouchement'. Use 'naissance' in official or literary contexts, and 'accouchement' in everyday conversations about childbirth.
Gold Rule
Gender Agreement
'Naissance' is a feminine noun, so adjectives and articles must agree in gender and number (e.g., 'une naissance difficile').
Word Origin
From Old French 'naissence', from Latin 'nascēns, nascēntis' (present participle of 'nāscor' meaning 'to be born').
Usage Notes
In formal contexts, 'naissance' can refer to both the act of birth and the origin of something. In everyday language, 'naissance' is often used interchangeably with 'accouchement' (childbirth).
Word Breakdown
naiss
birth
root-ance
action or state
suffixDictionnaire Français-Anglais