What does ce in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word ce in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use ce in French.

The word ce in French means this, that, works council, Year 3, Year 3 pupil, Year 3, Year 4, Year 4 pupil, Year 4, in that case, to date, as of today's date, at that moment, at that very moment, in that case, if that is the case, to that degree, to that extent, speaking of which, it would seem to me, it would appear, according to him, according to his version of events, as far as I know, as far as I know, as far as I can see, as far as I can tell, it is said that, at this rate, at this pace, at this tempo, at this speed, at this stage, in this respect, to this end, from that moment, from that moment on, from then on, thereafter, henceforth, expect to do, it, That's what I heard., We'll see about that!, It didn't pay off!, You have a point, There's a long way to go, It's just not my thing, It's not my cup of tea, it's not my thing, You don't have to be a genius, About time! About time too!, for what it's worth, this time, the latter, in doing so, it was a pleasure, today, that day, on that day, today midday, today noon, You can't teach an old dog new tricks, it's not OK to do, it's not exactly the lap of luxury, it's incredible! that's incredible!, unbelievable!, I can't afford it, how unlucky, I wouldn't say no, that's unlucky, that's bad luck, That'll be the day!, That'll be the day!, it's not cheap, that's not cheap, It's hardly a luxury, I wouldn't rule it out, It's not there just for ornament!, It's not over yet!, We haven't won yet!, it's no big deal, no big deal, no sweat, it's not so bad, it's not that I don't want to, it's not the end of the world, it's not asking the impossible, it's not asking that much, it's not the end, Don't bother doing , Don't worry about doing, it's more scared of you than you are of it, that's not how we do things here, This is not the time/moment!, it's not Eldorado, the streets aren't paved in gold, that is not me, that is not my kind of thing, that is not me, he is not my type, she is not my type, it's not really my department, that's not really my department, it's not just anyone, it's not just anybody, it's unthinkable, it's just as well, unbelievable!, you have to be kidding me!, it's not very sensible, that's not very sensible, It's no small achievement, no small matter, no mean feat, this/that/it reminds you of, you can't be serious, it's just a joke, It's none of your business!, it hasn't fallen on deaf ears, not every day can be Sunday, It's about time!, it's not a crime! it's hardly a crime!, it's no mean feat, it's no easy task, that makes no difference, that doesn't make a difference, that doesn't make any difference, that's no reason to do , that's not a reason to do, it's no life!, that's no life!, Living It Up, it's only a bad memory now, it's only goodbye for now, it's only goodbye for a little while, Auld Lang Syne, it's only a formality, another time, let's do it another time, we'll do it another time, it's nothing, don't worry about it, It's not the end of the world., better not, best not. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word ce

this

adjectif (celui-là)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Ce livre et cet album sont vendus 10 euros.
This book and that album are being sold for 10 euros.

that

pronom (cela)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")
Ce fut un peu juste, mais c'est passé quand même. C'est difficile mais je vais y arriver.
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. It's a close thing, but I think we'll make it.

works council

nom masculin invariable (abr (Comité d'Entreprise)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Les CE offrent des prestations à prix réduit.
Works councils offer discounted services.

Year 3

nom masculin invariable (abr (Cours Élémentaire 1e année) (UK, equivalent)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Mon fils a 7 ans : il finit le CP et l'année prochaine, il entrera en CE1.
My son is 7 years old; he is finishing Year 2 and next year he'll go into Year 3.

Year 3 pupil, Year 3

nom masculin et féminin invariable (élève de cette classe) (UK, equivalent)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Les CE1 ont Madame Martin comme institutrice.
The Year 3 pupils have Mrs Martin as their teacher.

Year 4

nom masculin invariable (abr (Cours Élémentaire 2e année) (UK, equivalent)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Ma fille a 8 ans : elle va entrer en CE2.
My daughter is 8; she is going into Year 4.

Year 4 pupil, Year 4

nom masculin et féminin invariable (élève de cette classe) (UK, equivalent)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Les CE2 ont Monsieur Denis comme instituteur.
The Year 4 pupils have Mr Dennis as their teacher.

in that case

(familier (si c'est comme ça)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À ce compte-là, je préfère m'en aller.

to date, as of today's date

locution adverbiale (jusqu'à aujourd'hui)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À ce jour, 57438 personnes nous ont rejoints.
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. We have not yet received payment of our invoice dated 3 February.

at that moment, at that very moment

locution adverbiale (à cet instant précis) (past)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À ce moment-là, mes amis ont surgi dans la pièce et m'ont souhaité un bon anniversaire. Refaisons un point le mois prochain et décidons de ce que nous ferons à ce moment-là.
Let's take stock again next month and decide what to do at that point.

in that case, if that is the case

locution adverbiale (familier (dans ce cas-là)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Oui ben, à ce moment-là on peut aussi y aller à pied ! À ce moment-là, mieux vaut attendre les soldes !
Well yes, if that is the case we can also go on foot! In that case, it would be better to wait for the sales!

to that degree, to that extent

locution adverbiale (tant que ça)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Je ne savais pas qu'ils se connaissaient à ce point.
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. I had no idea she was that famous.

speaking of which

locution adverbiale (d'ailleurs)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
– Malheureusement, Sophie a toujours mal au genou. – À ce propos, ta cheville va mieux ?
"Unfortunately, Sophie's knee is still hurting." "Speaking of which, is your ankle better?"

it would seem to me

(selon moi)

it would appear

(d'après la rumeur)

according to him, according to his version of events

(selon lui)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À ce qu'il prétend, il n'était pas au courant.

as far as I know

(à ma connaissance)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À ce que je sache, il travaille toujours à Londres.

as far as I know

(d'après mes informations)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À ce que je sais, l'homme est parti par le train de 18h.
As far as I know, the man left on the 6 pm train.

as far as I can see, as far as I can tell

(visiblement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À ce que je vois, tu ne fais pas grand-chose.
It doesn't look to me like you're doing much.

it is said that

(selon, d'après ce qui est dit)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

at this rate

locution adverbiale (de cette façon-là)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À ce régime, elle va gravir tous les échelons en un rien de temps.

at this pace, at this tempo, at this speed

locution adverbiale (à cette vitesse-là)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

at this stage

locution adverbiale (à cette étape-là)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

in this respect

locution adverbiale (en tant que tel)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le ministre signa, à ce titre, la loi du Parlement.
The minister signed the act of parliament in this respect.

to this end

(pour cette raison)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
L'entraîneur prépare la finale et prévoit à ce titre un exercice spécifique.
The coach is preparing the finale and, to this end, is planning a specific exercise.

from that moment, from that moment on, from then on

locution adverbiale (après ce moment)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À partir de ce moment-là, Martine n'a plus jamais été la même.

thereafter, henceforth

locution adverbiale (figuré (cela étant connu) (formal)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
À partir de ce moment-là, on peut révéler le but de l'opération.

expect to do

verbe pronominal (prévoir)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
J'ai été surprise par la réaction de Simon ; je ne m'attendais pas du tout à ce qu'il réagisse comme ça !
I was surprised by Simon's reaction; I really didn't expect him to react like that!

it

pronom (ce : cela, ceci)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")
C'est faux, il ment !

That's what I heard.

(familier (c'est ce que dit la croyance populaire) (rumor)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

We'll see about that!

(Cela ne se passera pas comme cela)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

It didn't pay off!

(figuré (c'est peu gratifiant) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

You have a point

(c'est bien vrai)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

There's a long way to go

(familier (rien n'est sûr)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Quand j'entends des commentaires sexistes comme ça, je me dis que l'égalité hommes-femmes, c'est pas gagné ! // Il ne reste plus qu'à convaincre le patron pour lancer le projet, mais ça, c'est pas gagné !

It's just not my thing

(familier (ce n'est pas ce que j'aime)

It's not my cup of tea

locution verbale (figuré (ce n'est pas ce que j'aime)

it's not my thing

(familier (ce n'est pas ce que j'aime) (colloquial)

You don't have to be a genius

(familier (c'est facile)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

About time! About time too!

interjection (familier (Enfin ! Il était temps !) (informal)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Il a enfin compris comment se servir de cette machine à café, c'est pas trop tôt !

for what it's worth

(c'est tout ce que je peux proposer)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Je te suggère de peindre en jaune. Enfin, ça vaut ce que ça vaut.
For what it's worth, I think you should paint it yellow.

this time

locution adverbiale (familier (cette fois-ci)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Contrairement à la dernière fois, ils ont prévenu ce coup-ci.

the latter

(personne citée précédemment)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Le Président chinois a reçu son homologue russe ; ce dernier était accompagné d'une interprète.
The Chinese premier met with his Russian counterpart; the latter was accompanied by an interpreter.

in doing so

(en faisant cela)

it was a pleasure

(formule de politesse)

today

nom masculin (aujourd'hui)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

that day, on that day

locution adverbiale (le jour dont on parle)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Je ne pourrai pas venir ce jour-là, je serai à l'hôpital.
I will not be able to come that day; I will be in hospital.

today midday, today noon

locution adverbiale (aujourd'hui à midi)

Oscar a rendez-vous ce midi avec un nouveau client.

You can't teach an old dog new tricks

(Pas la peine d'expliquer !)

it's not OK to do

(c'est mal de) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
En classe, ce n'est pas bien de répondre à la maîtresse.

it's not exactly the lap of luxury

(ce n’est pas luxueux)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
C'est une chambre d'hôtel classique, ce n'est pas Byzance.

it's incredible! that's incredible!

(familier (c'est insensé !)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Le coup de vent souffla la forêt, ce n'est pas croyable !

unbelievable!

(familier (c'est inadmissible !)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Le téléphone est encore coupé, ce n'est pas croyable !

I can't afford it

(c'est trop cher)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

how unlucky

(Dommage !)

I wouldn't say no

(volontiers)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Vous reprendrez bien un peu de café ? Ce n'est pas de refus.

that's unlucky, that's bad luck

(familier (quelle malchance)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

That'll be the day!

(familier (ce n'est pas près d'arriver) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

That'll be the day!

(familier (ce n'est pas près d'arriver) (informal)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

it's not cheap, that's not cheap

(c'est cher) (expensive)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Tu as vu le prix de cette robe ? Ce n'est pas donné !

It's hardly a luxury

(c'était nécessaire)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Je me suis enfin acheté de nouvelles chaussures. Ce n'est pas du luxe vu que mon ancienne paire avait des trous.

I wouldn't rule it out

locution verbale (c'est envisageable)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Vivre en région parisienne ? Non, ce n'est pas exclu !

It's not there just for ornament!

(familier (reproche : Il faut s'en servir !)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It's not over yet!, We haven't won yet!

(rien n'est sûr)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

it's no big deal, no big deal, no sweat

locution verbale (cela ne fait rien) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ce n'est qu'une assiette cassée, ce n'est pas grave.
It's just a broken plate; it's no big deal.

it's not so bad

locution verbale (il y a pire)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ta maman est partie pour trois jours, ce n'est pas grave, ne pleure plus.
Your mum will only be gone for three days. It's not so bad; don't cry.

it's not that I don't want to

(j'ai bien envie de faire [qch])

I'd like to, but I just haven't got time this week.

it's not the end of the world

(Ce n'est pas si grave que ça) (colloquial)

it's not asking the impossible, it's not asking that much

(familier (ce n'est pas si difficile, long)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's not the end

(Il y a largement pire !) (colloquial)

Don't bother doing , Don't worry about doing

(c'est inutile)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ce n'est pas la peine de débarrasser. Je m'en chargerai.
Don't bother clearing up. I'll deal with it.

it's more scared of you than you are of it

(familier (cela ne te fera pas de mal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

that's not how we do things here

(ce n'est pas dans nos habitudes)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

This is not the time/moment!

(pas maintenant)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Excuse-moi, je suis en plein dans mes comptes, ce n'est pas le moment de me parler de ta nouvelle voiture.

it's not Eldorado, the streets aren't paved in gold

(ce n'est pas glorieux) (colloquial)

that is not me, that is not my kind of thing

(ce n'est pas dans mes habitudes)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

that is not me

(ça ne me ressemble pas)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

he is not my type, she is not my type

(ce n'est pas mon type de personne)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's not really my department, that's not really my department

(je n'y connais rien) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Que veux-tu que je te dise ? Ce n'est pas mon rayon.

it's not just anyone, it's not just anybody

(c'est [qqn] d’important)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Fais l'effort de te déplacer, ce n'est pas n'importe qui, c'est le président !

it's unthinkable

(ce n'est pas croyable)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Que ce garçon ait pu agir de la sorte, ce n'est pas pensable.

it's just as well

(Finalement, c'est mieux comme ça)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

unbelievable!

(c'est incroyable !)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Ce n'est pas possible ! Encore un pneu crevé.

you have to be kidding me!

(c'est inadmissible !) (informal)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Ce bazar, ce n'est pas possible ! Rangez-moi cette chambre.

it's not very sensible, that's not very sensible

(c'est déraisonnable)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Roulez avec une voiture dans un tel état, ce n'est pas prudent.

It's no small achievement, no small matter, no mean feat

(Ce n'est pas négligeable !)

this/that/it reminds you of

(cela rappelle [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

you can't be serious

(c'est déraisonnable)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Arrêter tes études pour devenir clown ? Ce n'est pas sérieux.

it's just a joke

(c'est pour rire)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Non, ce n'est pas vrai, ce n'est pas sérieux.

It's none of your business!

(familier (Cela ne te regarde pas)

it hasn't fallen on deaf ears

(c'est bien compris) (colloquial)

not every day can be Sunday

(on ne fait pas la fête tous les jours)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It's about time!

(Enfin !) (informal)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

it's not a crime! it's hardly a crime!

(ce n'est pas grave)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ne pas vouloir participer à cette réunion, ce n'est pas un crime !

it's no mean feat, it's no easy task

(familier (c'est complexe à gérer)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

that makes no difference, that doesn't make a difference, that doesn't make any difference

locution verbale (cela ne justifie rien)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Je sais que tes copines peuvent aller à la fête de Kevin mais ce n'est pas une raison. Toi, tu n'iras pas.

that's no reason to do , that's not a reason to do

locution verbale (cela ne justifie pas [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Je sais que tu es déçue de ne pas avoir eu ton permis, mais ce n'est pas une raison pour me crier dessus ; je n'y suis pour rien, moi.

it's no life!, that's no life!

(quelle triste vie)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Une famille de six personnes habite dans ce studio ; ce n'est pas une vie ! Travailler 7 jours sur 7, 12 heures par jour, ce n'est pas une vie !

Living It Up

nom propre (film américain) (comedy movie)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Ce n'est pas une vie est un film relatant la vie d'un cheminot qui rêve de visiter New York.

it's only a bad memory now

(c'est enfin terminé)

it's only goodbye for now, it's only goodbye for a little while

(nous nous reverrons)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Auld Lang Syne

(chanson) (song)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

it's only a formality

(c'est aisé à faire)

another time, let's do it another time, we'll do it another time

(événement : ça ne fait que repousser)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Désolé, je ne peux pas venir jouer au foot avec vous samedi, mais ce n'est que partie remise ! // Nous n'avons pas pu aller au ski cette année à cause de mon accident, mais ce n'est que partie remise.

it's nothing

(réponse polie à un remerciement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

don't worry about it

(réponse polie à des excuses)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

It's not the end of the world.

(ce n'est pas si grave que cela) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

better not, best not

(refus poli) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
- Encore un peu de champagne ? - Non, merci, ce ne serait pas raisonnable !

Let's learn French

So now that you know more about the meaning of ce in French, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in French.

Do you know about French

French (le français) is a Romance language. Like Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, it comes from popular Latin, once used in the Roman Empire. A French-speaking person or country can be called a "Francophone". French is the official language in 29 countries. French is the fourth most spoken native language in the European Union. French ranks third in the EU, after English and German, and is the second most widely taught language after English. The majority of the world's French-speaking population lives in Africa, with about 141 million Africans from 34 countries and territories who can speak French as a first or second language. French is the second most widely spoken language in Canada, after English, and both are official languages at the federal level. It is the first language of 9.5 million people or 29% and the second language of 2.07 million people or 6% of the entire population of Canada. In contrast to other continents, French has no popularity in Asia. Currently, no country in Asia recognizes French as an official language.