What does un in French mean?

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

The word un in French means a, an, one, one, one, one of them, one of, one, number one, one, for a good price, at a good price, at one point, at some point, See you someday!, a stone's throw from , a stone's throw away from, at a point, at some point, at some point or another, when the time comes, with a high level of knowledge, with a high level of expertise, a stone's throw, approach a problem short-sightedly, look at a problem from too narrow a perspective, come to a compromise, grant an appointment, give an appointment, be cautiously optimistic, remain cautiously optimistic, call a name, fit like a glove, be a love, be a darling, be a sweetie, be an angel, a lovely , a sweet , a darling, call a spade a spade, say it like it is, call a spade a spade, not mince your words, hand to on a platter, hand to on a plate, begin to answer, after a while, audit 's accounts, get a smile out of , force a smile out of, arrive at, come at the worst possible moment, arrive like a bull in a china-shop, secure an area, make somewhere secure, reach a goal, achieve a goal, reach a critical point, expect a baby, expect a baby, be expecting a happy event, Wait a second!, Wait a minute!, get sunburned, catch a cold, after a while, It's like pissing into the wind, someone else, another, another, with a bit of luck, be tightfisted, Click!, Bingo!, Eureka!, be very funny, be hilarious, be scared of the slightest thing, be afraid of the slightest thing, have more than one trick up your sleeve, have an air of superiority, eat like a horse, could eat a horse, eat like a bird, have the advantage over, be stuck-up, be very lucky, have a lot of luck, be good at drawing, be a big eater, be a good cyclist, be good at art, be basically a good person, be proficient in , have a good standard of, have a skeleton in the closet, have a thorn in your side, be resilient, have a criminal record, have a frog in your throat, lisp, be a hopeless romantic, have a heart of stone, be so kind and generous, have the body of a goddess, look like a goddess, have a bit of the [noun] about you, be one step ahead, be drunk, feel tired all of a sudden, feel down, feel depressed, be taken with, fall madly in love with, feel weak, feel tired all of a sudden, feel peckish, have the annoying habit of doing, be gifted at , have a gift for, have doubts, have the right to scrutinize , have the right to examine, have a moment of clarity, hit a snag, have a soft spot for, be partial to, look a little like, be tied down, have a fit of the giggles, have a dodgy knee, have a decided taste for, taste of, have a taste of, have a smoky taste, be moreish, have a screw loose, have a big heart. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word un

a, an

(détermine genre, nombre)

(indefinite article: a, an)
J'ai vu un chien trop mignon dans la rue. Un verre plein est toujours mieux qu'un verre vide.
I saw such a cute dog in the street. // A full glass is always better than an empty one!

one

adjectif (chiffre 1)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
J'ai acheté une jupe et trois chemisiers. Ce bonbon m'a coûté un euro.
I bought a skirt and three blouses.

one

nom masculin invariable (chiffre 1) (number)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Un est le nombre qui suit le zéro.
One is the number that comes after zero.

one, one of them

pronom (une personne) (person)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Les deux frères se sont séparés : l'un est parti à gauche et l'autre à droite.
The two brothers split up; one went left and the other went right.

one of

(un parmi)

Un des 3 témoins ment. // Une de ces routes mène au col.
One of the three witnesses is lying. // One of these roads leads to the pass.

one, number one

adjectif (premier)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
La candidate a opté pour la solution numéro une.
The candidate chose answer number one.

one

adjectif (qui ne peut être divisé)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
La vérité est une.
The truth is one.

for a good price, at a good price

locution adjectivale (à un prix intéressant)

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

at one point, at some point

locution adverbiale (à un moment donné)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Notre conversation fut interrompue à un certain moment par une visite inopinée.

See you someday!

interjection (À un de ces jours !)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Au revoir, à un de ces quatre !

a stone's throw from , a stone's throw away from

(pas très loin de) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
L'hôtel se situe à un jet de pierre de la plage.
The hotel is a stone's throw from the beach.

at a point

locution adverbiale (après un certain temps)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

at some point

locution adverbiale (au bout d'un moment)

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

at some point or another

(d'ici quelque temps)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
À un moment ou à un autre, tu devras choisir.

when the time comes

locution adverbiale (à un instant donné)

with a high level of knowledge, with a high level of expertise

locution adverbiale (avec des connaissances pointues)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Les stagiaires à un niveau avancé pourront facilement intégrer ce service.

a stone's throw

locution adverbiale (figuré (pas très loin) (figurative)

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

approach a problem short-sightedly, look at a problem from too narrow a perspective

locution verbale (négliger la vue d'ensemble)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Afin de parvenir à une solution rapide, le directeur aborda le problème par le petit bout de la lorgnette causant colère et incompréhension dans tout le service.

come to a compromise

locution verbale (trouver un arrangement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

grant an appointment, give an appointment

locution verbale (accorder une date d'entretien)

be cautiously optimistic, remain cautiously optimistic

locution verbale (être légèrement confiant)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Les médecins, malgré des signes encourageants, affichent un optimisme prudent concernant l'état du patient.

call a name

locution verbale (péjoratif (nommer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

fit like a glove

locution verbale (être seyant)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Je trouve que cette chemise te va comme un gant !

be a love, be a darling, be a sweetie, be an angel

locution verbale (être adorable, gentil) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Oh, tu m'apportes le petit déjeuner au lit pour mon anniversaire : tu es un amour !
Oh, you've brought me breakfast in bed for my birthday; you're a love!

a lovely , a sweet , a darling

nom masculin ([qqn] de très gentil)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Hugo est tellement gentil, c'est un amour de petit garçon.
Hugo is so nice; he's a lovely little boy.

call a spade a spade

locution verbale (figuré (ne pas euphémiser) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

say it like it is, call a spade a spade, not mince your words

(appeler les choses par leur nom)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ne soyons pas hypocrites, appelons un chat un chat, cet homme est invivable.

hand to on a platter, hand to on a plate

locution verbale (figuré (mâcher un travail à [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

begin to answer

locution verbale (commencer à expliquer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
L'examen des boîtes noires apportera un début de réponse au crash de l'appareil.

after a while

locution verbale (après un temps indéterminé)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Après un certain temps, on maîtrise mieux son travail.

audit 's accounts

verbe transitif (vérifier les comptes)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Le comptable est en train d'apurer les comptes.

get a smile out of , force a smile out of

(arriver à faire sourire [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ma fille était d'humeur chagrine et j'ai eu du mal à lui arracher un sourire.

arrive at

verbe intransitif (parvenir à destination) (place)

Nous arriverons à l'hôtel à 2 h.
We'll arrive at the hotel at 2 o'clock.

come at the worst possible moment

locution verbale (figuré (être inattendu)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Cette remarque arrive un peu comme un cheveu sur la soupe.

arrive like a bull in a china-shop

locution verbale (figuré (être mal reçu) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

secure an area, make somewhere secure

locution verbale (empêcher les intrusions)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Les militaires sont venus assurer la sécurité de la zone de catastrophe.

reach a goal, achieve a goal

locution verbale (réussir)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

reach a critical point

locution verbale (atteindre un seuil de rupture)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Il est mal en point : ses résultats d'analyses ont véritablement atteint un point critique.

expect a baby

locution verbale (femme : être enceinte)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

expect a baby

locution verbale (couple, homme : avoir sa femme enceinte)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. The couple couldn't wait to tell their family and friends that they were expecting.

be expecting a happy event

locution verbale (attendre un bébé) (euphemism)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ma fille attend un heureux événement pour le mois de mai.

Wait a second!, Wait a minute!

interjection (Au fait !)

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

get sunburned

locution verbale (avoir la peau brûlée par le soleil)

Pour ne pas attraper de coup de soleil, mieux vaut éviter d'aller à la plage entre midi et 4 heures.

catch a cold

locution verbale (prendre froid)

Louis s'est préparé un grog car il a attrapé un rhume.

after a while

locution adverbiale (après un certain temps)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

It's like pissing into the wind

(Cela ne sert à rien.) (vulgar)

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

someone else

pronom (autre personne)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")
Vous devez vous tromper, vous me prenez pour un autre.
You must be mistaken; you have taken me for another.

another

pronom (une chose différente)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")
Tu n'aimes pas ce pull : tu en veux un autre ?
So you don't like this sweater; do you want another?

another

pronom (une chose supplémentaire)

(pronoun: Replaces noun--for example, "He took the cookie and ate it." "I saw you yesterday.")
Ce gâteau était bon : je peux en avoir un autre ?
That cookie was good; can I have another one?

with a bit of luck

locution adverbiale (en étant chanceux)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Avec un peu de chance, j'aurai mon train à l'heure.

be tightfisted

locution verbale (familier (être radin, avare)

Click!, Bingo!, Eureka!

locution verbale (comprendre subitement)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Quand j'ai vu tous ces SDF un soir de pluie, c'est là que j'ai eu le déclic et que j'ai décidé de créer mon association. Soudain, j'ai eu un déclic et j'ai su ce qu'il fallait faire.
Suddenly, something clicked, and I knew what needed to be done.

be very funny, be hilarious

locution verbale (familier, ironique (tenter d'être drôle sans succès) (ironic)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be scared of the slightest thing, be afraid of the slightest thing

locution verbale (s'effrayer de peu)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Cette femme ne sort jamais le soir car elle a peur d'un rien.

have more than one trick up your sleeve

locution verbale (figuré (avoir de la ressource) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have an air of superiority

locution verbale (être hautain)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
La chef de rayon avait un air hautain qui ne plaisait pas aux vendeuses.

eat like a horse

locution verbale (manger beaucoup) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

could eat a horse

locution verbale (avoir très faim) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.

eat like a bird

locution verbale (manger petitement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have the advantage over

locution verbale (dominer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Dans ce combat nos adversaires ont eu avantage sur nous.

be stuck-up

locution verbale (vulgaire (être très guindé) (informal)

Ce type a un balai dans le cul : impossible de lui arracher le moindre sourire !

be very lucky, have a lot of luck

locution verbale (très familier (être très chanceux)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be good at drawing

locution verbale (bien dessiner)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be a big eater

locution verbale (familier (manger copieusement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
He just shovels it down.

be a good cyclist

locution verbale (familier (vélo : pédaler vite)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be good at art

locution verbale (savoir dessiner)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
À 10 ans, cet artiste avait déjà un bon coup de pinceau.

be basically a good person

locution verbale (être foncièrement gentil)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
He's quick-tempered but basically a good person.

be proficient in , have a good standard of

(être bon en [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a skeleton in the closet

locution verbale (cacher un secret non reluisant) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a thorn in your side

locution verbale (avoir [qch] qui dérange, qui gêne)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be resilient

locution verbale (ne pas se laisser faire)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

have a criminal record

locution verbale (figuré, familier (être fiché par la police, la justice)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a frog in your throat

locution verbale (figuré (être enroué) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
J'ai certainement pris froid, j'ai un chat dans la gorge.

lisp

locution verbale (avoir un trouble de la parole)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Pierre a un cheveu sur la langue et zézaye un peu ; ses amis se moquent de lui.

be a hopeless romantic

locution verbale (figuré (tomber facilement amoureux)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a heart of stone

locution verbale (figuré (être insensible) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be so kind and generous

locution verbale (familier (être très généreux)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have the body of a goddess, look like a goddess

locution verbale (femmes : avoir des formes parfaites)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a bit of the [noun] about you

locution verbale (être un peu)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Coiffée comme ça, elle a un côté punk plutôt drôle.

be one step ahead

locution verbale (anticiper l'action de l'adversaire)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be drunk

locution verbale (familier (être ivre)

feel tired all of a sudden

locution verbale (familier (éprouver une fatigue subite)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

feel down, feel depressed

locution verbale (familier (déprimer)

Entre ses soucis au travail et les mauvais résultats scolaires de son fils, Pierre a un coup de bleues.

be taken with

locution verbale (être emballé par)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Le jury a eu un coup de cœur pour le septième candidat. J'ai eu un coup de cœur pour cette robe, que je me suis achetée malgré mon budget serré.
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. When I started running, I thought I'd hate it, but, in fact, I was bitten by the running bug.

fall madly in love with

locution verbale (tomber amoureux)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

feel weak

locution verbale (familier (éprouver une fatigue subite)

feel tired all of a sudden

locution verbale (familier (être soudainement fatigué)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Je me suis activée toute la matinée mais sur les coups de midi, j'ai eu un coup de pompe et je suis allée m'asseoir un peu.

feel peckish

locution verbale (familier, figuré (avoir faim)

have the annoying habit of doing

locution verbale (péjoratif (avoir l'habitude de) (pejorative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Cet enfant a le don de m'exaspérer dès qu'il arrive.

be gifted at , have a gift for

locution verbale (avoir le talent de)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Nous avons vu très tôt que Pierre avait un don pour la musique.

have doubts

locution verbale (ne pas être sûr)

J'ai un doute : ce mot s'écrit avec un L ou deux L ? Mon frère me dit qu'il a fait le nécessaire, mais moi, j'ai un doute.

have the right to scrutinize , have the right to examine

locution verbale (pouvoir demander des comptes)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a moment of clarity

locution verbale (entrevoir subitement les choses)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

hit a snag

locution verbale (être obligé d'annuler [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a soft spot for

locution verbale (être attiré par [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be partial to

locution verbale (apprécier particulièrement [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

look a little like

locution verbale (ressembler à)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be tied down

locution verbale (figuré (être surveillé continuellement) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a fit of the giggles

locution verbale (rire pendant longtemps)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a dodgy knee

(avoir mal au genou)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a decided taste for

locution verbale (apprécier particulièrement [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

taste of

locution verbale (avoir le même goût que [qch])

have a taste of

locution verbale (figuré (ressembler à [qch]) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a smoky taste

locution verbale (exhaler un arôme)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
La viande séchée a souvent un goût de fumé.

be moreish

locution verbale (familier (donner envie d'être remangé) (informal)

have a screw loose

locution verbale (figuré, familier (être un peu fou) (figurative, informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

have a big heart

locution verbale (figuré (être généreux) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Let's learn French

So now that you know more about the meaning of un 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.

Related words of un

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.