What does air in French mean?

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

The word air in French means air, appearance, tune, in the open air, out in the air, bare, in the open air, despondent look, worn out look, beaten look, surrounding air, stupid look, stupid air, cheeky attitude, devil-may-care attitude, warm air hand dryer, compressed air, air conditioning, family resemblance, family likeness, sea air, air of disapproval, reproachful air, disapproving air, sea air, sea breeze, fashion, spirit of the times, fresh air, clean air, Air France, sea air, threatening look, menacing look, solemn air, air of regret, air of sadness, disdainful look, disdainful air, stiff manner, fresh air, clean air, pure air, disgruntled air, air suction, pull factor, air force, air inlet, in the open air, in the fresh air, look, seem, look embarrassed, seem embarrassed, look ill at ease, be in your Sunday best, look daft, look silly, be airsick, have an air of superiority, look a little like, maiden flight, breath of air, breath of fresh air, breath of air, be performatively busy, indulge in performative busyness, air bubble, it certainly looks like it, it certainly looks that way, air gun, air rifle, inner tube, a change of scenery, a change of scene, warm air heating, open-air cinema, outdoor cinema, draught, air cushion, with an air of defiance, in a detached way, in a disinterested way, with a knowing look, in a serious tone, with a serious tone, delightedly, pensively, thoughtfully, in the air, in the offing, imminent, fashionable, in fashion, open-air, outdoor, hot air, air-to-air exchanger, free-range farming, up, outdoors, air intake, air purifier, not be as stupid as you look, have your head in the clouds, rip through the air, air filter, air, screw up, screw up, throw away, top yourself, air leakage, air leak, airgun, airfield engineering, the open air, cabin crew member, stewardess, gush of air, airstream, outdoor game, vanish into thin air, casually, nonchalantly, the air is cool, the air is fresh, gazing vacantly around you, as though a weight has been lifted, like a weight has been lifted, light as air, as light as air, flat on your back, free as the wind, as free as the wind, airsickness, windsock, air marshal, air mass, empty threat, anti-aircraft missile, ground-to-air missle, cat burglar. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word air

air

nom masculin (atmosphère)

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

L'air est irrespirable ici, ça empeste !

The air in here is unbreathable - it stinks!

appearance

nom masculin (apparence)

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

Son air nonchalant m'exaspère.

I find his nonchalant air exasperating!

tune

nom masculin (mélodie)

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

Je ne me rappelle plus l'air de cette chanson !

I can't remember the tune to that song anymore!

in the open air, out in the air

locution adverbiale (à l'extérieur, dehors)

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

Les draps ont pu sécher à l'air aujourd'hui.

The sheets could have dried in the open air today.

bare

locution adjectivale (non couvert)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Mon colocataire est un exhibitionniste qui adore se balader dans l'appartement avec les fesses à l'air. Les enfants se promenaient les pieds à l'air.

My flatmate is an exhibitionist who loves walking around the flat stark naked.

in the open air

locution adverbiale (à l'extérieur, dehors)

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

despondent look, worn out look, beaten look

nom masculin (démoralisation)

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

surrounding air

nom masculin (air respiré d'un lieu)

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

stupid look, stupid air

nom masculin (visage: apparence stupide)

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

cheeky attitude, devil-may-care attitude

nom masculin (attitude espiègle)

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

Ce petit garçon a un air canaille, il doit faire plein de bêtises !

warm air hand dryer

nom masculin (système de chauffage)

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

compressed air

nom masculin (air sous pression)

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

air conditioning

nom masculin (climatisation)

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

Jean-Marc a acheté une nouvelle voiture pour avoir l'air conditionné en été.

family resemblance, family likeness

nom masculin (ressemblance)

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

sea air

nom masculin (atmosphère maritime)

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

air of disapproval, reproachful air

nom masculin (expression de désapprobation)

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

Les parents adressèrent un air de reproche à leur fils à la lecture de son bulletin de notes.

disapproving air

nom masculin (mimique exprimant le désaccord)

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

Il afficha un air désapprobateur tout au long de la réunion.

sea air, sea breeze

nom masculin (air marin)

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

fashion, spirit of the times

nom masculin (mode)

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

fresh air, clean air

nom masculin (figuré (air non pollué)

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

Air France

nom propre féminin (compagnie aérienne française) (French)

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

Air France était une des compagnies qui exploitait le Concorde.

sea air

nom masculin (air du littoral)

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

threatening look, menacing look

nom masculin (regard méchant)

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

solemn air, air of regret, air of sadness

nom masculin (expression confuse et triste)

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

Le chirurgien annonça l'air navré les graves conséquences de l'opération à la famille du patient.

disdainful look, disdainful air, stiff manner

nom masculin (attitude embarassée)

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

fresh air, clean air, pure air

nom masculin (air non pollué)

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

disgruntled air

nom masculin (expression de mécontentement)

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

air suction

nom masculin (courant d'air)

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

pull factor

nom masculin (figuré (réconfort, amélioration)

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

air force

nom féminin (forces aériennes)

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

air inlet

nom féminin (bouche d'aération)

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

in the open air, in the fresh air

locution adverbiale (dehors, en extérieur)

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

look, seem

locution verbale (sembler, paraître, donner l'impression)

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

Tu as l'air fatigué : tu as fait la fête hier soir ?

You seem tired; did you have a party last night?

look embarrassed, seem embarrassed

locution verbale (être gêné)

En retard, elle avait l'air embarrassée quand elle est rentrée.

look ill at ease

locution verbale (être embêté)

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

Elle avait l'air empruntée en admettant son erreur.

be in your Sunday best

locution verbale (être mieux habillé qu'à son habitude) (dated or humorous)

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

Les invités du vernissage avaient l'air endimanchés.

look daft, look silly

locution verbale (familier (avoir l'air bête)

be airsick

locution verbale (être malade en avion)

Jules n'aime pas prendre l'avion car il a souvent le mal de l'air.

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.

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.")

maiden flight

nom masculin (premier envol)

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

breath of air

nom féminin (moment de détente) (figurative)

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

Nous sortons prendre une bouffée d'air.

breath of fresh air

nom féminin (figuré (nouvelle énergie) (figurative)

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

Ce petit moment de détente me donne une bouffée d'air.

That brief rest was like a breath of fresh air.

breath of air

nom féminin (moment de détente) (figurative)

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

Allez, viens prendre une bouffée d'air frais !

be performatively busy, indulge in performative busyness

locution verbale (figuré, familier (s'agiter sans rien faire)

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

air bubble

nom féminin (poche d'oxygène)

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

it certainly looks like it, it certainly looks that way

(ça me semble bien cela)

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

air gun, air rifle

nom féminin (arme à feu)

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

inner tube

nom féminin (pneu : boyau interne gonflant)

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

Il me faudrait une rustine pour réparer ma chambre à air.

I need a patch to fix my inner tube.

a change of scenery, a change of scene

locution verbale (sortir, s'évader)

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

ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. I'm sick of the Parisian gloom; I really need a change of scenery. // I think a change of scene will do you good.

warm air heating

nom masculin (chauffage par air chaud)

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

Le chauffage à air pulsé a tendance à déposer des particules sales quand les gaines vieillissent.

open-air cinema, outdoor cinema

nom masculin (cinéma extérieur) (UK)

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

draught

nom masculin (souffle de vent) (UK)

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

Si tu restes dans ce courant d'air, tu vas attraper la crève !

If you stay in that draft you will catch a cold!

air cushion

nom masculin (matelas)

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

with an air of defiance

nom masculin (avec provocation)

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

La fille n'avait pas peur et regardait le policier dans les yeux d'un air de défi.

in a detached way, in a disinterested way

locution adverbiale (avec détachement)

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

Son père lui parlait très sérieusement et il écoutait d'un air dégagé, aucunement gêné par ce qu'il entendait.

with a knowing look

locution adverbiale (avec complicité)

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

in a serious tone, with a serious tone

locution adverbiale (sérieusement, solennellement)

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

delightedly

locution adverbiale (bien content)

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

pensively, thoughtfully

locution adverbiale (pensivement)

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

in the air

locution adverbiale (que l'on peut sentir)

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

Il faisait beau, les oiseaux chantaient et il y avait comme un air de printemps dans l'air.

in the offing

locution adverbiale (figuré (présent, en préparation) (figurative: imminent)

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

Ce député pense qu'il y a un remaniement gouvernemental dans l'air.

imminent

locution adverbiale (figuré (imminent)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Ces journalistes pensent qu'il y a une annonce gouvernementale dans l'air à propos de la sécurité routière.

fashionable, in fashion

locution adverbiale (actuel, à la mode)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

open-air, outdoor

locution adjectivale (d'extérieur) (sports, activities)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Les sports de plein air sont plus agréables lorsqu'il fait beau.

hot air

nom masculin pluriel (figuré (paroles sans valeur) (figurative)

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

air-to-air exchanger

nom masculin (radiateur)

free-range farming

nom masculin (élevage libre en champ)

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

up

locution adverbiale (en hauteur, dans le ciel)

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

J'ai lâché un ballon de baudruche mais comme il n'y avait plus beaucoup d'hélium dedans, il n'est pas resté en l'air bien longtemps.

I let go of a balloon, but as there wasn't much helium left in it, it didn't stay up long.

outdoors

locution adverbiale (en extérieur, dehors)

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

Les enfants jouent en plein air.

The children were playing outdoors.

air intake

nom masculin (bouche d'aération)

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

air purifier

nom masculin (appareil qui filtre et purifie l'air) (appliance)

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

Il y a besoin d'épurateurs d'air dans les sucreries.

not be as stupid as you look

locution verbale (ne pas être idiot) (informal)

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

Eh oui, c'est moi qui ai trouvé cet algorithme. Eh, c'est que je suis moins bête que j'en ai l'air ! Ne le sous-estime pas ; il est moins bête qu'il n'en a l'air.

have your head in the clouds

locution verbale (figuré (être étourdi, distrait) (figurative)

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

rip through the air

locution verbale (aller, filer vite)

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

air filter

nom masculin (filtre de moteur)

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

air

nom masculin (température extérieure)

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

Le fond de l'air est plus frais à la campagne qu'à la ville.

screw up

locution verbale (familier (détruire, abîmer) (slang)

(phrasal verb, transitive, separable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, divisible--for example, "call off" [=cancel], "call the game off," "call off the game.")

Cet accident de moto m'a foutu le genou en l'air.

screw up

locution verbale (familier (gâcher) (slang)

Je voulais devenir danseuse mais ma fracture de la jambe a tout foutu en l'air.

throw away

locution verbale (familier (jeter à la poubelle)

Ce vieux bibelot, il est moche, non ? Je peux le foutre en l'air ?

top yourself

verbe pronominal (familier (se suicider) (informal)

(transitive verb and reflexive pronoun: Transitive verb with reflexive pronoun--for example, "Enjoy yourself." "They behaved themselves.")

air leakage, air leak

nom féminin (dépression)

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

airgun

nom masculin (fusil à pompe)

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

airfield engineering

nom masculin (construction des pistes d'aviation)

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

Ce régiment du génie de l'air remet en état l'aéroport pour faciliter l'arrivée des renforts.

the open air

nom masculin (extérieur)

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

cabin crew member, stewardess

nom féminin (agent aérien)

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

L'hôtesse de l'air m'a aidé à mettre mon sac dans le compartiment à bagages.

The cabin crew member helped me put my bag into the baggage compartment.

gush of air, airstream

nom masculin (soufflerie)

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

outdoor game

nom masculin (activité effectuée dehors)

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

Dès que le temps le permet, les enfants réclament des jeux en plein air.

vanish into thin air

locution verbale (figuré, familier (s'enfuir)

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

casually, nonchalantly

nom masculin (sans en avoir l'air, mine de rien)

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

The guest casually pocketed the little carved figure.

the air is cool, the air is fresh

(familier (la température n'est pas élevèe)

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

Le fond de l'air est frais le soir à la montagne.

gazing vacantly around you

locution adverbiale (rêveur)

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

Le vieil homme marchait, le nez en l'air, sur la plage.

ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. He walked dreamily by the sea.

as though a weight has been lifted, like a weight has been lifted

locution adjectivale (figuré (soulagé)

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

Quand Emma a appris que sa tumeur était bénigne, elle se sentit légère comme l'air.

light as air, as light as air

locution adjectivale (pas lourd du tout)

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

flat on your back

(familier (sur le dos après une chute)

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

Le patineur amateur a perdu l'équilibre et s'est retrouvé les quatre fers en l'air au milieu de la patinoire.

free as the wind, as free as the wind

locution adjectivale (complètement libre)

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

airsickness

nom masculin (mal en avion)

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

windsock

nom féminin (girouette)

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

air marshal

nom masculin (grade militaire) (military)

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

Le maréchal de l'air est un grade d'officier dans les forces armées britanniques.

air mass

nom féminin (zone atmosphérique homogène) (meteorology)

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

empty threat

nom féminin (menace non sérieuse)

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

Paul disait toujours à sa femme qu'il allait la quitter, mais ce fut toujours une menace en l'air.

anti-aircraft missile, ground-to-air missle

(missile terrestre anti-aéronefs) (military)

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

cat burglar

nom masculin invariable (vieilli, familier (cambrioleur)

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

Arsène-Lupin est le roi des monte-en-l'air.

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