Meaning

Primary

French Person

Alternative

Frenchman

Word Type

noun

Explanation

フランス is "France." So what is a "France person?" That would be a French Person.

Reading

ふらんすじん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)
フランスじん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Often times, when two kanji come together to form a kanji compound (or jukugo), you use the on'yomi readings. This is similar to that, though instead of another kanji it's a foreign word. This pattern works with almost any country as well. Just add to a country name and you've described the people who live there. You'll see more of these before you're finished here.

And since has two on'yomi readings, here's a mnemonic to help you remember which one to use:

As with all words for nationalities, the here is pronounced じん. Like people of all other nationalities, a French person loves their jeans (じん) too!

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • フランス人のマダム

    a French Madame

    フランス人のファッション

    French people's fashion

    フランス人の女の人

    a French woman

Context Sentences

二人のフランス人がいる。

There are two French people.

このレストランのシェフはフランス人です。

The chef at this restaurant is French.

ウワサによると、フランス人はビールものむらしいよ。

According to word on the street, French people apparently drink beer too.

Kanji Composition