Dictionary
English - French
Town
taʊn
Extremely common
500 - 600
500 - 600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
ville, bourg, localité, commune
Town meanings in French
ville
Example:
I live in a small town.
J'habite dans une petite ville.
The town is known for its beautiful parks.
La ville est connue pour ses beaux parcs.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used to refer to a populated area that is smaller than a city but larger than a village.
Note: The word 'ville' is the most common translation for 'town' and is widely used across French-speaking regions.
bourg
Example:
The town has a rich history.
Le bourg a une histoire riche.
They moved to a quaint little town.
Ils ont déménagé dans un bourg pittoresque.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Typically refers to a smaller town or a market town, often with a historical aspect.
Note: 'Bourg' can imply a sense of charm or antiquity and may be used in more rural contexts.
localité
Example:
The town is located near the river.
La localité est située près de la rivière.
In our town, everyone knows each other.
Dans notre localité, tout le monde se connaît.
Usage: formalContext: Used in administrative or geographical contexts to refer to a defined area.
Note: This term is more abstract and can refer to areas that may not be densely populated.
commune
Example:
The town council meets every month.
Le conseil de la commune se réunit chaque mois.
The town has its own regulations.
La commune a ses propres règlements.
Usage: formalContext: Refers to an administrative division in France, often used in legal or governmental contexts.
Note: 'Commune' is a specific administrative term used mainly in France to denote local government areas.
Town's synonyms
City
A city is a large human settlement with extensive systems for housing, transportation, commerce, and culture.
Example: New York City is a bustling metropolis.
Note: Cities are typically larger and more densely populated than towns.
Village
A village is a small community or group of houses in a rural area.
Example: The quaint village was nestled in the countryside.
Note: Villages are usually smaller and more rural than towns.
Hamlet
A hamlet is a small settlement, generally smaller than a village.
Example: The tiny hamlet consisted of only a few houses.
Note: Hamlets are even smaller and more isolated than towns.
Borough
A borough is a self-governing district within a town or city.
Example: London is divided into several boroughs, each with its own distinct character.
Note: Boroughs are specific administrative divisions within larger towns or cities.
Town expressions, common phrases
Go to town
To do something with great enthusiasm or to put a lot of effort into something.
Example: She really went to town on decorating the house for the party.
Note: The phrase 'go to town' conveys a sense of thoroughness or intensity, unlike the general meaning of 'town' as a populated area.
Paint the town red
To go out and enjoy oneself by engaging in lively and often excessive social activities.
Example: After their exams were over, the students decided to paint the town red by going out to celebrate.
Note: The idiom 'paint the town red' emphasizes having a wild or extravagant time, contrasting with the literal meaning of 'town' as a place of residences and businesses.
Out of town
To be away from one's usual place of residence or work.
Example: They are currently out of town for a business trip.
Note: The phrase 'out of town' refers to being away from a specific location, whereas 'town' typically denotes a populated area where people live and work.
Small town mentality
A narrow-minded or limited perspective often associated with living in a small town.
Example: He couldn't adjust to the city life because he had a small town mentality.
Note: The idiom 'small town mentality' reflects a mindset characterized by closed-mindedness or lack of exposure, contrasting with the neutral definition of 'town' as a community.
Town and gown
Refers to the relationship or divide between a university town and its academic community.
Example: The relationship between the university and the local town has improved over the years.
Note: The expression 'town and gown' highlights the distinction between the local residents and the academic institution, diverging from the general understanding of 'town' as a residential area.
Town everyday (slang) expressions
Downtown
Refers to the central part of a city or town where most of the commercial and cultural activities are concentrated.
Example: Let's meet at that new coffee shop downtown.
Note: Differentiates the central area from the overall town or city, highlighting its bustling and lively nature.
Ghost town
Describes a place, often a town or building, that is deserted or devoid of activity.
Example: That old mall is like a ghost town these days.
Note: Implies a sense of abandonment and emptiness, contrasting with the usual bustling atmosphere of a town.
Hometown
Refers to the town or city where a person was born or grew up.
Example: I'm heading back to my hometown for the holidays.
Note: Emphasizes the sentimental and personal connection an individual has to a particular town.
Up-and-coming
Describes a place or town that is rapidly developing, often attracting new businesses and residents.
Example: That area used to be rundown, but now it's a trendy up-and-coming neighborhood.
Note: Suggests a positive transformation or revitalization of an area, hinting at future potential and growth.
Chinatown
Refers to a distinct neighborhood within a city or town where predominantly Chinese communities reside and operate businesses.
Example: Let's grab some delicious dim sum in Chinatown.
Note: Highlights the cultural diversity and unique characteristics of a specific area, reflecting the Chinese influence in that neighborhood.
Hit the town
Means to go out and enjoy oneself in the town or city, usually by visiting bars, restaurants, clubs, etc.
Example: It's Friday night, let's get dressed up and hit the town!
Note: Implies a sense of excitement and socializing, often associated with a night of fun and entertainment.
Spit in town
A derogatory term used to describe a newcomer or outsider who is causing disruption or chaos in the community.
Example: Watch out for the new spit in town; he's causing trouble already.
Note: Disparaging connotation implying a negative impact on the town's harmony or peace.
Town - Examples
The town is located in the valley.
La ville est située dans la vallée.
The település has a population of 5000.
Le télépoulé a une population de 5000.
The small town has a charming main street.
La petite ville a une charmante rue principale.
Town grammar
Town - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: town
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): towns
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): town
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Town Contains 1 syllables: town
Phonetic transcription: ˈtau̇n
town , ˈtau̇n (The red syllable is stressed)
Town - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Town: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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