English–French
“penal colony” in French
French
Pronunciation
IPA/baɲ/
Example
De nombreux prisonniers mouraient au bagne.
Many prisoners died in the penal colony.
How to say “penal colony” in French
“Penal colony” in French is bagne.
A remote penal settlement where condemned prisoners are confined and forced to work, often on galleys or in colonies.
Example sentences with bagne
Il a peur d'être envoyé au bagne.
He is afraid of being sent to the penal colony.
Tips for using bagne
- Bagne is masculine, so the usual phrase is au bagne, and it carries a strongly historical penal meaning rather than a modern prison meaning.