French word

autochtone

Pronunciation

IPA/otoktɔn/

Meaning

  • adjectivenative

Example

Les coutumes autochtones sont respectées.

The native customs are respected.

Illustration for autochtone (native)

More examples

Les artistes autochtones préservent leurs traditions.

Indigenous artists preserve their traditions.

Core concept

Something that belongs to a place because it has long developed there rather than arriving from elsewhere.

Common phrases

  • peuple autochtone

    Indigenous people

  • langue autochtone

    Indigenous language

  • territoire autochtone

    Indigenous territory

Similar words

local: Connected with a particular place or region.
originaire: From a particular place of origin.

Definition in French

Qui appartient originellement à un lieu, surtout employé pour des peuples, des coutumes ou des espèces qui se sont établis depuis longtemps sur un territoire.

Word origin

The word comes through Latin autochthon from Greek autokhthon, built from auto- for 'self' and khthōn for 'earth'.

Usage tips

  • Autochtone has a relatively formal or academic tone, so everyday French often uses originaire de or du coin for people and local things.

Other meanings

  • indigenous personnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word