French Conversation · Level 39
74 words
French word
bande
Pronunciation
IPA/bɑ̃d/
Meaning
- feminine noungroup
Example
Une bande d'amis est venue ce soir.
A group of friends came over tonight.
More examples
Ils forment une bande d'amis depuis le lycée.
They have been a group of friends since high school.
Core concept
A compact group that sticks together while sharing an activity or purpose.
Common phrases
une bande d'amis
a group of friends
Similar words
groupe: A group of people brought together in formal or large-scale settings.
équipe: People organized to achieve a shared goal in sports or work.
clique: A small, exclusive circle of closely connected people.
gang: A small group associated with criminal activity or violence.
Definition in French
Ensemble de personnes qui agissent ou fréquentent ensemble, généralement en petit nombre et de façon informelle.
Word origin
The noun bande entered this group meaning through Italian banda from a Germanic source associated with a banner or standard, also related to English band.
Usage tips
- Bande can suggest a gang as well as a friendly group, so the surrounding context determines whether the tone is neutral or slightly negative.