French Conversation · Level 5
90 words
French word
clan
Pronunciation
IPA/klɑ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounclan
Example
Son clan vit encore dans la même région.
His clan still lives in the same region.
More examples
Elle fait partie d'un clan de pêcheurs.
She is a member of a clan of fishermen.
Core concept
A close-knit circle bound by family ties or alliances, often acting as a powerful faction.
Common phrases
faire partie d'un clan
be a member of a clan
traditions du clan
the clan's traditions
Similar words
famille: A close family group linked by blood or adoption.
groupe: A group of people gathered around a shared purpose or interest.
Definition in French
Groupe formé d'individus liés par des liens familiaux ou d'alliance, souvent perçu comme une faction ou un réseau influent.
Word origin
French clan was borrowed from English clan, which comes from Gaelic clann, meaning "children" or "descendants" and later a family group.
Usage tips
- In political or workplace contexts, clan often suggests an influential faction rather than a neutral group.
Other meanings
- cliquenoun
- factionnoun