French word

moyen

Pronunciation

IPA/mwajɛ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounway

Example

Il existe plusieurs moyens pour résoudre ce problème.

There are several ways to solve this problem.

Illustration for moyen (way)

More examples

On utilise souvent des moyens électroniques pour payer.

Electronic means are often used to pay.

Core concept

A bridge, tool, or reserve that connects a goal to the resources needed to reach it.

Common phrases

  • un moyen de paiement

    a means of payment

  • les moyens de communication

    means of communication

Similar words

ressource: An available asset, such as money, people, or information.
outil: A concrete device or software used to achieve an objective.
stratégie: A planned approach for reaching a goal.
manière: A particular way of doing or expressing something.

Definition in French

Ressource ou procédé employé pour obtenir un résultat, matériel, financier ou intellectuel.

Word origin

French moyen developed from Old French moien, from Latin medius, 'middle', as an intermediary came to mean a way or resource for reaching an end.

Usage tips

  • In avoir les moyens, the plural often refers specifically to having enough money, while other contexts can mean having a method or available resources.

Other meanings

  • meansnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word