French word

nain

Pronunciation

IPA/nɛ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine noundwarf

Example

Il y a un nain dans la forêt.

There is a dwarf in the forest.

Illustration for nain (dwarf)

More examples

Le nain de jardin est peint en rouge.

The garden gnome is painted red.

Core concept

A human-like figure made strikingly small beside ordinary adults, familiar from folktales and fantasy.

Common phrases

  • nain de jardin

    garden gnome

Similar words

lutin: A small, mischievous fairy or spirit from folklore.
nain de jardin: A small human-shaped ornament displayed in a garden.
nabot: An insulting term for a person of very short stature.
gnome: A small legendary humanoid linked to underground places or nature.

Definition in French

Désigne, souvent au masculin, un individu ou un personnage dont la taille est très réduite par rapport à un adulte.

Word origin

French nain developed through Old French from Latin nanus, which was borrowed from Greek nanos for something small.

Usage tips

  • When referring to a real person, personne de petite taille is generally more respectful than nain, which can sound insulting.

Opposites

Word lists with this word