afro-américain

African American

noun adjective ah-froh-ah-meh-ree-KAHN Rare

Usage Note

Afro-américain is the standard French term for African American, used both as a noun and as an adjective. The feminine form is afro-américaine. It is a compound with a hyphen and both parts can take plural agreement: les Afro-Américains. In formal writing the initial capital is common when used as a noun of identity.

Examples

"De nombreux afro-américains ont contribué à la musique jazz."

Natural Translation

Many African Americans contributed to jazz music.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

French Adjective Placement: Before or After the Noun?

French adjectives usually follow the noun, but a small common set goes before it — and a few change meaning depending on which side they sit. Here's the rule.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

Le, La, Un, Du: French Articles Made Simple

Le, la, un, du, des made simple: pick the French article family by meaning, the form by gender, and dodge the two mistakes English speakers always make.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

French Silent Letters: The CaReFuL Rule

Final consonants in French are silent by default — except C, R, F, L. The CaReFuL rule, the silent -e, the plural-s trap, and liaison, explained simply.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

Passé Composé vs Imparfait: When to Use Each

Passé composé tells the story; imparfait paints the scene. Use this 2-second flowchart, trigger words, and paired examples to pick the right French tense.

June 3, 2026 6 min read