Usage Note
Ville refers to a city or substantial town, while village (a related word from the same Latin root) is reserved for small villages. The phrase en ville (in town, downtown) is used without an article. La Ville Lumière ('the City of Light') is a classic nickname for Paris. Don't confuse ville with villa, which refers to a country house or vacation home.
Examples
"Elle habite en ville depuis dix ans."
Natural Translation
She has lived in the city for ten years.
Literal Translation
She lives in city since ten years
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