Today we’ll go through French vocabulary related to countries and nationalities. This article will help you properly introduce yourself and talk about nationalities and countries in French.
Some Quick Reminders
Here are some other things to consider when talking about continents, countries, and nationalities in the French language.
With these in mind, here is a table for the continents and each nationality in French:
French Vocabulary: The Continents
| English | French | Nationality |
| Africa | Afrique (Ah-freek) | Africain(e) |
| Antarctica | Antarctique (an-tar-tik) | |
| Asia | Asie (ah-zee) | Asiatique |
| Australia | Australie (os-tra-li) | Australien(ne) |
| Europe | Europe (ö-rop) | Européen(ne) |
| North America | Amérique du Nord (Ah-may-reek du nord) | Nord-Américan(e) |
| South America | Amérique du Sud (Ah-may-reek du sud) | Sud-Américain(e) |
While some people argue that there are only five or six continents, getting all seven is easier for learning. What’s also worth noting is Antarctica doesn’t have a specific nationality associated with them.
If you ever need to refer to those living in Antarctica you can always say “les gens qui vivent en antarctique” (people who live in Antarctica.)
In other instances, conversations can go much like this:
John: “Bonjour Mari, comment se passent tes vacances? Où êtes-vous allé.”
Hi Mari, how is your vacation going? Where did you go?”
Mari: “Salut John! Je suis allé en Australie. Les australiens ici sont tres gentille.”
Hi John! I went to Australia. The Australians here are very kind.
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French Vocabulary: Countries & Nationalities
While the list of continents is short, the list of countries is extensive and tough to cover in a single post. To put it in perspective not only do the countries have specific nationalities but even particular cities have nationalities.
This list by no means cover all but we tried to include the more popular countries and their nationalities. With this in mind, remember that whatever nationalities you hear outside of this list have the same rules applied to them as I mentioned above.
Let's learn the countries in French as well as the corresponding nationalities in French!
| English | French | Nationality |
| Algeria | Algérie | Algérien(ne) |
| Belgium | Belgique | Belge |
| Brazil | Brésil | Brésilien |
| Canada | Canada | Canadien(ne) |
| China | Chine | Chinois(e) |
| Egypt | Egypte | Egyptien(ne) |
| England | Angleterre | Anglais(e) |
| France | France | Français(e) |
| Germany | Allemagne | Allemand(e) |
| India | Inde | Indien(ne) |
| Ireland | Irlande | Irlandais(e) |
| Italy | Italie | Italien(ne) |
| Japan | Japon | Japonais(e) |
| Mexico | Mexique | Mexicain(e) |
| Netherlands | Pays-Bas | Néerlandais(e) |
| Poland | Pologne | Polonais(e) |
| Portugal | Portugal | Portugais(e) |
| Russia | Russie | Russe |
| Spain | Espagne | Espagnol(e) |
| Switzerland | Suisse | Suisse |
| United States | États Unis | Américain(e) |
We’ve also included a sample dialogue below.
Johann: “Bonjour Elizabeth, ravie de vous rencontrer. Je viens d'Allemagne, d'où venez-vous?”
Hello Elizabeth, great to meet you. I’m from Germany, where are you from?
Elizabeth: “Salut Johann, je suis ravi de vous rencontrer aussi. Je viens du Mexique. Qu'est-ce qui vous a amené ici pour étudier en Espagne?”
Hi Johann, it’s nice to meet you too. I came from Mexico. What brought you here to study in Spain?
Johann: “Je suis venu ici parce que beaucoup de mes amis suisses m'ont recommandé d'étudier ici. Je voyage beaucoup comme vous pouvez le voir.”
I came here because many of my Swiss friends recommended I study here. I travel quite a lot as you can tell.
FRENCH PHRASEBOOK FOR TRAVELERS AND NEWBIE LEARNERS
Conclusion
Nationalities and countries are bound to come up sometime during conversations. Make sure you’re equipped with the right words to say it.
Where are you from and how would you introduce yourself and your nationality in French? Share with us in the comments below!
