French · Nature, Animals & Weather
"Air" in French: air
l'air
Air in French is l'air, masculine. Prendre l'air means to get some fresh air. En plein air means outdoors.
After a meeting
Je sors deux minutes pour prendre l'air.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce air
Say it
lair
/lɛʁ/
Air is like English air but shorter: ehr. With the article: lair (l'air).
"Air" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| l'air | the air Default noun. | Default noun. |
| prendre l'air | to get some air Step outside briefly. | Step outside briefly. |
| en plein air | outdoors / open-air Events and sports. | Events and sports. |
| un courant d'air | a draft Windows and chills. | Windows and chills. |
How to use air in real life
- 1After a meeting
Je sors deux minutes pour prendre l'air.
I'm stepping out two minutes for some air.
Prendre l'air.
- 2Stuffiness
L'air est trop sec dans ce bureau.
The air is too dry in this office.
L'air as subject.
- 3Weekend plan
On mange en plein air si le vent calme.
We'll eat outdoors if the wind settles.
En plein air.
Mistakes English speakers make with air
Incorrect: Je prends le air.
Correct: Je prends l'air.
Use elision: l'air.
Incorrect: L'aire est frais (wrong spelling).
Correct: L'air est frais.
Air is a-i-r; aire is a different word.
Good to know
Prendre l'air is the classic café break: coat on, two minutes outside, back in. French balconies and terrasses exist partly for that quick hit of air.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Crowded metro exit
ChatPal
Il fait trop chaud. On prend l'air ?
It's too hot. Shall we get some air?
You
Oui. L'air dehors va me faire du bien.
Yes. The air outside will do me good.
ChatPal
Attention au courant d'air près des portes.
Watch the draft near the doors.
You
OK, on reste un peu ici.
OK, we'll stay here a bit.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Air" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Air" in French
How do you say air in French?
L'air.
How do you say get some fresh air?
Prendre l'air.
What does en plein air mean?
Outdoors / in the open air.
How do you pronounce l'air?
lair.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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