French · Time, Numbers & Colors

"Black" in French: noir(e)

noir(e)

Say it: nwaradjective/nwaʁ/

Black in French is noir (m) or noire (f): un pull noir, une voiture noire. Un café noir is black coffee. Plurals: noirs / noires.

Ordering coffee

Je prends un café noir, sans sucre.
I'll take a black coffee, no sugar.
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How to pronounce noir(e)

Say it

nwar

/nwaʁ/

Noir: nwar. Noire: nwar — same sound, spelling marks gender.

"Black" in French: quick reference

FrenchEnglish
noir / noireblack

Color agreement.

un café noirblack coffee

No milk.

en noirin black / dressed in black

Clothes.

noir completpitch black

Darkness.

How to use noir(e) in real life

  1. 1Ordering coffee

    Je prends un café noir, sans sucre.

    I'll take a black coffee, no sugar.

    Café noir.

  2. 2Outfit

    Elle porte une robe noire ce soir.

    She's wearing a black dress tonight.

    Noire with robe.

  3. 3Choosing a bag

    Le sac noir passe avec tout.

    The black bag goes with everything.

    Noir with sac.

Mistakes English speakers make with noir(e)

Incorrect: Une voiture noir.

Correct: Une voiture noire.

Feminine: noire.

Incorrect: Un chat black.

Correct: Un chat noir.

Use noir, not English black.

Good to know

Film noir kept the French word. In fashion, le petit noir can mean a little black dress or a small black coffee — context decides.

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Choosing shoes

  1. ChatPal

    Les chaussures noires sont plus pratiques.

    The black shoes are more practical.

  2. You

    Oui, je prends le modèle noir.

    Yes — I'll take the black pair.

  3. ChatPal

    Le noir cache mieux les taches.

    Black hides stains better.

  4. You

    Parfait pour l'hiver.

    Perfect for winter.

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"Black" in other languages

FAQ

Common questions about "Black" in French

How do you say black in French?

Noir / noire.

How do you say black coffee?

Un café noir.

How does noir agree?

Noire (f), noirs / noires (plural).

How do you pronounce noir?

nwar.

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