French · People & Family
"Widow" in French: veuve
la veuve
Widow in French is la veuve, feminine. Elle est veuve means she is a widow. Veuf is the widower—and it does not count as this headword.
Quiet family talk
Ma grand-mère est veuve depuis longtemps.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce veuve
Say it
luh VUHV
/lavœv/
Veuve: VUHV. The eu is like the u in fur for many speakers; final e is light. La veuve: luh VUHV.
"Widow" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la veuve | the widow Noun with article. | Noun with article. |
| être veuve | to be a widow Status phrase. | Status phrase. |
| veuve de guerre | war widow Historical/formal. | Historical/formal. |
| le veuf | the widower Related, not the headword. | Related, not the headword. |
How to use veuve in real life
- 1Quiet family talk
Ma grand-mère est veuve depuis longtemps.
My grandmother has been a widow for a long time.
Être veuve.
- 2Reading a notice
La veuve souhaite remercier tous les proches.
The widow wishes to thank all the relatives.
La veuve as noun.
- 3Neighbor introduction
Madame Leroy, la veuve du troisième, a sonné.
Mrs. Leroy, the widow on the third floor, rang.
Apposition.
Mistakes English speakers make with veuve
Incorrect: Elle est veuf.
Correct: Elle est veuve.
Veuve is the widow; veuf is the widower.
Incorrect: Le veuve habite ici.
Correct: La veuve habite ici.
Veuve is feminine: la veuve.
Good to know
French often prefers euphemisms in conversation (elle a perdu son mari) and keeps veuve for clear status or formal texts. Administrative forms may list veuve / veuf. Tone should stay respectful.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Helping with neighborhood paperwork
ChatPal
Tu connais la veuve au deuxième ?
Do you know the widow on the second floor?
You
Oui. La veuve a besoin d'aide pour le dossier.
Yes. The widow needs help with the paperwork.
ChatPal
On passe demain. Dis-lui que la veuve n'est pas seule.
We'll stop by tomorrow. Tell her the widow isn't alone.
You
Je lui envoie un message ce soir.
I'll text her tonight.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Widow" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Widow" in French
How do you say widow in French?
La veuve.
How do you say she is a widow?
Elle est veuve.
Does veuf count?
No—veuf is widower.
How do you pronounce veuve?
VUHV.
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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