Best French words to know: History and Past
Learning a language involves not only mastering the present, but also exploring the past. Whether you’re interested in world history or simply curious about your own family history, having a strong vocabulary of historical terms is essential. Here are some common words and phrases related to history and the past in both English and French:
- History: l’histoire
- Past: le passé
- Century: le siècle
- Decade: la décennie
- Era: l’époque
- Timeline: la chronologie
- Ancient: ancien
- Medieval: médiéval
- Renaissance: la Renaissance
- Enlightenment: les Lumières
- Revolution: la révolution
- War: la guerre
- Battle: la bataille
- Empire: l’empire
- Kingdom: le royaume
- Democracy: la démocratie
- Monarchy: la monarchie
- Dictatorship: la dictature
- Culture: la culture
- Tradition: la tradition
- Custom: la coutume
- Heritage: le patrimoine
- Archeology: l’archéologie
- Artifact: l’artefact
- Museum: le musée
- Exhibition: l’exposition
- Archive: l’archive
- Genealogy: la généalogie
- Ancestor: l’ancêtre
- Descendant: le descendant
Learning the vocabulary of history and the past can be fascinating and eye-opening. With these words and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to talk about historical events and explore the past in French.
Related vocabulary list: The Middle Age & Medieval Terms in French