Quebec is a beautiful place in Canada known for its French-speaking population, rich culture, and historic landmarks. Many people in the United States are curious about how to say “Quebec” in French, especially if they plan to visit or learn more about the region. While it might seem simple, the pronunciation in French has its own charm and unique sound.
In this article, you’ll learn how to say “Quebec” in French, explore other ways to refer to the place, and find fun ways to practice saying it correctly. Whether you’re planning a trip or just want to expand your knowledge, this guide will help you say “Quebec” like a pro.
Ways to Say “Quebec” in French
In French, “Quebec” is pronounced differently than in English. Learning the proper pronunciation helps you sound natural and respectful when speaking to French speakers. Below are several ways to say “Quebec” in French, along with pronunciations, meanings, and example sentences. These will make it easier to use the word in conversations, whether formal or casual.
1. Québec
Pronunciation: keh-bek
Meaning: The province or city of Quebec in French.
In a Sentence:
- Nous allons visiter Québec cet été. (We are going to visit Quebec this summer.)
- Québec est une belle ville avec beaucoup d’histoire. (Quebec is a beautiful city with lots of history.)
2. La province de Québec
Pronunciation: lah pruh-vahnce duh keh-bek
Meaning: The province of Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- La province de Québec est connue pour ses paysages magnifiques. (The province of Quebec is known for its beautiful scenery.)
- J’adore la nourriture dans la province de Québec. (I love the food in the province of Quebec.)
3. Ville de Québec
Pronunciation: veel duh keh-bek
Meaning: Quebec City (specific reference to the city).
In a Sentence:
- Nous avons exploré la Ville de Québec pendant nos vacances. (We explored Quebec City during our vacation.)
- La Ville de Québec est un site du patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO. (Quebec City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.)
4. Capitale-Nationale
Pronunciation: kah-pee-tahl nah-syoh-nahl
Meaning: Refers to the Quebec City region as a capital.
In a Sentence:
- La Capitale-Nationale est célèbre pour son Carnaval d’hiver. (The Capital Region is famous for its Winter Carnival.)
- J’ai visité la Capitale-Nationale pour découvrir son histoire. (I visited the Capital Region to learn about its history.)
5. Le Québecois
Pronunciation: luh keh-bek-wah
Meaning: Refers to the people or culture of Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Les Québecois sont très accueillants. (The people of Quebec are very welcoming.)
- La musique des Québecois est unique et vibrante. (Quebecois music is unique and vibrant.)
6. Région de Québec
Pronunciation: ray-zhyon duh keh-bek
Meaning: The Quebec region.
In a Sentence:
- La région de Québec est parfaite pour les amoureux de la nature. (The Quebec region is perfect for nature lovers.)
- Nous avons fait une randonnée dans la région de Québec. (We went hiking in the Quebec region.)
7. La Belle Province
Pronunciation: lah bell proh-vahnce
Meaning: A nickname for the province of Quebec, meaning “The Beautiful Province.”
In a Sentence:
- Bienvenue à la Belle Province! (Welcome to the Beautiful Province!)
- La Belle Province est connue pour ses érables. (The Beautiful Province is known for its maple trees.)
8. Québec Métropolitain
Pronunciation: keh-bek may-troh-poh-lee-tahn
Meaning: Refers to the metropolitan area of Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Métropolitain offre une excellente qualité de vie. (Metropolitan Quebec offers a great quality of life.)
- J’habite dans la région de Québec Métropolitain. (I live in the metropolitan area of Quebec.)
9. Territoire de Québec
Pronunciation: teh-ree-twahr duh keh-bek
Meaning: Territory of Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Le territoire de Québec est vaste et diversifié. (The territory of Quebec is vast and diverse.)
- Les parcs nationaux font partie du territoire de Québec. (The national parks are part of the territory of Quebec.)
10. Québec Francophone
Pronunciation: keh-bek frahn-coh-fohn
Meaning: French-speaking Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Francophone joue un rôle important dans la culture canadienne. (French-speaking Quebec plays an important role in Canadian culture.)
- Les traditions de Québec Francophone sont fascinantes. (The traditions of French-speaking Quebec are fascinating.)
11. Région Capitale
Pronunciation: ray-zhyon kah-pee-tahl
Meaning: The capital region, referring to Quebec City and its surrounding area.
In a Sentence:
- La Région Capitale est pleine de sites historiques. (The Capital Region is full of historical sites.)
- Nous avons visité des musées dans la Région Capitale. (We visited museums in the Capital Region.)
12. Québec Ville
Pronunciation: keh-bek veel
Meaning: Quebec City (an informal variation).
In a Sentence:
- Québec Ville est l’une des plus vieilles villes du Canada. (Quebec City is one of the oldest cities in Canada.)
- J’aime me promener dans les rues de Québec Ville. (I love walking in the streets of Quebec City.)
13. Le Vieux-Québec
Pronunciation: luh vyuh keh-bek
Meaning: Old Quebec, the historic part of Quebec City.
In a Sentence:
- Le Vieux-Québec est magnifique en hiver. (Old Quebec is beautiful in winter.)
- Nous avons mangé dans un restaurant du Vieux-Québec. (We ate in a restaurant in Old Quebec.)
14. Québec Historique
Pronunciation: keh-bek ees-toh-reek
Meaning: Historic Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Historique est un trésor national. (Historic Quebec is a national treasure.)
- J’ai appris beaucoup sur Québec Historique pendant notre visite. (I learned a lot about Historic Quebec during our visit.)
15. Québec Contemporain
Pronunciation: keh-bek kohn-tohn-poh-ran
Meaning: Contemporary Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Contemporain est connu pour son art moderne. (Contemporary Quebec is known for its modern art.)
- Nous avons exploré les galeries d’art de Québec Contemporain. (We explored the art galleries of Contemporary Quebec.)
16. Québec International
Pronunciation: keh-bek ahn-ter-nah-syoh-nahl
Meaning: Refers to Quebec’s international identity.
In a Sentence:
- Québec International est un centre pour les affaires mondiales. (Quebec International is a hub for global business.)
- Le festival de Québec International attire des visiteurs du monde entier. (The Quebec International festival attracts visitors from all over the world.)
17. Québec Naturel
Pronunciation: keh-bek nah-tyoo-rehl
Meaning: Natural Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Naturel offre des vues incroyables sur les montagnes. (Natural Quebec offers incredible views of the mountains.)
- Les parcs de Québec Naturel sont magnifiques. (The parks in Natural Quebec are stunning.)
18. Québec Maritime
Pronunciation: keh-bek mah-ree-teem
Meaning: Refers to the maritime regions of Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Maritime est célèbre pour ses fruits de mer. (Maritime Quebec is famous for its seafood.)
- Nous avons exploré les plages de Québec Maritime. (We explored the beaches of Maritime Quebec.)
19. Québec Gourmand
Pronunciation: keh-bek goor-mahn
Meaning: Refers to Quebec’s culinary scene.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Gourmand est parfait pour les amateurs de cuisine. (Quebec Gourmand is perfect for food lovers.)
- J’ai goûté des plats délicieux à Québec Gourmand. (I tasted delicious dishes in Quebec Gourmand.)
20. Québec Fête
Pronunciation: keh-bek feht
Meaning: Celebratory Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Fête est animé pendant le Carnaval d’hiver. (Celebratory Quebec is lively during the Winter Carnival.)
- Nous avons assisté à des concerts à Québec Fête. (We attended concerts in Celebratory Quebec.)
21. Québec Traditionnel
Pronunciation: keh-bek trah-dee-syo-nehl
Meaning: Traditional Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Traditionnel est riche en coutumes et folklore. (Traditional Quebec is rich in customs and folklore.)
- Les festivals de Québec Traditionnel sont merveilleux. (The festivals of Traditional Quebec are wonderful.)
22. Québec Urbain
Pronunciation: keh-bek urr-ban
Meaning: Urban Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Urbain est connu pour sa vie nocturne. (Urban Quebec is known for its nightlife.)
- Nous avons exploré les cafés de Québec Urbain. (We explored the cafes of Urban Quebec.)
23. Québec Rural
Pronunciation: keh-bek roo-rahl
Meaning: Rural Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Rural a de charmants petits villages. (Rural Quebec has charming little villages.)
- J’ai adoré mon séjour à Québec Rural. (I loved my stay in Rural Quebec.)
24. Québec Moderne
Pronunciation: keh-bek moh-dairn
Meaning: Modern Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Moderne a une architecture impressionnante. (Modern Quebec has impressive architecture.)
- Les musées de Québec Moderne sont fascinants. (The museums of Modern Quebec are fascinating.)
25. Québec Festif
Pronunciation: keh-bek feh-steef
Meaning: Festive Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Festif est animé pendant les fêtes de fin d’année. (Festive Quebec is lively during the holiday season.)
- Nous avons participé aux événements de Québec Festif. (We took part in the events of Festive Quebec.)
26. Québec Authentique
Pronunciation: keh-bek oh-ten-teek
Meaning: Authentic Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Authentique est parfait pour découvrir les traditions locales. (Authentic Quebec is perfect for experiencing local traditions.)
- Nous avons visité les marchés de Québec Authentique. (We visited the markets of Authentic Quebec.)
27. Québec Industriel
Pronunciation: keh-bek an-dust-ree-el
Meaning: Industrial Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Industriel est important pour l’économie canadienne. (Industrial Quebec is important for the Canadian economy.)
- Les usines de Québec Industriel produisent des matériaux essentiels. (The factories in Industrial Quebec produce essential materials.)
28. Québec Artistique
Pronunciation: keh-bek ar-tees-teek
Meaning: Artistic Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Artistique est connu pour ses artistes talentueux. (Artistic Quebec is known for its talented artists.)
- Les expositions de Québec Artistique sont impressionnantes. (The exhibitions in Artistic Quebec are impressive.)
29. Québec Charmeur
Pronunciation: keh-bek shar-muhr
Meaning: Charming Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Charmeur séduit tous ses visiteurs. (Charming Quebec captivates all its visitors.)
- Nous sommes tombés amoureux de Québec Charmeur. (We fell in love with Charming Quebec.)
30. Québec Enchanté
Pronunciation: keh-bek ahn-shan-tay
Meaning: Enchanted Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Québec Enchanté est magique pendant l’hiver. (Enchanted Quebec is magical during winter.)
- Nous avons adoré l’atmosphère de Québec Enchanté. (We loved the atmosphere of Enchanted Quebec.)
Other Ways to Say “Quebec” in French
Here is a table listing other ways to refer to “Quebec” in French, along with their pronunciation, meanings, and example sentences. These terms provide alternative ways to talk about Quebec depending on the context.
| Other Ways to Say | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentences |
| Le Bas-Canada | luh bah kah-nah-dah | Lower Canada (historical reference) | Le Bas-Canada est une ancienne colonie française. (Lower Canada is a former French colony.) |
| La Vieille Capitale | lah vyay kah-pee-tahl | The Old Capital | La Vieille Capitale est célèbre pour ses fortifications. (The Old Capital is famous for its fortifications.) |
| Le Québecois | luh keh-bek-wah | Refers to Quebec’s people or culture | Le Québecois a une identité unique. (Quebec culture has a unique identity.) |
| La Nation Québécoise | lah nah-syoh keh-bek-wahz | The Quebec Nation | La Nation Québécoise est fière de son patrimoine. (The Quebec Nation is proud of its heritage.) |
| Québec Nordique | keh-bek nor-deek | Northern Quebec | Québec Nordique est connu pour ses aurores boréales. (Northern Quebec is known for its northern lights.) |
| Québec Littoral | keh-bek lee-toh-rahl | Coastal Quebec | Nous avons visité les plages de Québec Littoral. (We visited the beaches of Coastal Quebec.) |
| Québec Montagnard | keh-bek mohn-tahn-yahr | Mountainous Quebec | Québec Montagnard offre des pistes de ski incroyables. (Mountainous Quebec offers amazing ski slopes.) |
| Québec Forestier | keh-bek for-ehs-tyay | Forested Quebec | Québec Forestier est un paradis pour les randonneurs. (Forested Quebec is a paradise for hikers.) |
| Québec Moderne | keh-bek moh-dairn | Modern Quebec | Les festivals de Québec Moderne sont très populaires. (Modern Quebec’s festivals are very popular.) |
| Québec Classique | keh-bek klah-seek | Classic Quebec | Québec Classique conserve ses traditions d’antan. (Classic Quebec preserves its old traditions.) |
| Québec Aérien | keh-bek ah-air-ree-ehn | Aerial Quebec | Québec Aérien est spectaculaire vu d’un hélicoptère. (Aerial Quebec is spectacular from a helicopter.) |
| Québec Économique | keh-bek eh-coh-no-meeque | Economic Quebec | Québec Économique joue un rôle clé dans le commerce canadien. (Economic Quebec plays a key role in Canadian trade.) |
| Québec Artistique | keh-bek ar-tees-teek | Artistic Quebec | Les musées de Québec Artistique sont magnifiques. (Artistic Quebec’s museums are stunning.) |
| Québec Festif | keh-bek feh-steef | Festive Quebec | Les rues de Québec Festif sont pleines de vie. (The streets of Festive Quebec are full of life.) |
| Québec Historique | keh-bek ees-toh-reek | Historic Quebec | Les murs de Québec Historique racontent des histoires. (The walls of Historic Quebec tell stories.) |
| Québec Urbain | keh-bek urr-bahn | Urban Quebec | Québec Urbain est dynamique et cosmopolite. (Urban Quebec is dynamic and cosmopolitan.) |
| Québec Rural | keh-bek roo-rahl | Rural Quebec | Les champs de Québec Rural sont magnifiques au printemps. (The fields of Rural Quebec are beautiful in spring.) |
| Québec Maritime | keh-bek mah-ree-teem | Maritime Quebec | Nous avons mangé des fruits de mer frais à Québec Maritime. (We ate fresh seafood in Maritime Quebec.) |
| Québec Authentique | keh-bek oh-ten-teek | Authentic Quebec | Québec Authentique est parfait pour les amateurs de culture. (Authentic Quebec is perfect for culture lovers.) |
Responses to “Quebec” in French
When you hear someone mention “Quebec” in a conversation, knowing how to respond appropriately can make interactions smoother and more engaging. Below are several common and polite ways to respond when someone talks about Quebec. These phrases will help you show interest or share your thoughts naturally.
1. J’adore Québec
Pronunciation: zhah-dor keh-bek
Meaning: I love Quebec.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Québec est une belle province. (Quebec is a beautiful province.)
Person 2: Oui, j’adore Québec. (Yes, I love Quebec.) - Person 1: La Ville de Québec est incroyable. (Quebec City is incredible.)
Person 2: J’adore Québec, surtout en hiver. (I love Quebec, especially in winter.)
2. C’est magnifique
Pronunciation: say mah-nee-feek
Meaning: It’s magnificent.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: J’ai visité Québec l’année dernière. (I visited Quebec last year.)
Person 2: C’est magnifique, n’est-ce pas? (It’s magnificent, isn’t it?) - Person 1: Les paysages de Québec sont à couper le souffle. (Quebec’s landscapes are breathtaking.)
Person 2: Oui, c’est magnifique. (Yes, it’s magnificent.)
3. Moi aussi, je veux y aller
Pronunciation: mwah oh-see, zhuh vuh ee ah-lay
Meaning: Me too, I want to go there.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Je rêve de visiter Québec. (I dream of visiting Quebec.)
Person 2: Moi aussi, je veux y aller. (Me too, I want to go there.) - Person 1: Québec semble si intéressant! (Quebec seems so interesting!)
Person 2: Moi aussi, je veux y aller bientôt. (Me too, I want to go there soon.)
4. C’est une région fascinante
Pronunciation: say oon ray-zhyon fah-see-nahnt
Meaning: It’s a fascinating region.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Québec a une culture unique. (Quebec has a unique culture.)
Person 2: C’est une région fascinante. (It’s a fascinating region.) - Person 1: J’aime apprendre sur Québec. (I like learning about Quebec.)
Person 2: Oui, c’est une région fascinante. (Yes, it’s a fascinating region.)
5. Les gens sont formidables
Pronunciation: lay zhahn sohn for-mee-dahbl
Meaning: The people are amazing.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Comment sont les gens au Québec? (How are the people in Quebec?)
Person 2: Les gens sont formidables! (The people are amazing!) - Person 1: J’ai rencontré des Québecois récemment. (I met some Quebecois recently.)
Person 2: Les gens sont formidables, non? (The people are amazing, right?)
6. La nourriture est délicieuse
Pronunciation: lah noo-ree-tyoor eh day-lee-syuhz
Meaning: The food is delicious.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: J’ai goûté de la poutine à Québec. (I tried poutine in Quebec.)
Person 2: La nourriture est délicieuse là-bas. (The food is delicious there.) - Person 1: Ils ont de bons plats traditionnels. (They have good traditional dishes.)
Person 2: Oui, la nourriture est délicieuse. (Yes, the food is delicious.)
7. J’y suis allé(e) l’an dernier
Pronunciation: zhee swee ah-lay lah(n) dehr-nyay
Meaning: I went there last year.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Avez-vous visité Québec? (Have you visited Quebec?)
Person 2: Oui, j’y suis allé l’an dernier. (Yes, I went there last year.) - Person 1: Vous aimez Québec? (Do you like Quebec?)
Person 2: Oui, j’y suis allé l’an dernier et c’était génial. (Yes, I went there last year, and it was great.)
8. Québec me fascine
Pronunciation: keh-bek muh fah-seen
Meaning: Quebec fascinates me.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Connaissez-vous Québec? (Do you know about Quebec?)
Person 2: Oui, Québec me fascine. (Yes, Quebec fascinates me.) - Person 1: J’ai toujours voulu visiter Québec. (I’ve always wanted to visit Quebec.)
Person 2: Moi aussi, Québec me fascine. (Me too, Quebec fascinates me.)
9. Ça semble magnifique
Pronunciation: sah sohm-bl mah-nee-feek
Meaning: That sounds magnificent.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: J’ai vu des photos de Québec en hiver. (I saw photos of Quebec in winter.)
Person 2: Ça semble magnifique! (That sounds magnificent!) - Person 1: Ils ont un carnaval incroyable. (They have an amazing carnival.)
Person 2: Oui, ça semble magnifique. (Yes, that sounds magnificent.)
10. J’ai hâte d’y aller
Pronunciation: zhay aht dee ah-lay
Meaning: I can’t wait to go there.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: As-tu prévu de visiter Québec? (Have you planned to visit Quebec?)
Person 2: Oui, j’ai hâte d’y aller. (Yes, I can’t wait to go there.) - Person 1: Québec est une destination géniale. (Quebec is an amazing destination.)
Person 2: J’ai hâte d’y aller bientôt. (I can’t wait to go there soon.)
Exercise to Practice Saying “Quebec” in French
Below are 12 fill-in-the-blank sentences to help you practice the ways to say and respond to “Quebec” in French. Each sentence is followed by its English translation for better understanding.
Fill-in-the-Blanks
- J’ai visité ______ l’été dernier, et c’était magnifique.
- La nourriture dans ______ est connue pour être délicieuse.
- Nous allons explorer ______ pendant nos vacances d’hiver.
- Les gens de ______ sont très accueillants.
- ______ est célèbre pour son architecture historique.
- La région de ______ offre des paysages incroyables.
- Mon ami habite dans ______ depuis cinq ans.
- Je veux en savoir plus sur ______ et sa culture.
- Pendant notre visite à ______, nous avons goûté à la poutine.
- L’histoire de ______ est fascinante et riche.
- Les festivals de ______ attirent des visiteurs du monde entier.
- J’ai adoré mon séjour à ______, surtout en été.
Answers
- J’ai visité Québec l’été dernier, et c’était magnifique.
(I visited Quebec last summer, and it was magnificent.) - La nourriture dans la province de Québec est connue pour être délicieuse.
(The food in the province of Quebec is known for being delicious.) - Nous allons explorer la Ville de Québec pendant nos vacances d’hiver.
(We will explore Quebec City during our winter vacation.) - Les gens de Québec Nordique sont très accueillants.
(The people of Northern Quebec are very welcoming.) - Le Vieux-Québec est célèbre pour son architecture historique.
(Old Quebec is famous for its historic architecture.) - La région de Québec Naturel offre des paysages incroyables.
(The Natural Quebec region offers incredible landscapes.) - Mon ami habite dans Québec Urbain depuis cinq ans.
(My friend has been living in Urban Quebec for five years.) - Je veux en savoir plus sur Québec Authentique et sa culture.
(I want to learn more about Authentic Quebec and its culture.) - Pendant notre visite à Québec Gourmand, nous avons goûté à la poutine.
(During our visit to Culinary Quebec, we tried poutine.) - L’histoire de Québec Historique est fascinante et riche.
(The history of Historic Quebec is fascinating and rich.) - Les festivals de Québec Festif attirent des visiteurs du monde entier.
(The festivals of Festive Quebec attract visitors from all over the world.) - J’ai adoré mon séjour à Québec Maritime, surtout en été.
(I loved my stay in Maritime Quebec, especially in summer.)
Conclusion
Learning how to say and talk about “Quebec” in French opens up opportunities for richer conversations, whether you’re exploring the city, learning about the province, or connecting with French-speaking friends. With the various phrases and responses shared in this guide, you’ll feel more confident using the term in diverse contexts.
Remember, practicing these expressions will help you speak more naturally and show respect for Quebec’s culture and language. Whether you’re saying “La Belle Province” or “Ville de Québec,” each word brings you closer to understanding and appreciating this fascinating region. Keep practicing, and soon, referring to Quebec in French will feel as easy as speaking in English.