Skip to content

gitan

Gypsy

noun zhee-TAN Rare

Usage Note

Gitan refers specifically to Spanish-origin Roma people and is closely associated with flamenco culture in southern France and Spain. The feminine is gitane, and Gitane (capitalised) is also a well-known brand of French cigarettes. Some communities find the term offensive; Rom or Manouche may be preferred depending on context.

Examples

"Les gitans campaient près du fleuve."

Natural Translation

The Gypsies were camping near the river.

Free starter pack

Building your French vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common French words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Explore French by topic