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langue

language

noun lahng Less Common

Also means

tongue

Usage Note

Langue covers both the physical tongue and the concept of language or tongue as a system — langue maternelle is 'mother tongue'. It contrasts with langage (manner of speaking, speech in general) and parole (individual utterance). The expression avoir la langue bien pendue means 'to have the gift of the gab'.

Examples

"Elle parle trois langues."

Natural Translation

She speaks three languages.

Literal Translation

She speaks three languages

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