air/ɛʁ/
noun · A2 · Frequency 251
nounmasculine
Meanings
air (gases of the atmosphere)
Refers to the mixture of gases surrounding the Earth
tune, aria
Refers to a melody or a solo vocal piece in music
appearance, demeanor; pretension
Refers to a person's outward appearance or manner, sometimes pejoratively meaning pretentiousness
Examples
Air de la montagne est plus frais au lever du jour.
Mountain air is fresher at dawn.
La chanteuse a choisi un air italien pour le dernier morceau.
The singer chose an Italian aria for the final piece.
Avec son air sérieux, il impressionne facilement les nouveaux collègues.
With his serious demeanor, he easily impresses new colleagues.
Collocations
- air purfresh air
- air célèbrea famous tune
Common mistakes
Il a air fatigué.
Il a l'air fatigué.
When air means appearance or demeanor in the sense of “seem,” the fixed expression is avoir l'air; the current lemma air requires the article l' here.
Related words
synonymatmosphèrethe layer of gases surrounding the Earth
nounmasculine
Meanings
air (gases of the atmosphere)
Refers to the mixture of gases surrounding the Earth
tune, aria
Refers to a melody or a solo vocal piece in music
appearance, demeanor; pretension
Refers to a person's outward appearance or manner, sometimes pejoratively meaning pretentiousness
Examples
Dans les airs, la pollution se disperse rapidement.
In the air, pollution disperses quickly.
Les airs marins sont agréables à respirer au printemps.
The sea air is pleasant to breathe in spring.
Les oiseaux se déplacent librement dans les airs.
Birds move freely through the air.