université/y.ni.vɛʁ.si.te/
noun · A2 · Frequency 1299
nounfeminine
Meanings
university (institution of higher education)
Refers to an institution providing higher education and research, typically awarding degrees.
Examples
Mon frère étudie à l'université de Lyon.
My brother studies at the University of Lyon.
L'université propose plusieurs cours du soir.
The university offers several evening courses.
Cette université accueille des étudiants venus de nombreux pays.
This university welcomes students from many countries.
Collocations
- entrer à l’universitéto enter university
Common mistakes
une université
l'université
'Université' begins with a vowel sound, so the definite article 'la' elides to 'l’'; using 'une' (indefinite article) instead is incorrect and reflects a misunderstanding of article usage with this noun.
J'étudie à une université française.
J'étudie dans une université française.
To express 'studying at a university', French uses 'dans une université' (emphasizing study within the institution), not 'à' (which is used for cities, countries, or abstract locations).
Related words
synonymfacuniversity (informal)
nounfeminine
Meanings
university (institution of higher education)
Refers to an institution providing higher education and research, typically awarding degrees.
Examples
Les universités proposent souvent des formations à distance.
Universities often offer distance-learning programs.
Plusieurs universités ont ouvert leurs bibliothèques aux habitants du quartier.
Several universities opened their libraries to local residents.
Les universités collaborent avec des entreprises pour financer la recherche.
Universities collaborate with companies to fund research.