Banlieue (en. Suburb)
/bɑ̃.ljɶ/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishFrench
noun
Neighborhood or housing area located around a city, often less populated than the downtown area.
He lives in a quiet suburb, far from the noise of the city.
Il vit dans une banlieue tranquille, loin des bruits de la ville.
Urban area that is often associated with social or economic problems.
Riots broke out in the suburbs of the north of the city.
Les émeutes ont éclaté dans les banlieues du nord de la ville.
Set of cities or neighborhoods located on the outskirts of an urban area.
The Parisian suburb is very extensive and includes many municipalities.
La banlieue parisienne est très étendue et comprend de nombreuses communes.
Etymology
From old French 'ban' meaning 'territory' and 'lieue' meaning 'distance'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
chaotic suburb
A suburb where disorder and nervousness prevail.
banlieue chaotique
to live in the suburbs
Living in a peripheral area of a city.
habiter en banlieue
popular suburb
A suburb where many people with modest incomes live.
banlieue populaire
Related Words
suburb
An English term that describes a residential area around a city.
suburb
urban area
A group of dwellings forming an urban unit.
agglomération
periphery
The area surrounding a main city.
périphérie
Slang Meanings
Bling-bling
He shows his status with bling-bling clothing typical of his suburb.
Il montre son statut avec des vêtements bling-bling typiques de sa banlieue.
The 93
When we talk about the 93, we are referring to certain suburbs of Paris.
Quand on parle du 93, on fait référence à certaines banlieues de Paris.
Bananas
Young people from the suburbs are sometimes called 'bananas' in slang.
On appelle parfois les jeunes des banlieues des 'bananes' en argot.