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importation

A2 noun #3,000 most common 10 min read

importation

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips importation in 30 Seconds

Explanation importation in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should understand 'importation' as a word for buying things from other countries. Think about the food in your kitchen. Some fruit comes from far away. When the store buys fruit from another country and brings it to France, that is 'importation'. You don't need to use this word in every sentence yet, but you should recognize it on labels or in simple news stories. It is a feminine word, so we say 'une importation'. It is like the English word 'import', but longer. Just remember: it's about things coming into the country. For example: 'L'importation de bananes' (The import of bananas). It is a useful word to know when you talk about where things come from. You might see it on a map or a sign at the airport. Even at this level, knowing that 'importation' is the opposite of 'exportation' (sending things out) is very helpful for your basic vocabulary building. Focus on the idea of 'bringing in'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'importation' to talk about products and shopping. You might say, 'J'achète des vêtements qui viennent de l'importation' (I buy clothes that come from import). You should be able to understand simple sentences about why a country needs to import things, like 'La France a besoin de l'importation de pétrole' (France needs the importation of oil). You can use it with simple adjectives like 'grande' or 'petite'. You should also know that it is a noun and the verb is 'importer'. For example, 'Le magasin importe du fromage' (The store imports cheese) vs 'L'importation de fromage est importante' (The importation of cheese is important). You will hear this word in basic weather or economic reports on the radio. It's also important to notice the 'de' after the word when you say what is being imported. This level is about connecting the word to daily life and basic needs of a country.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'importation' in discussions about the economy and current events. You can talk about the consequences of importation, such as 'L'importation excessive peut nuire aux agriculteurs locaux' (Excessive importation can harm local farmers). You should also be able to use more specific collocations like 'droits d'importation' (import duties) or 'licence d'importation' (import license). You can participate in a conversation about why some products are expensive due to 'frais d'importation' (import costs). At this stage, you should distinguish between 'importation' (the process) and 'arrivage' (the specific arrival of goods). You can also use the word in a more abstract way, such as the 'importation d'idées' (importation of ideas). Your sentences should become more complex, using conjunctions like 'parce que' or 'bien que' to explain the context of international trade. You are moving from just identifying the word to using it to express opinions on trade and global markets.

At the B2 level, you should use 'importation' with precision in professional or academic contexts. You can discuss 'la balance commerciale' and how 'les importations' affect a country's debt. You should be familiar with formal expressions like 'en provenance de' to describe the source of an importation. You can analyze the impact of 'quotas d'importation' on domestic markets. At this level, you should be able to write an essay or give a presentation on the pros and cons of globalization, using 'importation' as a key term. You should also be aware of the nuances between 'importation' and 'introduction' or 'apport'. You can use the word to describe complex logistics, such as 'les chaînes d'importation mondiales' (global import chains). Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'importateur' (importer) and 'importable'. You should also be able to handle the word in passive constructions or complex relative clauses, such as 'Les mesures visant à limiter l'importation de produits polluants ont été adoptées'.

At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'importation' across various domains, including law, high-level economics, and sociology. You can discuss the 'dépendance à l'importation' (import dependency) and its geopolitical implications. You should be able to use the word in idiomatic or highly formal structures, such as 'procéder à l'importation de...' instead of just 'importer'. You can debate the ethics of 'l'importation de main-d'œuvre' (importation of labor) or the 'importation de modèles culturels dominants'. Your understanding of the word should include its historical evolution and its role in international treaties like those of the WTO. You should be able to read complex economic reports or legal documents where 'importation' is used in specific technical senses, such as 'importation temporaire' (temporary importation for processing). You can express subtle shades of meaning, distinguishing between legitimate trade and 'importation frauduleuse', and you can discuss the philosophical implications of a world defined by constant importation and exportation.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of 'importation'. You can use it in highly sophisticated discourse, perhaps in a thesis on international law or a philosophical critique of globalism. You understand the word's deepest connotations, including its use in metaphors about the 'importation de la pensée' or the 'importation de conflits étrangers'. You can effortlessly navigate the most complex grammatical structures involving the word, and you can use it with a wide array of rare and precise synonyms or related terms. You are capable of identifying and using the word in any register, from technical customs regulations to poetic descriptions of goods arriving from distant lands. You can analyze how the concept of 'importation' has shaped French identity and its relationship with the 'terroir'. Your speech and writing show a complete command of the word's collocations, its role in compound terms, and its place within the broader structure of the French language and its history. You can discuss 'l'importation' not just as a business act, but as a fundamental element of human civilization and exchange.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

importation in 30 Seconds

Importation is the French noun for the act of bringing goods or services into a country from abroad, essential for international trade.
It is a feminine noun (l'importation) and is the direct opposite of 'exportation', playing a key role in a country's trade balance.
Commonly used in business, logistics, and news, it often requires the preposition 'de' when specifying the items being imported (e.g., l'importation de café).
Beyond physical goods, it can also refer to the adoption of foreign ideas, cultural concepts, or technological systems into a new environment.

The French noun importation refers to the action of bringing goods, services, or even ideas into a country from abroad. In a strictly economic sense, it is the counterpart to exportation. When we speak of l'importation, we are often discussing the global supply chain, the flow of international trade, and the logistical challenges of moving products across borders. This word is essential for anyone interested in business, economics, or simply understanding where their daily products come from. In France, the concept of importation is deeply tied to the national economy, as the country relies on the importation of energy resources like gas and oil, as well as high-tech components. However, it is also used in a broader, more abstract sense. For instance, one might speak of the importation de concepts culturels (the importation of cultural concepts) or the importation de nouvelles technologies. The word is feminine, so we always say une importation or l'importation. It is a formal word but is frequently heard in news broadcasts, read in newspapers like Le Monde or Les Échos, and used in professional environments.

Economic Context: In economics, l'importation represents a debit in the balance of trade. It involves the purchase of foreign assets which results in an outflow of domestic currency.

La France a augmenté son importation de matières premières cette année pour soutenir son industrie manufacturière.

Historically, the word appeared in the French language around the 14th century, derived from the Latin importatio. It has always carried the sense of 'carrying in'. In modern times, the term has become synonymous with globalization. When you walk into a French supermarket, you see the results of l'importation everywhere: oranges from Spain, coffee from Brazil, and electronics from China. The term is also used in legal contexts, specifically regarding douanes (customs). An importation illégale refers to smuggling or bringing in goods without paying the required duties or following regulations.

Logistical Context: Logistics professionals use this term to describe the entry point of goods at ports (le port) or airports (l'aéroport) before they are cleared by customs.

Le processus d'importation nécessite une documentation rigoureuse pour éviter les retards en douane.

In summary, whether you are talking about the strawberries you buy in winter or the complex machinery needed for a factory, importation is the word that describes the journey of those items from a foreign land into French territory. It is a word of movement, commerce, and international connectivity.

Using importation correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and its common collocations. Since it is a feminine noun, it is often preceded by the articles la, une, or l'. When describing the scale of the activity, we use adjectives like massive, limitée, croissante (growing), or décroissante (declining). For example, 'L'importation massive de produits bon marché peut nuire à l'artisanat local' (The massive importation of cheap products can harm local craftsmanship).

Common Verbs: Verbs often paired with importation include: favoriser (to favor), limiter (to limit), interdire (to forbid), taxer (to tax), and réglementer (to regulate).

Le gouvernement a décidé d'interdire l'importation de certains pesticides dangereux pour l'environnement.

When you want to specify what is being imported, you use the preposition de. For instance, 'l'importation de vin', 'l'importation de voitures', or 'l'importation de données'. Note that even if the following noun is plural, 'importation' remains singular unless you are referring to multiple distinct instances or types of import activities. Another common structure is using the preposition en provenance de (coming from) to indicate the source. 'L'importation de gaz en provenance de Norvège est stable.' This provides a more formal and precise tone than simply saying 'de Norvège'. In business discussions, you might hear about the coût d'importation (import cost) or the licence d'importation (import license). These compound nouns are vital for professional fluency.

Prepositional Use: Use 'par l'importation' to describe the method: 'L'entreprise survit par l'importation de pièces détachées.'

Grâce à l'importation de nouvelles méthodes de travail, la productivité a augmenté de vingt pour cent.

In more advanced sentences, importation can be the subject of the sentence, often followed by verbs that describe a trend. 'L'importation de textile a chuté l'année dernière.' (Textile importation dropped last year). Understanding these patterns allows you to construct complex thoughts about global trends and local impacts. Always ensure that any adjectives agree with the feminine gender: 'une importation illégale' (an illegal importation), 'une grande importation' (a large importation).

The word importation is ubiquitous in French society, appearing in various domains from the evening news to the fine print on a yogurt container. If you watch a news segment about the French economy, you will inevitably hear about the balance commerciale (trade balance), which is the difference between exportations and importations. News anchors use it to explain why prices might be rising—for example, 'L'augmentation du coût de l'importation de l'énergie pèse sur le budget des ménages.'

In the Media: Radio stations like France Info frequently discuss 'quotas d'importation' when debating European trade policies or agricultural protections.

Le reportage souligne que l'importation de produits exotiques transforme les habitudes alimentaires des Français.

In a professional setting, especially in sectors like retail, manufacturing, or logistics, the word is part of the daily jargon. A manager might say, 'Nous devons revoir notre stratégie d'importation pour réduire les délais de livraison.' Here, it refers to the entire process of sourcing and receiving goods. If you visit a port city like Marseille or Le Havre, the word importation is visible on signs, shipping documents, and the sides of massive cargo containers. In the legal and administrative world, you will encounter it when dealing with la douane (customs). If you are ordering something from outside the European Union, you might receive a notification regarding 'frais d'importation' (import fees). This is a very practical way many people interact with the word. Furthermore, in academic or political debates, you might hear about the 'importation de modèles sociaux', referring to the adoption of foreign social or political systems.

Political Discourse: Politicians often debate the 'dépendance à l'importation', arguing for more national sovereignty in production to avoid reliance on other nations.

Lors du débat, le ministre a insisté sur la nécessité de taxer davantage l'importation de produits polluants.

Essentially, importation is not just a dry business term; it is a word that touches on how French people eat, work, and interact with the global community. Whether it is a label on a box of tea or a headline about global oil prices, the word serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the modern world.

Learners of French often make a few specific errors when using the word importation. The most common mistake is confusing it with the English word 'import'. While they share a root, in French, 'import' is not typically used as a noun in the same way. You must use importation for the process. For example, do not say 'l'import de voitures' in formal writing; use 'l'importation de voitures'.

Gender Confusion: Many learners assume words ending in '-tion' are masculine because they sound technical. However, almost all French words ending in '-tion' are feminine. It is 'la importation', which elides to 'l'importation'.

Incorrect: Un importation important.
Correct: Une importation importante.

Another frequent error is the confusion between importation and importance. While they look somewhat similar, they have entirely different meanings. Importance refers to the significance of something, while importation refers to the act of importing goods. Saying 'L'importance de ce produit est grande' (The importance of this product is great) is very different from 'L'importation de ce produit est grande' (The importation of this product is large). Prepositional errors are also common. Learners often forget the 'de' when specifying the goods being imported. You cannot say 'l'importation riz'; you must say l'importation de riz. Furthermore, when talking about the country of origin, use en provenance de or de, but avoid using depuis in a way that sounds like English 'from' if it refers to the source rather than a starting time. For example, 'l'importation de Chine' or 'l'importation en provenance de Chine' are better than 'l'importation depuis la Chine' in many formal contexts.

False Friends: In English, 'import' can be a noun or a verb. In French, you must distinguish between the noun 'importation' and the verb 'importer'.

Incorrect: C'est un bon import.
Correct: C'est une bonne importation.

Finally, avoid confusing importation with apport. An apport is a contribution or an input (like an 'apport en capital'), whereas importation specifically involves crossing a national border. By keeping these distinctions in mind, you will sound much more natural and precise in your French communication.

While importation is the standard term for bringing goods into a country, there are several related words that can be used depending on the context. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the most appropriate term for your specific situation.

Introduction: This word is often used when talking about bringing a new species, a new technology, or a new concept into a region. It implies the start of something new rather than just a routine commercial transaction. 'L'introduction de cette plante a perturbé l'écosystème.'

L'importation se concentre sur le commerce, tandis que l'introduction se concentre sur l'arrivée initiale.

Another alternative is arrivage. This term is very common in the world of fresh produce and retail. It refers to a specific shipment that has just arrived. A shop might put up a sign saying 'Nouvel arrivage de poissons' (New arrival of fish). While the fish might have been imported, the word arrivage focuses on the fact that they have just reached the store and are fresh. In a more technical or logistical sense, you might hear the term fret entrant (inbound freight). This is used specifically in the shipping industry to describe goods coming into a terminal or warehouse. For broader economic discussions, achats à l'étranger (purchases abroad) is a less formal way to describe the same concept.

Apport: An 'apport' is a contribution. In nutrition, we talk about 'apport journalier' (daily intake). In business, it's 'apport en capital'. It doesn't necessarily involve international trade.

Contrairement à l'importation, l'apport peut être interne à une entreprise ou à un pays.

Finally, we have the opposite term: exportation. It is impossible to discuss importation without its twin. Together, they form the commerce extérieur (foreign trade). If a country imports more than it exports, it has a déficit commercial. If it exports more, it has an excédent commercial. Using these terms together shows a high level of proficiency in economic French. By choosing between importation, arrivage, introduction, or achat extérieur, you can tailor your speech to be precise, professional, or casual as the situation demands.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'port' in 'importation' is the same root found in 'transport', 'export', and 'portable', all relating to the act of carrying.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛ̃.pɔʁ.ta.sjɔ̃/

US /ɛ̃.pɔʁ.ta.sjɔ̃/

The stress in French is usually on the last syllable: im-por-ta-TION.

Rhymes With

exportation nation station création formation action direction réaction

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'm' clearly instead of making it nasal.
Pronouncing 'tion' like the English 'shun' (it should be 'syon').
Stress on the first syllable.
Making the 'r' too soft or like an English 'r'.
Treating it as a masculine word.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because it looks like the English word 'importation'.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the feminine gender and the '-tion' suffix.

Speaking 3/5

Nasal 'im' and the 'tion' sound can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to pick out in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

pays acheter vendre marchandise étranger

Learn Next

exportation douane tarif logistique commerce

Advanced

protectionnisme libre-échange balance commerciale contingentement accise

Grammar to Know

Feminine nouns in -tion

L'importation est une activité importante.

Elision with words starting with a vowel

L'importation (not la importation).

Preposition 'de' for specification

L'importation de pétrole.

Adjective agreement

Une importation massive (feminine singular).

Using 'en provenance de' for origin

L'importation en provenance d'Espagne.

Examples by Level

L'importation de café est importante.

The import of coffee is important.

Notice 'L'importation' uses the elided article.

Elle aime l'importation de fruits exotiques.

She likes the import of exotic fruits.

'Fruits exotiques' is plural, but 'importation' is singular.

C'est une importation de Chine.

It is an import from China.

'Une' shows the word is feminine.

L'importation de jouets augmente en décembre.

The import of toys increases in December.

'Augmente' is the verb for 'increases'.

Le magasin fait l'importation de pain.

The store does the importing of bread.

'Fait l'importation' is a common way to say 'imports'.

L'importation est nécessaire pour nous.

Importing is necessary for us.

'Nécessaire' matches the singular subject.

Regarde cette importation de fleurs.

Look at this import of flowers.

'Cette' is the feminine demonstrative adjective.

L'importation de riz est facile ici.

The import of rice is easy here.

'Facile' is the adjective.

Nous limitons l'importation de plastique.

We are limiting the import of plastic.

'Limitons' is the first person plural of 'limiter'.

L'importation de voitures coûte cher.

The import of cars is expensive.

'Coûte cher' means 'is expensive'.

Il travaille dans l'importation de vin.

He works in the wine import business.

'Dans l'importation de' specifies the field of work.

Cette importation vient d'Italie.

This import comes from Italy.

'Vient de' indicates the origin.

L'importation de pétrole est vitale.

The import of oil is vital.

'Vitale' is feminine to match 'importation'.

On interdit l'importation de produits toxiques.

The import of toxic products is forbidden.

'On' is used for a general 'we' or 'they'.

L'importation de coton est en baisse.

The import of cotton is decreasing.

'En baisse' means 'decreasing'.

Vérifiez les papiers d'importation, s'il vous plaît.

Check the import papers, please.

'Papiers d'importation' is a common compound noun.

Les taxes sur l'importation ont augmenté.

Taxes on imports have increased.

Use 'sur' to indicate what the taxes are applied to.

L'importation massive de soja inquiète les écologistes.

The massive import of soy worries environmentalists.

'Massive' is a strong adjective for 'large-scale'.

Il faut une licence pour l'importation d'armes.

A license is needed for the import of weapons.

'Il faut' means 'it is necessary'.

L'importation de gaz assure notre chauffage.

The import of gas ensures our heating.

'Assure' means 'ensures' or 'guarantees'.

Cette entreprise se spécialise dans l'importation.

This company specializes in importing.

'Se spécialise dans' is a reflexive verb phrase.

L'importation de nouvelles idées enrichit la culture.

The importation of new ideas enriches culture.

Abstract use of 'importation'.

On surveille l'importation de produits contrefaits.

The import of counterfeit products is monitored.

'Surveille' means 'monitors' or 'watches'.

Le coût de l'importation impacte les prix locaux.

The cost of importing impacts local prices.

'Impacte' is used as a verb here.

Le gouvernement régule l'importation de produits chimiques.

The government regulates the import of chemical products.

Formal verb 'régule'.

L'importation de blé est soumise à des quotas stricts.

The import of wheat is subject to strict quotas.

'Soumise à' means 'subject to'.

L'importation parallèle peut poser des problèmes juridiques.

Parallel importing can cause legal problems.

'Importation parallèle' is a specific business term.

La balance commerciale dépend de l'importation d'énergie.

The trade balance depends on energy imports.

'Dépend de' takes the preposition 'de'.

L'importation de main-d'œuvre qualifiée est encouragée.

The importation of skilled labor is encouraged.

'Main-d'œuvre' means 'labor' or 'workforce'.

Nous devons réduire notre dépendance à l'importation.

We must reduce our dependency on imports.

'Dépendance à' is the correct prepositional link.

L'importation de bois tropical est souvent critiquée.

The import of tropical wood is often criticized.

Passive voice: 'est critiquée'.

Le processus d'importation a été simplifié par le traité.

The import process was simplified by the treaty.

Passé composé with passive voice.

L'importation massive de capitaux a stabilisé le marché.

The massive importation of capital stabilized the market.

Financial context of 'importation'.

L'importation de normes étrangères suscite des débats.

The importation of foreign norms sparks debates.

'Suscite' means 'sparks' or 'gives rise to'.

Il y a une importation frauduleuse de marchandises de luxe.

There is a fraudulent importation of luxury goods.

'Frauduleuse' is the adjective for 'fraudulent'.

L'importation de technologies de pointe est cruciale.

The importation of cutting-edge technologies is crucial.

'Technologies de pointe' means 'cutting-edge'.

La législation sur l'importation a été harmonisée.

Legislation on imports has been harmonized.

'Harmonisée' means 'made consistent'.

L'importation de pétrole brut pèse sur la monnaie.

The import of crude oil weighs on the currency.

'Pèse sur' is a metaphorical use of 'weighs on'.

L'importation de modèles sociaux est un sujet complexe.

The importation of social models is a complex subject.

Sociological use of the word.

L'importation temporaire permet de transformer les biens.

Temporary importation allows for the transformation of goods.

'Importation temporaire' is a legal customs term.

L'importation de concepts philosophiques enrichit le débat.

The importation of philosophical concepts enriches the debate.

Highly abstract and academic usage.

L'importation systématique de solutions toutes faites est risquée.

The systematic importation of ready-made solutions is risky.

'Toutes faites' means 'ready-made' or 'pre-packaged'.

On assiste à une importation de conflits géopolitiques.

We are witnessing an importation of geopolitical conflicts.

'On assiste à' means 'we are witnessing'.

L'importation de l'esthétique baroque a marqué l'architecture.

The importation of Baroque aesthetics marked the architecture.

Art history context.

La souveraineté est menacée par l'importation de données.

Sovereignty is threatened by the importation of data.

Modern digital and political context.

L'importation de main-d'œuvre a des racines historiques.

The importation of labor has historical roots.

Historical and sociological context.

L'importation de marchandises de contrebande est un fléau.

The importation of contraband goods is a scourge.

'Fléau' means 'scourge' or 'plague'.

L'importation de la pensée structuraliste a révolutionné l'analyse.

The importation of structuralist thought revolutionized analysis.

Academic context regarding intellectual history.

Common Collocations

droits d'importation

licence d'importation

quota d'importation

taxe d'importation

importation massive

importation illégale

frais d'importation

marché d'importation

importation directe

dépendance à l'importation

Common Phrases

faire de l'importation

— To be in the business of importing.

Mon oncle fait de l'importation de tapis.

limiter l'importation

— To restrict the amount of goods coming in.

Le pays veut limiter l'importation de plastique.

favoriser l'importation

— To encourage or make importing easier.

De nouveaux accords vont favoriser l'importation.

interdire l'importation

— To ban the entry of certain goods.

On a décidé d'interdire l'importation d'ivoire.

taxer l'importation

— To apply taxes to imported goods.

Le gouvernement va taxer l'importation de luxe.

déclarer à l'importation

— To declare goods to customs upon entry.

Vous devez déclarer vos bijoux à l'importation.

service d'importation

— A department or company handling imports.

Contactez notre service d'importation.

produit d'importation

— An imported product.

C'est un produit d'importation de haute qualité.

flux d'importation

— The flow or volume of imports.

Le flux d'importation est constant.

contrôle à l'importation

— Checks performed on imported goods.

Le contrôle à l'importation est très strict.

Often Confused With

importation vs import

In English, 'import' is common; in French, 'importation' is the standard noun.

importation vs importance

Sounds similar but means 'significance'.

importation vs apport

Means 'contribution' or 'input', not necessarily from abroad.

Idioms & Expressions

"importation de toutes pièces"

— Something brought in entirely from elsewhere, often applied to ideas or systems.

C'est une théorie d'importation de toutes pièces.

formal

"vivre de l'importation"

— To rely entirely on imported goods for survival or business.

Cette île vit de l'importation.

neutral

"frapper d'interdiction d'importation"

— To officially ban the import of something.

Ces produits sont frappés d'interdiction d'importation.

formal

"l'importation de la discorde"

— A metaphorical expression for an imported problem or conflict.

Cette mesure a été l'importation de la discorde.

literary

"ouvrir les vannes de l'importation"

— To allow unrestricted importing.

Ils ont ouvert les vannes de l'importation.

informal

"freiner l'importation"

— To slow down the rate of importing.

Il faut freiner l'importation de voitures polluantes.

neutral

"le mal de l'importation"

— Referring to the negative economic effects of relying too much on imports.

Le pays souffre du mal de l'importation.

journalistic

"importation de luxe"

— High-end imports, often used to describe social status.

Elle ne jure que par l'importation de luxe.

neutral

"être sous le régime de l'importation"

— To be subject to specific import laws.

Ces biens sont sous le régime de l'importation temporaire.

legal

"l'importation du savoir"

— Bringing in expertise or knowledge from abroad.

L'importation du savoir est une priorité.

academic

Easily Confused

importation vs import

Direct translation from English.

In French, 'import' is mostly used in plural 'les imports' or as a technical shorthand, whereas 'importation' is the full, correct noun for the process.

L'importation de thé (formal) vs. Les imports de thé (technical).

importation vs importance

Phonetic similarity.

Importance refers to how much something matters. Importation refers to bringing things into a country.

L'importance de l'importation de pétrole est vitale.

importation vs apport

Similar meaning of 'bringing something in'.

Apport is a general contribution (like money to a business or vitamins to a body). Importation is specifically across borders.

L'apport en fer est bon pour la santé.

importation vs introduction

Synonyms in some contexts.

Introduction is used for the first time something is brought in (a new species, a new law). Importation is for ongoing commercial trade.

L'introduction de la pomme de terre en Europe.

importation vs arrivage

Both refer to goods arriving.

Arrivage is a specific lot of goods arriving at a shop. Importation is the macro-economic process.

Un arrivage de fraises ce matin.

Sentence Patterns

L'importation de [noun] est [adjective].

L'importation de riz est nécessaire.

Nous faisons l'importation de [noun].

Nous faisons l'importation de fleurs.

Le pays limite l'importation de [noun] pour [reason].

Le pays limite l'importation de blé pour aider les fermiers.

L'importation de [noun] est soumise à [regulation].

L'importation de voitures est soumise à des taxes.

La dépendance à l'importation de [noun] pose un problème de [issue].

La dépendance à l'importation de gaz pose un problème de sécurité.

L'importation de [abstract noun] témoigne de [societal trend].

L'importation de modèles culturels témoigne de la mondialisation.

Grâce à l'importation de [noun], nous avons [result].

Grâce à l'importation de café, nous avons de l'énergie.

C'est une importation de [country].

C'est une importation du Japon.

Word Family

Nouns

importateur (m)

importatrice (f)

import

Verbs

importer

Adjectives

importable

importé

important (different meaning)

douane

commerce

fret

marchandise

frontière

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in economic, business, and political contexts.

Common Mistakes

Un importation → Une importation
The word is feminine.
L'importation riz → L'importation de riz
You must use the preposition 'de' to link the noun to the object.
L'import de voitures → L'importation de voitures
While 'import' is used in jargon, 'importation' is the correct full noun.
L'importance de café → L'importation de café
Confusing 'importance' (significance) with 'importation' (trade).
L'importation depuis Chine → L'importation de Chine
Use 'de' or 'en provenance de' for origin in this context.

Tips

Gender Rule

Remember that -tion equals feminine. This applies to importation, exportation, nation, etc.

The Root 'Port'

Connect it to 'port' (harbor) or 'porter' (to carry). You are carrying things into the port.

Nasal Start

Don't say 'im' like in 'him'. Say it like the 'in' in 'interdit'. It's a nasal sound.

Business Context

In a professional setting, always use 'importation' for the process to sound more educated.

IM = IN

Associate 'IM' with 'IN' to remember it means bringing things INTO the country.

Global Trade

Think of the 'balance commerciale'. It's the scale between 'importation' and 'exportation'.

Compound Nouns

Learn 'droits d'importation' as a single unit. It's very common in shipping and shopping.

News Keywords

When you hear 'chiffres' (figures) and 'importation', the news is talking about trade statistics.

Preposition Choice

Use 'en provenance de' to sound more formal when stating the country of origin.

Avoid 'Importationner'

There is no such verb. The verb is simply 'importer'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'IM' as 'IN' and 'PORT' as a 'HARBOR'. You are bringing things IN to the PORT. Add 'ATION' to make it an action.

Visual Association

Imagine a giant ship entering a French port like Marseille, carrying containers labeled 'IMPORTATION'.

Word Web

Commerce Bateau Douane Économie Étranger Achat Frontière Camion

Challenge

Try to find five items in your house and say 'C'est une importation de [Country]' for each one.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'importatio', derived from the verb 'importare'.

Original meaning: The act of carrying something into a place (from 'in-' + 'portare').

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be aware that discussing the importation of labor or cultural models can be a sensitive political topic in France.

In English, we often use 'import' as both a noun and a verb. In French, be careful to use 'importation' for the noun and 'importer' for the verb.

Le Code des Douanes (French Customs Code) L'Organisation Mondiale du Commerce (WTO) Les accords de libre-échange (Free trade agreements)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business/Trade

négocier un contrat d'importation
calculer les droits d'importation
trouver un agent d'importation
gérer les flux d'importation

Customs

déclarer à l'importation
passer par le service d'importation
vérifier la licence d'importation
payer les taxes d'importation

Economy News

la hausse de l'importation
le déficit lié à l'importation
la dépendance à l'importation
les quotas d'importation

Daily Shopping

un produit d'importation
éviter l'importation
le coût de l'importation
nouvel arrivage d'importation

Legal

la réglementation sur l'importation
l'importation illégale
l'interdiction d'importation
le régime d'importation

Conversation Starters

"Penses-tu que l'importation massive de produits étrangers est une bonne chose pour l'économie française ?"

"Quels sont les produits d'importation que tu achètes le plus souvent au supermarché ?"

"Est-ce que ton pays dépend beaucoup de l'importation d'énergie comme le gaz ou le pétrole ?"

"Aimerais-tu travailler dans le domaine de l'importation et de l'exportation ?"

"Quels sont les frais d'importation quand on achète des objets sur internet depuis l'étranger ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris un objet que tu possèdes qui vient de l'importation. D'où vient-il et comment est-il arrivé jusqu'à toi ?

Imagine que ton pays arrête toute importation demain. Quelles seraient les conséquences sur ta vie quotidienne ?

Écris un court article sur les avantages et les inconvénients de l'importation de nourriture exotique.

Explique pourquoi certains gouvernements décident de limiter l'importation de certains produits.

Raconte une expérience où tu as dû payer des frais d'importation inattendus pour un colis.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. You should say 'une importation' or 'l'importation importante'. Almost all French nouns ending in -tion are feminine.

'Importation' is the standard, formal noun for the act of importing. 'Import' is sometimes used in business jargon or in the plural 'les imports', but 'importation' is always safer and more correct for learners.

Yes, you can use it metaphorically, such as 'l'importation de concepts étrangers' or 'l'importation de nouvelles modes'.

The opposite is 'exportation', which means sending goods or services out of a country.

You can say 'taxe d'importation' or, more technically, 'droits de douane' or 'droits d'importation'.

Yes, when you specify what is being imported, use 'de' or 'd'': 'l'importation de sucre', 'l'importation d'ordinateurs'.

It is generally used for goods and services. For people, 'immigration' is the correct term, though 'importation de main-d'œuvre' is a technical term in economics.

Yes, 'faire l'importation de [quelque chose]' is a common way to say that someone or a company is engaged in importing that item.

It is a customs status where goods enter a country for a short time (e.g., for repair or exhibition) without paying full duties, as they will be sent out again.

Yes, it is very common in news, business, and on product labels. Every French person knows this word.