Pronunciation: [nˈiːd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The French word for "snow" is spelled "neige." It is pronounced /nɛʒ/ in IPA transcription, with a silent "e" at the end. The "n" is pronounced like the English "n," while the "e" makes an "ɛ" sound. The "i" is pronounced like a long "e" sound in English ("ee") and the "g" is silent. Overall, the phonetic transcription helps explain the spelling of this word and how it should be pronounced.
Neige is a French noun that translates to "snow" in English. It refers to the frozen precipitation that falls in the form of crystalline ice flakes, commonly associated with winter weather conditions. Neige is a natural phenomenon occurring when atmospheric moisture condenses into ice crystals, which then group together, forming snowflakes. This delicate and powdery substance blankets the ground, rooftops, trees, and other surfaces, creating a white and often magical landscape.
Neige plays a significant role in various areas of life and culture. In winter sports, such as skiing and snowboarding, neige is essential for creating optimal conditions on slopes. Furthermore, many winter festivals and celebrations revolve around the presence of neige, with activities like building snowmen, having snowball fights, or even participating in snow sculptures.
From a visual perspective, neige has its unique characteristics, consisting of interconnected ice crystals that create intricate patterns in the form of snowflakes. These patterns can vary greatly, with every snowflake being distinctive.
Neige can also have metaphorical meanings, symbolizing purity, tranquility, and serenity. It is often associated with holidays, creating a festive ambiance and evoking feelings of warmth and joy.
Overall, neige encompasses the physical substance of snow, along with its cultural and symbolic connotations, capturing the essence of winter and all associated characteristics and activities.
The word neige is derived from the Latin word niiva, which means snow. It passed through Old French as neve before evolving into its modern form neige.
