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air

/ɛʁ/
1.
nounmasculine

air (the mixture of gases around us; the air one breathes)

outdoor air / fresh air

Il fait super chaud, j'ai besoin d'air.

It's really hot, I need some air.

Synonyms:atmosphère
2.
nounmasculine

appearance; look; demeanor

Elle a l'air fatiguée aujourd'hui.

She looks tired today.

Synonyms:allure, apparence, aspect
3.
nounmasculine

tune; melody; short musical phrase

Cet air me trotte dans la tête depuis ce matin.

That tune's been stuck in my head since this morning.

Synonyms:mélodie

Notes

GENERAL INFO

Air is a masculine noun (m.) meaning "air" (the atmosphere, a tune/melody), or "look/appearance."

USAGE

It's used for the atmosphere (*l'air frais* - fresh air) and musical tunes (*un air de musique* - a tune). Crucially, "avoir l'air" means "to look/seem" (*Il a l'air triste* - He looks sad).

TRAPS

Do not confuse "air" with English "heir" (which is *héritier* in French) or "area" (*zone* or *superficie*). Remember to use *avoir* (to have) with "l'air" for "to seem/look," not *être* (to be).