GENERAL INFO

"Été" has two main meanings:

It is a masculine noun meaning "summer." (e.g., *l'été*)

It is the past participle of the verb "être" (to be), meaning "been." (e.g., *J'ai été*)

USAGE

As a noun: *J'aime passer l'été à la plage.* (I like to spend the summer at the beach.)

As a past participle: *Elle a été très occupée.* (She has been very busy.)

TRAPS

Learners often confuse the noun "été" and the past participle "été." Context is key: the noun "été" usually appears with an article (l', un), while the past participle "été" always follows an auxiliary verb (avoir or être).