French Phrase
Un chanteur d'opéra célèbre.
Meaning
This sentence means “A famous opera singer.” It identifies a male singer who is well‑known for performing opera, without naming him specifically.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to talk about a well‑known opera vocalist, for example in a conversation about music, a review, or a cultural article.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Unchanteurd'opéracélèbre.
Indefinite article (Un)
Use "un" for masculine singular nouns that are not previously identified.
Noun (chanteur)
"chanteur" is a masculine noun meaning "singer"; it agrees with "un".
Contraction (d')
"de" contracts to "d'" before a vowel or mute h, linking the noun to its complement.
Noun (opéra)
"opéra" is a masculine noun; the whole phrase "d'opéra" means "of opera".
Adjective placement (célèbre)
The adjective "célèbre" normally follows the noun, but can be placed before for emphasis.
🗨In Conversation
Connais‑tu ce chanteur d'opéra célèbre ?
Do you know that famous opera singer?
Oui, il a chanté à l'Opéra de Paris l'année dernière.
Yes, he performed at the Paris Opera last year.
✕Common Mistakes
un chanteur célèbre d'opéra
While grammatically possible, this order changes the nuance; "célèbre" before the noun sounds more literary and may feel less natural in everyday speech.
d'opérae
The preposition "de" contracts to "d'" before a vowel; adding an extra "e" is incorrect.
une chanteur d'opéra célèbre
"Chanteur" is masculine, so the article must be "un", not "une".
↔Alternatives
Un célèbre chanteur d'opéra.
A famous opera singer.
Un chanteur d'opéra renommé.
A renowned opera singer.
Un chanteur d'opéra très connu.
A very well‑known opera singer.
Cultural Tip
In French, most adjectives follow the noun, but "célèbre" can appear before the noun for a slightly more literary tone (e.g., "un célèbre chanteur d'opéra"). Also, remember that "opéra" is masculine, so the article and adjective must agree in gender and number.