What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Roman
Example
J'aime lire des romans français. [Roman: noun]
Example
Le Comte de Monte-Cristo est un roman classique. [roman: adjective]
Fiction
Example
I enjoy reading fiction books in my free time. [fiction: noun]
Example
The Harry Potter series is a popular work of fiction. [fiction: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fiction is a more commonly used term than Roman in everyday language, as it is a more general term that encompasses a wider range of works of literature. Roman is a more specific term that is less commonly used outside of literary circles.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between Roman and Fiction?
Both Roman and fiction can be used in formal and informal contexts, but Roman may be perceived as more formal due to its association with literary circles and its roots in Romance languages.
