1. As a verb:
* Appartenir: This is the most general and literal translation, meaning "to belong to" or "to be part of".
* *Example:* This book appartient to my sister. (This book belongs to my sister.)
* Être à: This is a more informal way to say "belong to", similar to "to be someone's".
* *Example:* Le chat est à ma voisine. (The cat belongs to my neighbor.)
2. As a noun:
* Appartenance: This translates to "belonging" or "membership" and refers to the state of belonging.
* *Example:* L'appartenance à un groupe social est importante pour beaucoup de gens. (Belonging to a social group is important for many people.)
3. Other expressions:
* Faire partie de: This means "to be part of" and can also be used to express belonging.
* *Example:* Je fais partie de ce club depuis cinq ans. (I've been a part of this club for five years.)
* Se sentir à sa place: This means "to feel like you belong" or "to feel at home".
* *Example:* Je me sens à ma place dans cette ville. (I feel like I belong in this city.)
The best translation will depend on the specific context and meaning you want to convey.