fauteuil
/fo.tœj/
The French word for armchair is fauteuil. Wiktionary also lists chaise bourrée.
Meaning: chair with supports for the arms or elbows (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| fauteuil | /fo.tœj/ | |
| chaise bourrée | Louisiana, feminine |
An armchair is a chair featuring supports for the arms or elbows. While a chaise à bras is a literal way to describe a chair with arms, fauteuil is the standard term for this piece of furniture.
Which one should you use?
A fauteuil refers specifically to an armchair that includes armrests and padding, whereas a chaise refers to a standard chair that typically lacks these features.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Louisiana French, the feminine term chaise bourrée is used to refer to an armchair. In Quebec, Canada, the term fauteuil inclinable is used specifically for a reclining armchair.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of fauteuil, simply add an 's' to get fauteuils.
How do you pronounce it?
/fo.tœj/
Did you know?
- Historically, the fauteuil was a symbol of status, as only the head of the household or high-ranking officials were permitted to sit in one.
- The word fauteuil shares a common ancestor with the English word 'foldstool', originating from a Frankish term for a 'folding seat'.
- The French language uses fauteuil for both a home armchair and a cinema or theater seat.
Examples in context
- Ce fauteuil est confortable.This armchair is comfortable.This sentence is useful for describing the comfort of a fauteuil.Tatoeba #4827483 by mkacfr, translation #4815526 by CK
- Je me suis assis dans le fauteuil.I sat down in the armchair.This sentence is useful for describing the action of sitting in a fauteuil.Tatoeba #10625904 by lbdx, translation #10575267 by sundown
- J'ai posé les journaux près du fauteuil.I put the newspapers near the armchair.This sentence is useful for describing the placement of objects near a fauteuil.Tatoeba #11973483 by lbdx, translation #6064422 by sergiomelo
- Je me détends toujours dans mon fauteuil préféré.I always relax in my favorite armchair.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are choosing furniture for their new living room.
- ChloéRegarde ce beau fauteuil en cuir.Look at this beautiful leather armchair.
- GabrielIl est très élégant, Chloé.It is very elegant, Chloé.
- ChloéEst-ce que ce fauteuil te plaît ?Do you like this armchair?
- GabrielOui, il est parfait pour moi.Yes, it is perfect for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “armchair” translations and entries fauteuil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chaise, fauteuil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
