classeur
/kla.sœʁ/
The French word for binder is classeur.
The term classeur is used to refer to various types of binders, including both ring binders and lever arch files.
Meaning: cover or holder for unbound papers, pages etc. (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada and parts of Belgium, you may use chemise to refer to a binder. In certain other regions, the word cartable is also used to refer to a binder.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form, binders, use classeurs.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /kla.sœʁ/.
Did you know?
- In France, the word chemise is more commonly used for a simple folder or a thin cover, but it is also the everyday word for a 'shirt'.
- The suffix -eur in classeur is typically used for people's professions, such as danseur for 'dancer'. Here it is applied to an inanimate object that performs the action of sorting.
- French has a specific distinction between a classeur and a porte-vues. While both hold papers, a porte-vues uses plastic sleeves and cannot have pages removed or rearranged.
Examples in context
- Elle est allée acheter un classeur.She went to buy a ring binder.This sentence uses the word classeur to describe an item someone went to buy.Tatoeba #12778901 by menaud, translation #12778898 by menaud
- Tenez, voici le classeur pour les rapports mensuels.Here you go, here's the binder for the monthly reports.
- J'ai besoin d'un nouveau classeur pour mes notes.I need a new binder for my notes.
Example conversation
At a stationary store, Emma is helping Lucas find supplies.
- LucasEst-ce que tu vois un classeur bleu ?Do you see a blue binder?
- EmmaOui, il est sur l'étagère du fond.Yes, it is on the back shelf.
- LucasMerci, c'est exactement ce qu'il me fallait.Thank you, it is exactly what I needed.
- EmmaDe rien, Lucas.You're welcome, Lucas.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry classeur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
