bourgeoisie
/buʁ.ʒwa.zi/feminine
The French word bourgeoisie means class (noun).
bourgeoisie refers to a social class. You can use the alternative Classe moyenne to mean "middle class".
Meaning: class (noun)
Which one should you use?
While bourgeoisie refers to the social class as a whole, bourgeois is the adjective used to describe something related to that class or the singular noun for a person belonging to it. You might also encounter the term Bobo, which is short for bourgeois-bohème and refers to a middle-class individual with bohemian or artistic inclinations.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /buʁ.ʒwa.zi/.
Did you know?
- Although bourgeoisie is a French word, it became a global term for social class primarily through the writings of Karl Marx, who used the French term even in his German texts.
- In modern French slang, calling someone 'bourgeois' can be a subtle insult implying they are boring, conventional, or lack any sense of adventure.
- The root of bourgeoisie comes from the Old French word for 'town' or 'walled settlement', specifically a 'bourg'.
Examples in context
- Tout marchand aspire à la bourgeoisie.Every merchant aspires to join the bourgeoisie.This sentence shows a merchant's aspiration to join the bourgeoisie.Tatoeba #5279340 by Blabla, translation #12228291 by Miktsoanit
- La bourgeoisie du 16ème arrondissement de Paris est souvent associée à l'élite.The bourgeoisie of the 16th arrondissement of Paris is often associated with the elite.
- Elle appartient à la bourgeoisie urbaine.She belongs to the urban bourgeoisie.
- Cette réforme vise la bourgeoisie montante.This reform targets the rising bourgeoisie.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a history book in a library.
- HugoQue penses-tu de la montée de la bourgeoisie ?What do you think about the rise of the bourgeoisie?
- ManonC'est un tournant majeur de l'histoire.It is a major turning point in history.
- HugoLe texte explique bien leur influence politique.The text explains their political influence well.
- ManonOui, Hugo, c'est très clair.Yes, Hugo, it is very clear.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bourgeoisie” translations and entries bourgeoisie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bourgeoisie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
