capitaine
/ka.pi.tɛn/
The French word for captain is capitaine.
The term capitaine refers to the person who is lawfully in command of a sea-going vessel.
Meaning: the person lawfully in command of a sea-going vessel (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word capitaine is used for both male and female captains.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /ka.pi.tɛn/.
Did you know?
- The phrase faire le capitaine can be used colloquially to describe someone who is acting bossy or trying to take charge of a situation.
- The word capitaine shares its DNA with the English word 'chieftain' via the Old French word chevetaine.
- French has a specific term, capitaine de vaisseau, to distinguish a high-ranking naval captain from a captain in the army.
Examples in context
- Je suis le capitaine.I'm the captain.This sentence is useful for identifying yourself as the captain.Tatoeba #5750386 by Aiji, translation #2248274 by CK
- On l'a fait capitaine.He was chosen captain.This sentence shows how someone can be chosen for the role of captain.Tatoeba #4696149 by sacredceltic, translation #299172 by CK
- Il fut fait capitaine.He was made captain.This sentence demonstrates how someone was made captain.Tatoeba #4696212 by sacredceltic, translation #307383 by CK
- Le commandant est responsable de la sécurité de l'équipage.The captain is responsible for the crew's safety.
- 77 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are standing on the pier watching a ship arrive.
- GabrielOù est le capitaine ?Where is the captain?
- EmmaLe capitaine est sur le pont.The captain is on the deck.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'il est gentil ?Is he kind?
- EmmaOui, il est très respecté.Yes, he is very respected.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “captain” translations and entries capitaine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries capitaine, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
