Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| charpentier | /ʃaʁ.pɑ̃.tje/ | masculine |
| menuisier | /mə.nɥi.zje/ | masculine |
In French, the word used for a carpenter depends on the type of woodcraft being performed. The term menuisier is the standard term for a carpenter who focuses on fine woodwork, such as cabinetry, doors or windows. The term charpentier is used for a carpenter specializing in heavy structural timber, such as roof frames.
Which one should you use?
The two main forms differ based on the scale and type of work: use menuisier for fine woodwork, cabinetry and furniture, but use charpentier for structural work involving heavy timber or large wooden structures.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, nouns change based on gender. The masculine form of the structural carpenter is charpentier, while the feminine form is charpentière. For the joiner or cabinetmaker, the masculine form is menuisier and the feminine form is menuisière.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃaʁ.pɑ̃.tje/
Did you know?
- The word charpentier descends from the Latin 'carpentārius', which originally meant a maker of wagons and carriages rather than buildings.
- The English word 'menu' comes from the same root as menuisier, as both describe things that are 'small' or 'detailed'.
- The word charpente is used metaphorically in French to describe the physical build or 'frame' of a person's body.
Examples in context
- Il est bon charpentier.He is a good carpenter.This sentence is useful for describing someone's professional quality using charpentier.Tatoeba #4711232 by sacredceltic, translation #301279 by CK
- Ziri est devenu charpentier.Ziri became a carpenter.This sentence is useful for describing a career change using charpentier.Tatoeba #11764049 by Amastan, translation #10209418 by Amastan
- Je sais que Tom est charpentier.I know that Tom is a carpenter.This sentence is useful for expressing knowledge about someone's profession using charpentier.Tatoeba #7524789 by tras, translation #7520176 by CK
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel is talking to Léa about his father's profession.
- GabrielMon père est charpentier.My father is a carpenter.
- LéaC'est un métier passionnant !That is an exciting profession!
- GabrielOui, il construit des maisons.Yes, he builds houses.
- LéaC'est impressionnant, Gabriel.That's impressive, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “carpenter” translations and entries charpentier, menuisier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries charpentier, menuisier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
