champion
/ʃɑ̃.pjɔ̃/
The English phrase 'champ' is translated into French as champion.
champion refers to a person who has won a competition or someone who is very skilled at a particular activity.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /ʃɑ̃.pjɔ̃/.
Did you know?
- While champion is the standard term, French speakers often use the slang crack to describe someone who is an absolute master or 'champ' at a specific skill.
- The word champion is an unexpected distant relative of the English word 'camp', as both share a root meaning a 'level ground' or 'field'.
- Calling someone a champion in French can be used as a sharp form of sarcasm, similar to calling someone a 'genius' after they make a clumsy mistake.
Examples in context
- Bravo, mon champion ! Tu as réussi à marquer ce but incroyable !Well done, champ! You managed to score that incredible goal!
- Il est le champion de l'école.He is the school champion.
- Félicitations, tu es le nouveau champion !Congratulations, you are the new champion!
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are playing a board game.
- ManonRegarde, j'ai gagné la partie !Look, I won the game!
- GabrielBravo Manon, tu es un champion.Well done Manon, you are a champ.
- ManonC'était très facile pour moi.It was very easy for me.
- GabrielOn rejoue pour voir ?Shall we play again to see?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry champion, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries champion, CC BY-SA 4.0.
