chandelier
/ʃɑ̃.də.lje/
The English word 'chandler' (a person who makes or sells candles) is translated into French as chandelier.
In French, chandelier refers to a candle holder or a light fixture.
Meaning: person who makes or sells candles (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'chandler' refers to the person, the French word chandelier refers to the object that holds candles.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ʃɑ̃.də.lje/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the French word chandelier to mean a candle-maker, whereas in French, chandelier refers to a candle holder or a light fixture.
Did you know?
- Because chandelier means a candle holder, the French word for a person who makes candles is actually cirier, derived from cire meaning 'wax'.
- While chandelier refers to the object in modern French, the suffix -ier is typically used in French to denote a profession or a person's trade.
- In a French interior design context, a chandelier is often specifically a multi-armed candle holder, whereas a single-candle holder is more likely called a bougeoir.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, Monsieur Chandler ! Comment allez-vous aujourd'hui?Hello, Mr. Chandler! How are you today?
- Salut, Chandler ! On se retrouve chez toi ce soir?Hey, Chandler! Shall we meet at your place tonight?
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are visiting a craft fair.
- HugoEst-ce que cet homme est un chandelier ?Is this man a chandler?
- ManonOui, Manon pense qu'il est très doué.Yes, Manon thinks he is very gifted.
- HugoJe veux acheter une bougie chez ce chandelier.I want to buy a candle from this chandler.
- ManonC'est une excellente idée, Hugo.That is an excellent idea, Hugo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chandelier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
