fermeture
/fɛʁ.mə.tyʁ/
In French, the English word 'closure' is translated as fermeture.
Fermeture is a common and direct translation of closure in French. It is used to describe the physical act of closing something, such as a business, a road or a document.
Meaning: feeling of completeness (noun)
Which one should you use?
While fermeture refers to physical or operational closures, the formal term clôture should be used when discussing the conclusion of a specific event, a project or a legal matter.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /fɛʁ.mə.tyʁ/ and consists of 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use fermeture to describe the psychological concept of 'getting closure' or achieving emotional peace. In French, fermeture only refers to the physical act of closing something like a shop, a road or a file.
Did you know?
- In a professional context, the term fermeture annuelle refers to the traditional practice of many French businesses closing entirely for several weeks during August.
- A fermeture éclair is the French term for a zipper. Literally, it translates to a 'lightning closure'.
- In French, the term clôture is also used for a 'fence' or 'enclosure' surrounding a property, which is a way of 'closing' a space.
Examples in context
- La fermeture de la route était due à une crue soudaine.The road closure was due to a flash flood.This sentence shows how to use fermeture regarding a road.Tatoeba #9964995 by lbdx, translation #2588482 by mhattick
- Les ouvriers se sont solidarisés pour lutter contre la fermeture de l'usine.The workers united together to fight against the closure of the factory.This sentence uses fermeture in the context of a factory closing.Tatoeba #9013028 by lbdx, translation #11669770 by tieguy
- La fermeture de l'usine aura des conséquences directes sur l'économie de la ville.The closure of the factory will have significant knock-on effects for the town's economy.This sentence illustrates the consequences of a factory's fermeture.Tatoeba #3691481 by sacredceltic, translation #3691349 by patgfisher
- La fermeture des magasins aura lieu à 18 heures.The closure of the stores will take place at 6 PM.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing a past relationship.
- HugoJ'ai besoin de fermeture pour passer à autre chose.I need closure to move on.
- ManonEst-ce que tu veux lui parler encore ?Do you want to talk to him again?
- HugoOui, une dernière conversation m'apporterait la fermeture.Yes, one last conversation would give me closure.
- ManonJe comprends, Hugo. C'est important pour toi.I understand, Hugo. It is important for you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fermeture, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
