vêtements
/vɛt.mɑ̃/
The English word 'clothes' is vêtements in French. Wiktionary also lists fringues.
Meaning: apparel (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| vêtements | /vɛt.mɑ̃/ |
| fringues |
If you want to describe a complete outfit or ensemble, you can use the expression Ensemble vestimentaire. If you are specifically talking about formal clothing, such as suits or costumes worn on special occasions, use Costume.
Which one should you use?
vêtements is the standard, neutral term for clothes, whereas fringues is informal or slang.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
fringues is a slang term, and guenilles is an informal and slightly derogatory term used for old or worn-out clothes.
How does it change in a sentence?
While vêtements is the common plural form used to mean 'clothes', the singular vêtement refers to a single piece of clothing.
How do you pronounce it?
/vɛt.mɑ̃/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word costume describes a man's suit, but if a woman wears a matching jacket and skirt, it is called a tailleur. Using costume for a woman's outfit would sound like she is wearing a theatrical costume.
- The word vêtement is related to the verb vêtir, which also appears in the English word 'investiture'. This describes the formal act of placing 'clothes' or robes on someone to give them a title.
- When talking about 'clothes' in a laundry context, French speakers often use le linge instead of vêtements. This word specifically refers to textiles that can be washed, including linens and towels.
Examples in context
- Ôte tes vêtements !Take off your clothes.This sentence uses vêtements to show how to tell someone to take off their clothes.Tatoeba #1947411 by sacredceltic, translation #1946889 by Spamster
- Ôtez vos vêtements !Take off your clothes!Tatoeba #1947413 by sacredceltic, translation #4466781 by maizewen
- Mets des vêtements !Put some clothes on.This sentence uses vêtements to show how to tell someone to put some clothes on.Tatoeba #2226542 by sacredceltic, translation #2223775 by Hybrid
- Marie s'est assurée que ses habits étaient bien repassés avant d'aller au rendez-vous.Marie made sure her clothes were well ironed before going to the appointment.
- Julien m'a invité à une fête et m'a dit de venir avec mes meilleures fringues .Julien invited me to a party and told me to come with my best clothes.
- 419 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are packing for a trip.
- ChloéLucas, as-tu pris tous tes vêtements ?Lucas, did you take all your clothes?
- LucasOui, j'ai mis mes vêtements dans le sac.Yes, I put my clothes in the bag.
- ChloéN'oublie pas de prendre une veste.Don't forget to take a jacket.
- LucasD'accord, je vais la chercher.Okay, I will go get it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clothes” translations and entries vêtements, fringues, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
