clown
/klun/masculine
The French word for clown is clown. If unsure, use clown. Wiktionary also lists clownesse and pitre.
Meaning: performance artist working in a circus (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| clown | /klun/ | masculine |
| clownesse | /klu.nɛs/ | feminine |
| pitre | /pitʁ/ | feminine, masculine |
| bouffon | /bu.fɔ̃/ | masculine |
The word clown refers to a performance artist working in a circus.
Which one should you use?
While clown refers to the circus performer, pitre is often used metaphorically to describe someone who is constantly making jokes or acting silly, such as a 'class clown'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of clown is clownesse. The word pitre can be used as either a masculine or feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/klun/
When do people say it?
The phrase Espèce de [noun]!, such as Espèce de clown !, is a common way to use a noun as a derogatory insult, similar to saying 'You idiot!' or 'You clown!' in English.
Did you know?
- The word bouffon shares its roots with the Italian word buffone, highlighting the influence of Italian Commedia dell'arte on French performance arts.
- The term pitre likely evolved from the word piètre, which means 'poor' or 'pitiful' in modern French.
- The term bouffon refers to the historical role of the court jester who could critique the king without being punished.
Examples in context
- Espèce de clown !Clown!This sentence shows how to use clown as a derogatory insult.Tatoeba #7693747 by Micsmithel, translation #7532035 by shekitten
- À qui tu parles, le clown ?Who're you talking to, clown?This sentence shows how to use clown when addressing someone directly.Tatoeba #8587033 by Aiji, translation #2369526 by AlanF_US
- C'est le pitre de la classe.He's the class clown.This sentence demonstrates the metaphorical use of pitre to describe a class clown.Tatoeba #2187160 by sacredceltic, translation #2182115 by Hybrid
- Mon fils veut devenir clown professionnel.My son wants to become a professional clown.
- Le clown a fait rire tout le public avec ses numéros comiques.The clown made the whole audience laugh with his comedic acts.
- Le bouffon du roi faisait toujours rire tout le monde à la cour.The king's jester always made everyone laugh at the court.
- Mon ami est vraiment rigolo, il pourrait être un clown professionnel.My friend is really funny, he could be a professional clown.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are at a circus performance.
- NathanRegarde ce clown, il est impressionnant !Look at that clown, he is impressive!
- ManonOui, il est très talentueux, Nathan.Yes, he is very talented, Nathan.
- NathanEst-ce que tu aimes sa performance ?Do you like his performance?
- ManonAbsolument, c'est mon artiste préféré.Absolutely, he is my favorite artist.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clown” translations and entries clown, clownesse, pitre, bouffon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bouffon, clown, clownesse, pitre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
