Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| déguisement | /de.ɡiz.mɑ̃/ | masculine |
| costume | /kɔs.tym/ | masculine |
When you want to talk about a disguise or a costume worn for a party, a play or a themed event, the standard term is déguisement. For specific types of attire, you might use costume de scène for a stage performance costume or costume d'Halloween for a Halloween costume. For more traditional or historical clothing, the term habit can be used to refer to attire or clothing. To describe fancy dress outfits or outfits for celebrations, you can use habits de fête.
Which one should you use?
While déguisement is the standard word for a disguise or a costume worn for a party or a play, costume functions differently in French. In French, costume most commonly refers to a business suit or a formal outfit rather than a disguise.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, Canada, the informal term kit d'Halloween can be used to describe a Halloween costume.
How do you pronounce it?
/de.ɡiz.mɑ̃/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use costume to mean a disguise in French, but this usually results in the listener thinking of a formal suit.
Did you know?
- In French, costume is a doublet of the word coutume, meaning 'custom'. Both words descended from the same Latin root describing a habit or a usual way of doing things.
- If you tell a French speaker you are wearing a costume, they will likely imagine you in a formal business suit rather than a fantasy outfit.
- While déguisement is the standard term for a disguise, people in Québec often use the English-influenced term kit d'Halloween for their holiday outfits.
Examples in context
- Je déteste ce costume-ci.I hate this costume.This sentence shows how to express dislike for a specific costume.Tatoeba #11694725 by Rovo, translation #11692555 by shekitten
- Ziri a essayé le costume.Ziri tried the costume on.This sentence illustrates the action of trying on a costume.Tatoeba #11964116 by Amastan, translation #10959973 by Amastan
- Ce costume est-il à louer ?Is this costume a rental?This sentence is useful for asking if a costume is available for rent.Tatoeba #11964114 by Amastan, translation #8379175 by Amastan
- J'ai besoin d'acheter un nouveau costume pour le mariage.I need to buy a new suit for the wedding.
- Les acteurs ont hâte de porter leurs nouveaux costumes de scène .The actors are excited to wear their new stage costumes.
- As-tu déjà choisi ton costume d'Halloween cette année?Have you already chosen your Halloween costume this year?
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are preparing for a party.
- LucasTu as choisi ton déguisement ?Have you chosen your costume?
- ChloéPas encore, je cherche une idée.Not yet, I'm looking for an idea.
- LucasMon déguisement est un pirate !My costume is a pirate!
- ChloéC'est super, Lucas !That's great, Lucas!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “costume” translations and entries déguisement, costume, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries costume, déguisement, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
