concierge
/kɔ̃.sjɛʁʒ/
The English word 'custodian' (referring to a janitor) can be translated into French as concierge.
The term concierge is used to refer to a custodian in the context of an apartment or residential building. For a school custodian, you can say Le gardien de l'école. If you are referring to the full title of a building custodian, you might use Le concierge de l'immeuble. In professional settings, the position may also be referred to as agent de maintenance.
Meaning: (US) a janitor (noun)
Which one should you use?
While concierge can refer to a building janitor, it also refers to a high-end hotel staff member who assists guests with reservations and arrangements.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ̃.sjɛʁʒ/
Did you know?
- The word concierge shares its roots with the Latin word for 'fellow-slave', suggesting the historical origins of the role as a servant in a shared household.
- In French culture, the concierge is often stereotyped as a neighborhood gossip who knows every secret about the residents of the building.
- In high-end hotels, the concierge is a prestigious role that can be certified by the international guild Les Clefs d'Or, recognized by gold keys on their lapels.
Examples in context
- Le concierge nettoie le hall d'entrée.The janitor is cleaning the entrance hall.
- Nous avons appelé le concierge pour les clés.We called the janitor for the keys.
- Le concierge travaille dans cet immeuble.The janitor works in this building.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are talking in their apartment building about a leak.
- LéaIl y a une fuite dans le couloir.There is a leak in the hallway.
- HugoJe vais prévenir le concierge immédiatement.I will notify the janitor immediately.
- LéaEst-ce qu'il peut venir rapidement ?Can he come quickly?
- HugoOui, il est très réactif.Yes, he is very responsive.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry concierge, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries concierge, CC BY-SA 4.0.
