coutume
/ku.tym/feminine
The English word custom can be translated into French as coutume. Wiktionary also lists us.
Meaning: long-established practice (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| coutume | /ku.tym/ | feminine |
| us | /ys/ /y/ |
masculine |
coutume refers to a long-established practice. If you are talking about something being custom-made, you can use sur mesure or personnalisé. Additionally, the phrase fait sur mesure also means custom-made.
Which one should you use?
While coutume refers to a long-standing tradition, the word l'usage is often used to describe a common way of doing things or a social convention in a specific context. Furthermore, habitude can be used to express certain customs when referring to recurring practices or rituals.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ku.tym/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In English, a 'costume' is a disguise, but in French, costume is the standard word for a formal man's suit.
- The French word costume is a linguistic sibling to coutume, both sharing roots in the Latin word for 'habit' or 'practice'.
- The term us can refer to a 'custom' in legal or formal French, but it is also the root of the English word 'use'.
Examples in context
- Je connais cette coutume.I know this custom.This sentence shows how to express knowing a particular coutume.Tatoeba #10289047 by Rovo, translation #10291203 by ddnktr
- C'est une coutume locale.This is a local custom.This sentence is useful for describing a coutume that is local.Tatoeba #11235161 by lbdx, translation #7733600 by CK
- C'est une vieille coutume.It's an old custom.This sentence helps you describe a coutume that is old.Tatoeba #5708168 by Aiji, translation #4016537 by CK
- C'est une coutume d'échanger des cadeaux pendant Noël.It's a custom to exchange gifts during Christmas.
- Dans notre famille, c'est une tradition de faire un grand repas le dimanche.In our family, it's a custom to have a big meal on Sundays.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are discussing a traditional festival in their village.
- ManonQuelle est la coutume pour ce festival ?What is the custom for this festival?
- GabrielC'est de porter des vêtements traditionnels.It is to wear traditional clothes.
- ManonEst-ce une coutume ancienne ?Is it an old custom?
- GabrielOui, c'est une coutume très respectée ici.Yes, it is a very respected custom here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “custom” translations and entries coutume, us, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries coutume, us, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
