client
/kli.jɑ̃/masculine
The English word 'customer' translates to French as client. If unsure, use client. Wiktionary also lists cliente.
Meaning: one who purchases or receives a product or service (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| client | /kli.jɑ̃/ | masculine |
| cliente | /kli.jɑ̃t/ | feminine |
In French, client is a common term for one who purchases or receives a product or service. While English often distinguishes between a 'client' for professional services and a 'customer' for retail, French frequently uses client for both. Other related terms include acheteur (buyer or purchaser), consommateur (consumer) and clientèle (a group of customers or clientele).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of client is clients, which is used for a group of masculine customers or a mixed group of both men and women.
How do you pronounce it?
/kli.jɑ̃/
Did you know?
- If you are a 'regular' at a cafe, you might be called un habitué, which comes from the verb habiter (to live), implying you 'inhabit' the place.
- The word client shares the same Latin root as 'claimant' or 'to claim', originally referring to someone who sought protection from a patron.
- In some specialized French contexts, such as gambling or nightlife, the word client can be a euphemism for a patron of an illicit business.
Examples in context
- Le client est roi.The customer is always right.This sentence is useful for the proverb stating the customer is always right.Tatoeba #1026696 by sacredceltic, translation #462670 by lukaszpp
- Je suis avec un client.I'm with a customer.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are currently with a customer.Tatoeba #3093169 by Blabla, translation #5958359 by CK
- Le client a giflé Ziri.The customer slapped Ziri.This sentence is useful for describing an action involving a customer.Tatoeba #12183397 by always, translation #11049837 by Amastan
- Bonjour, cher clientHello, dear customer
- Notre clientèle est majoritairement composée d'entrepreneurs.Our clientele is mainly composed of entrepreneurs.
- Merci de votre visite, cher client.Thank you for your visit, dear customer.
- Nous avons une offre spéciale pour nos clients fidèles.We have a special offer for our loyal customers.
- Les nouveaux acheteurs bénéficieront d'une remise de 10%.New buyers will benefit from a 10% discount.
- 46 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are working in a small boutique.
- LucasManon, est-ce que le client est satisfait ?Manon, is the customer satisfied?
- ManonOui, ce client est très content de ses achats.Yes, this customer is very happy with his purchases.
- LucasC'est super, car il est très important pour nous.That is great, because he is very important to us.
- ManonJe vais lui donner son sac maintenant.I am going to give him his bag now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “customer” translations and entries client, cliente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries client, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
