bureau
/by.ʁo/masculine
The English word desk is translated into French as bureau. Wiktionary also lists pupitre.
Meaning: table for writing and reading (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bureau | /by.ʁo/ | masculine |
| pupitre | /py.pitʁ/ | masculine |
The word bureau is used to refer to a table for writing and reading, but it can also mean the office or the room where one works.
Which one should you use?
While bureau refers to a general desk, pupitre specifically refers to the type of desk used by students in a classroom.
How do you pronounce it?
/by.ʁo/
Did you know?
- The English word 'bureau' as in 'Federal Bureau of Investigation' is a direct loanword from the French bureau. It reflects the French use of the word to mean an entire administrative office.
- The word bureau originally referred to a coarse woolen cloth used to cover writing tables. Over time the name of the fabric became the name of the desk itself.
- The word pupitre shares the same Latin root as the English word 'pulpit'. Both describe an elevated platform or desk used for speaking to an audience.
Examples in context
- Où va ce bureau ?Where does this desk go?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of a bureau.Tatoeba #5430652 by Aiji, translation #59860 by CK
- Ce bureau est bien.This desk is good.This sentence is useful for describing the quality of a bureau.Tatoeba #4548501 by sacredceltic, translation #59847 by CK
- Il est à son bureau.He is at his desk.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is at their bureau.Tatoeba #131802 by Aiji, translation #295065 by CK
- Dans son bureau, il a une grande table de travail où il accomplit ses tâches professionnelles.In his office, he has a large desk where he completes his professional tasks.
- J'ai laissé mes livres sur le pupitre, je dois les ranger avant de partir.I left my books on the desk, I need to tidy them up before leaving.
- 269 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are in an office setting.
- ChloéTon bureau est très grand, Hugo.Your desk is very large, Hugo.
- HugoMerci, il est assez pratique.Thank you, it is quite practical.
- ChloéTu as de la place pour ton ordinateur ?Do you have room for your computer?
- HugoOui, tout rentre sur mon bureau.Yes, everything fits on my desk.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “desk” translations and entries bureau, pupitre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bureau, pupitre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
