How to Say "Detective" in French

détective

/de.tɛk.tiv/masculine

The English word "detective" is translated into French as détective.

A détective is a police officer who looks for evidence.

Meaning: police officer who looks for evidence (noun)

How does it change in a sentence?

To make the word plural, add an s to form détectives.

/de.tɛk.tiv/. The word has 3 syllables.

In French crime fiction, the term polar is used to describe the detective genre, which is a shorthand for roman policier.
A détective privé in France must be licensed by the Ministry of the Interior, making it a strictly regulated legal profession rather than just a freelance job.
The French term maigret has become a quasi-synonym for a methodical, patient detective thanks to the famous character created by Georges Simenon.

Il est détective privé.
He's a private detective.
This sentence shows how to say someone is a private detective.
Tatoeba #7731129 by Micsmithel, translation #2947777 by Hybrid
Ziri est devenu détective.
Ziri became a detective.
This sentence describes someone becoming a detective.
Tatoeba #11764089 by Amastan, translation #10209895 by Amastan
Tom était un détective privé.
Tom used to be a private detective.
This sentence describes someone who used to be a private detective.
Tatoeba #6696707 by GB3, translation #6696689 by CK
Je travaille comme détective privé.
I work as a private detective.
Le détective a résolu le mystère.
The detective solved the mystery.
Mon ami est devenu enquêteur après avoir travaillé en tant que policier.
My friend became a detective after working as a police officer.
32 more sentences on Tatoeba

Emma and Nathan are discussing a crime movie.

Emma

Le détective a trouvé un indice important.
The detective found an important clue.
Nathan

Oui, il est très intelligent, ce détective.
Yes, that detective is very intelligent.
Emma

Est-ce qu'il travaille seul ?
Does he work alone?
Nathan

Non, Nathan, il a une équipe.
No, Nathan, he has a team.

Sources

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