serrure
/sɛ.ʁyʁ/
The English phrase "door lock" is translated into French as serrure.
serrure refers to the mechanism used to keep a door closed and secure it with a key.
Which one should you use?
The term verrou specifically refers to a latch or bolt used to lock a door, often found on interior doors.
How do you pronounce it?
/sɛ.ʁyʁ/
Did you know?
- While serrure is the general term, a 'deadbolt' specifically is often called a pêne dormant, meaning 'sleeping bolt'.
- In a hardware store, you might encounter a serrure à condamnation, which refers to a privacy lock used for bathrooms or bedrooms rather than a standard security lock.
- The phrase clé en main, meaning 'turnkey', refers to a property that is ready for immediate use, not just a literal key in a serrure.
Examples in context
- La serrure est cassée.The lock is broken.
- Il faut changer la serrure.The lock needs to be changed.
- La serrure ne tourne plus.The lock no longer turns.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are standing in front of their apartment door.
- EmmaGabriel, la serrure est bloquée.Gabriel, the lock is stuck.
- GabrielC'est étrange, elle fonctionnait hier.That's strange, it was working yesterday.
- EmmaJe pense que la serrure est trop vieille.I think the lock is too old.
- GabrielTu as raison, appelons un serrurier.You're right, let's call a locksmith.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry serrure, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
