Which one should you use?
While entrepreneur général is the standard term, entrepreneur en bâtiment is used specifically when referring to building-related projects. In professional construction or architectural contexts in France, the term maître d'œuvre is frequently used to describe the entity or person managing the project. Additionally, entrepreneur de construction is another formal way to express the concept of a general contractor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, entrepreneur général is the standard term used. However, in Quebec, you may also hear the colloquial expression contracteur général.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is entrepreneur général. If you are referring to a female general contractor, use the feminine form entrepreneuse générale. For more than one contractor, use the plural form entrepreneurs généraux.
Did you know?
- The English word 'entrepreneur' is a direct loan from the French entrepreneur, which originally meant someone who 'undertakes' a task.
- While entrepreneuse is the feminine form of entrepreneur, some traditionalists in France still prefer using the masculine form for the professional title.
- The term maître d'ouvrage refers specifically to the owner or client who initiates the project, creating a linguistic pair with the maître d'œuvre.
Examples in context
- Je recherche un entrepreneur général pour mon projet de constructionI'm looking for a general contractor for my construction project
- L'entrepreneur général a déjà signé le contrat.The general contractor has already signed the contract.
- Nous devons trouver un entrepreneur général pour les travaux.We need to find a general contractor for the work.
- L'entrepreneur général supervise toute l'équipe de construction.The general contractor supervises the entire construction team.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing their home renovation project.
- NathanAs-tu contacté l'entrepreneur général pour le devis ?Did you contact the general contractor for the quote?
- LéaOui, il va venir visiter la maison demain.Yes, he is coming to visit the house tomorrow.
- NathanC'est parfait, il connaît bien ce quartier.That's perfect, he knows this neighborhood well.
- LéaJ'espère qu'il sera disponible pour nous aider.I hope he will be available to help us.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries entrepreneur, général, CC BY-SA 4.0.
