Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| fantôme | /fɑ̃.tom/ | masculine |
| spectre | /spɛktʁ/ | masculine |
| esprit | /ɛs.pʁi/ | masculine |
| revenant | /ʁə.v(ə).nɑ̃/ | masculine |
| apparition | /a.pa.ʁi.sjɔ̃/ | feminine |
In French, several words can describe a ghost or a spiritual entity depending on the context. While fantôme is the standard term for a spirit appearing after death, you may encounter ghoster, which is modern slang used to describe the act of abruptly cutting off all communication with someone on social media or through text messages without explanation.
Which one should you use?
The different forms of the word carry distinct nuances. Fantôme is the general term for a ghost. Spectre is a more formal or literary choice that often implies a more imposing or terrifying presence. While fantôme specifically refers to a ghost, esprit is a broader term meaning 'spirit' or 'mind' and can be used in non-supernatural contexts. The feminine noun apparition focuses on the act of a ghost appearing rather than the entity itself.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun revenant is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɑ̃.tom/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- The word esprit comes from the Latin 'spiritus', which originally described the act of breathing.
- French speakers use the word esprit to describe someone's wit or intelligence, such as calling someone 'un esprit brillant'.
- While fantôme is used for ghosts, the related word fantasmagorie describes a sequence of real or imaginary images like those in a dream.
Examples in context
- Es-tu un esprit ?Are you a ghost?This sentence uses esprit.Tatoeba #1842473 by sacredceltic, translation #1841748 by CK
- J'ai vu un fantôme.I saw a ghost.This sentence uses fantôme.Tatoeba #11071292 by Aiji, translation #5829227 by CK
- Yanni a vu un fantôme.Yanni saw a ghost.Tatoeba #11075945 by Amastan, translation #8849765 by Amastan
- Les villageois ont peur du fantôme qui erre dans les bois.The villagers are afraid of the ghost that roams the woods.
- Attention, il y a un esprit frappeur dans cette maison, il aime jouer des tours !Be careful, there's a banging spirit in this house, it loves playing tricks!
- Hugo prétend que sa chambre est hantée par une gentille fantômette.Hugo claims that his room is haunted by a friendly little ghost.
- Le spectre apparaît chaque nuit.The ghost appears every night.
- 58 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are watching a scary movie at home.
- ManonEst-ce que ce film parle d'un fantôme ?Does this movie talk about a ghost?
- NathanOui, il y a un fantôme dans le château.Yes, there is a ghost in the castle.
- ManonJ'ai peur de voir un fantôme.I am afraid of seeing a ghost.
- NathanNe t'inquiète pas, ce n'est qu'un film.Don't worry, it is only a movie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ghost” translations and entries fantôme, spectre, esprit, revenant, apparition, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esprit, fantôme, spectre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
