gardien
/ɡaʁ.djɛ̃/masculine
The English phrase goalie can be translated into French as gardien or goaleur.
Meaning: colloquial form of goalkeeper or goaltender (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gardien | /ɡaʁ.djɛ̃/ | masculine |
| goaleur | Quebec, masculine |
The term is used to describe a goalkeeper or goaltender. In standard French, the term for goalie is often expanded to gardien de but to specify the role. It is important to note that gardien is also the general word for a guardian, keeper or caretaker in many other contexts.
Which one should you use?
While gardien is a general term for a keeper or guardian, in a sporting context it refers to the goalie. The term goaleur is used specifically in Quebec, typically in the context of ice hockey.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, you will often hear the term goaleur, especially when discussing ice hockey.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are referring to a female goalie, the standard term changes to the feminine form gardienne.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡaʁ.djɛ̃/
Did you know?
- While gardien is the standard term for a goalie, it is also the word used for a jailer or prison guard in French.
- The term gardien is a linguistic doublet of the word gardian, a term specifically used for the shepherds of the Camargue region in southern France.
- The Quebec term goaleur is a hybrid word that blends the English 'goal' with the French suffix -eur, which is typically used to denote a person performing a specific action.
Examples in context
- Pour le match d'aujourd'hui Tom est le gardien de but.For today's match, Tom is the goalie.This sentence is useful for identifying someone's role in a match using gardien.Tatoeba #6767230 by Micsmithel, translation #6767502 by ispeakyourlang
- Le gardien de but a dévié le palet avec sa crosse.The goalie deflected the puck with his stick.This sentence shows how to describe a goalie's action using gardien.Tatoeba #9936534 by lbdx, translation #6603840 by Hybrid
- Le gardien de but a arrêté le tir.The goalie stopped the shot.
- Le gardien a réalisé une superbe parade!The goalie made a superb save!
- Le gardien est vraiment excellent cette saison.The goalie is really excellent this season.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a football match.
- HugoTu as vu le match hier ?Did you see the match yesterday?
- EmmaOui, leur gardien était incroyable !Yes, their goalie was incredible!
- HugoC'est vrai, il a fait un arrêt magnifique.It's true, he made a magnificent save.
- EmmaIl a sauvé l'équipe.He saved the team.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goalie” translations and entries gardien, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gardien, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
