clochard
/klɔ.ʃaʁ/masculine
The English phrase hobo is translated into French as clochard. If unsure, use clochard. Wiktionary also lists clodo.
Meaning: homeless person (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| clochard | /klɔ.ʃaʁ/ | masculine |
| clodo | /klɔ.do/ | masculine |
Both terms refer to a homeless person.
What does it mean word for word?
Etymologically, clochard is derived from cloche (bell), referring to someone who used a bell to attract attention while begging.
Which one should you use?
Clochard is the standard term used to mean a hobo or vagabond, whereas clodo is more colloquial and carries a more derogatory tone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Clochard is the standard masculine form. Clodo is an informal, slang shortening of clochard used to mean hobo or bum.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the masculine form is clochard, the feminine form for a female hobo is clocharde.
Did you know?
- The suffix -ard in clochard is often used in French to create pejorative nouns that exaggerate a specific characteristic.
- The word clochard may not come from a bell but from the verb clocher, meaning 'to limp'. This suggests the term originally described the physical gait of vagabonds rather than the tools they used.
- In old-fashioned French, calling someone a cloche means they are an 'oaf' or a 'clumsy person'.
Examples in context
- Ziri est devenu un clochard.Ziri became a hobo.This sentence shows the use of clochard to describe someone's status.Tatoeba #11764121 by Amastan, translation #10210028 by Amastan
- Les sans-abri nécessitent notre soutien.The homeless require our support.
- J'ai vu un clochard assis sous le pont.I saw a tramp sitting under the bridge.
- J'ai donné un peu d'argent au clochard près de la gare.I gave some money to the tramp near the train station.
- La ville devrait faire plus pour aider les SDF à se réinsérer dans la société.The city should do more to help the homeless reintegrate into society.
- Ce clochard dort sur le banc.This homeless person is sleeping on the bench.
- On a donné un repas à ce clochard.We gave a meal to this homeless person.
Example conversation
Two friends are walking through a park in the city.
- HugoRegarde ce pauvre clochard là-bas.Look at that poor homeless person over there.
- LéaIl a l'air de beaucoup souffrir.He looks like he is suffering a lot.
- HugoTu veux lui donner un peu d'argent ?Do you want to give him some money?
- LéaNon, je préfère lui apporter de la nourriture.No, I prefer to bring him some food.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hobo” translations and entries clochard, clodo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries clochard, clodo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
