Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| foyer | /fwa.je/ | masculine |
| chez soi | /ʃe swa/ | |
| domicile | /dɔ.mi.sil/ | masculine |
In French, the word used depends on whether you are referring to the emotional center of a household, a legal address or the general concept of one's own space. Use chez soi as an idiomatic way to express the concept of one's own home or one's own space in a general sense.
Which one should you use?
While maison refers to the physical building, foyer refers to the emotional or social concept of a home or household. Use domicile when you need to refer to a home in legal, administrative or official contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'at home' in a common, everyday way, use the phrase à la maison.
How do you pronounce it?
The word foyer is pronounced /fwa.je/ and consists of 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use maison to mean 'home', but maison specifically refers to the physical structure (house). To capture the sense of 'home', use foyer or chez soi instead.
Did you know?
- The term foyer is used in French to describe the 'focus' of a lens in optics. This is because both meanings derive from the Latin word for 'hearth' or 'center'.
- The word foyer originally meant the 'hearth' or the place where the fire was kept in a house.
- In French, a foyer can also refer to a communal lounge or a youth hostel. This usage stems from the idea of a shared social hearth.
Examples in context
- Tom est père au foyer.Tom is a stay-at-home dad.This sentence is useful for showing how to use foyer in the context of a stay-at-home parent.Tatoeba #8501413 by Aiji, translation #2544581 by CK
- Mon domicile est éloigné.My home is far away.This sentence demonstrates the use of domicile for a distant home.Tatoeba #4535781 by sacredceltic, translation #4757673 by Doremi391
- Rien de tel que chez soi.There is no place like home.This sentence shows the idiomatic use of chez soi to express the sentiment of there being no place like home.Tatoeba #13483239 by sacredceltic, translation #24038 by Eldad
- Je serai disponible pour vous recevoir dans ma résidenceI will be available to welcome you to my home
- Viens chez moi, on sera plus à l'aiseCome to my place, we'll be more comfortable
- Ce soir, on fait une soirée chez nousTonight, we're having a party at our place
- 83 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are talking about their new apartment.
- HugoCe nouvel appartement est un vrai foyer.This new apartment is a real home.
- ManonOui, on s'y sent déjà très bien.Yes, we already feel very good here.
- HugoIl faut maintenant créer un foyer chaleureux.Now we must create a warm home.
- ManonJe vais acheter quelques plantes demain.I will buy some plants tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “home” translations and entries foyer, chez soi, domicile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chez, domicile, foyer, soi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
