propriétaire
/pʁɔ.pʁi.je.tɛʁ/
The English phrase 'homeowner' is translated into French as propriétaire.
The term is used to describe a person who owns a house or property. In discussions regarding housing status, it is the direct opposite of the word locataire (tenant).
Meaning: someone who owns a house (noun)
Which one should you use?
While propriétaire is the standard term, you may encounter Propriétaire immobilier in formal contexts to specifically emphasize the ownership of real estate. In casual conversation, people often use the abbreviation Proprio.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word propriétaire is the same in both masculine and feminine forms, meaning it does not change based on the gender of the owner.
How do you pronounce it?
/pʁɔ.pʁi.je.tɛʁ/. It has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- In France, a propriétaire may be referred to as a bailleur when they are acting specifically as a landlord in a legal contract.
- The word propriétaire can describe the owner of anything from a small apartment to a large company or even a pet.
- The word propriétaire shares its linguistic DNA with the English word 'property', as both descend from the same Latin root describing the state of owning something.
Examples in context
- Vous êtes locataire ou propriétaire ?Are you a tenant or homeowner?This sentence is useful for asking someone if they are a tenant or a propriétaire.Tatoeba #3011485 by Blabla, translation #8893073 by sundown
- Il est propriétaire d'une maison.He is a homeowner (owner of a house).
- Je suis propriétaire d'une petite maison.I am the owner of a small house.
- Ce propriétaire habite ici depuis longtemps.This homeowner has lived here for a long time.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are discussing real estate in their neighborhood.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu es propriétaire ou locataire ?Are you a homeowner or a renter?
- GabrielJe suis propriétaire de cet appartement.I own this apartment.
- ChloéC'est une très belle propriété, Gabriel.It is a very beautiful property, Gabriel.
- GabrielMerci, j'aime beaucoup mon nouveau chez-moi.Thank you, I really love my new home.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry propriétaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries propriétaire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
