entretien
/ɑ̃.tʁə.tjɛ̃/masculine
In French, 'interview' can be translated as entretien. Wiktionary also lists entrevue and entretien d'embauche.
Meaning: a formal meeting for the assessment of a candidate or applicant (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| entretien | /ɑ̃.tʁə.tjɛ̃/ | masculine |
| entrevue | /ɑ̃.tʁə.vy/ | feminine |
| entretien d'embauche | /ɑ̃.tʁə.tjɛ̃ d‿ɑ̃.boʃ/ | masculine |
The term refers to a formal meeting for the assessment of a candidate or applicant. To specify that an interview is specifically for a job application, use the phrase entretien d'embauche.
What does it mean word for word?
In a different context, the word entretien can also mean 'maintenance' or 'upkeep', such as the upkeep of a car or a building.
Which one should you use?
While entretien is the standard term for a formal interview or professional meeting in France, the term entrevue is also an acceptable formal way to say 'interview'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canada, entrevue is more commonly used than entretien. In France, it is common to use the term entretien regardless of the context.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
entretien is pronounced /ɑ̃.tʁə.tjɛ̃/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In France, using the English word 'interview' is common, but only for journalists talking to celebrities or politicians. Using 'interview' for a job application would sound very strange to a French speaker.
- The word entrevue is a linguistic 'doublet' of the English word 'interview', meaning they share a common ancestor but evolved through different paths.
- In certain contexts, an entretien can refer to a long, intimate chat, playing on the idea of 'sustaining' a relationship.
Examples in context
- Il nous accorda un entretien.He agreed to give us an interview.This sentence shows the use of entretien in a context of being granted an interview.Tatoeba #1638968 by sacredceltic, translation #1635849 by Spamster
- L'entrevue commença à 10 heures.The interview began at 10 o'clock.This sentence shows the use of entrevue to indicate when an interview started.Tatoeba #457267 by sacredceltic, translation #844017 by J_S
- J'étais à un entretien d'embauche.I was at a job interview.This sentence shows the use of entretien to specify a job interview.Tatoeba #6443861 by Aiji, translation #3823524 by CK
- Pouvons-nous planifier un entretien ?Can we schedule an interview?
- Puis-je avoir une entrevue avec vous ?May I have an interview with you?
- Comment s'est passé ton entretien d'embauche ?How was your job interview?
- Pourriez-vous me donner une date pour l'entretien ?Can you give me a date for the interview?
- Je vous remercie de m'avoir accordé cet entretien.Thank you for granting me this interview.
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé tells Lucas about her job application process.
- ChloéJ'ai enfin un entretien demain matin.I finally have an interview tomorrow morning.
- LucasC'est super, Chloé ! Bonne chance.That's great, Chloé! Good luck.
- ChloéMerci, j'espère que cet entretien se passera bien.Thanks, I hope this interview goes well.
- LucasTu vas réussir, je suis sûr.You will succeed, I am sure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “interview” translations and entries entretien, entrevue, entretien d'embauche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries entretien, entrevue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
