chevalier
/ʃə.va.lje/masculine
The French word for knight is chevalier.
chevalier is a masculine noun used to describe a warrior, especially one from the Middle Ages. It can also be used in modern French as a title for certain orders of merit, functioning much like the honorific 'Sir' or 'Knight'. Additionally, the related verbal phrase faire chevalier means to confer a knighthood upon someone.
Meaning: warrior, especially of the Middle Ages (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word chevalier is etymologically derived from cheval, which means horse.
Which one should you use?
While the term refers to the medieval warrior, in a modern context, chevalier serves as a formal title for members of certain orders of merit.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the qualities of a knight, you may use the related adjective chevaleresque, which means chivalrous.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ʃə.va.lje/.
Did you know?
- While chevalier usually means 'knight', in a romantic context, calling a man a chevalier can be a playful way to describe him as a 'gentleman'.
- A chevalier servant was historically a specific rank of attendant who served a higher noble, showing that the word could denote a subordinate role.
- The Latin ancestor 'caballus' did not just mean horse, but specifically referred to a work horse or pack horse, highlighting the practical nature of the original term.
Examples in context
- Regarde ce chevalier sur le cheval.Look at that knight on the horse.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use chevalier when describing a knight on a horse.Tatoeba #7744639 by lbdx, translation #282418 by CK
- Le chevalier s'est réveillé et l'a aperçue.The knight woke up and saw her.This sentence shows how to use chevalier as a subject in a simple sentence.Tatoeba #8642762 by Julien_PDC, translation #13077766 by rdgscratch
- Le chevalier Tristan aimait la princesse Iseut.The knight Tristan loved the princess Iseult.This sentence illustrates the use of chevalier when referring to a specific character in a story.Tatoeba #7744642 by lbdx, translation #2720523 by Hybrid
- Le courageux chevalier a combattu vaillamment dans la bataille.The brave knight fought valiantly in the battle.
- Toi, mon cher ami, tu es un véritable chevalier du cœur.You, my dear friend, are a true knight of the heart.
- Le légendaire chevalier protégeait le royaume.The legendary knight protected the kingdom.
- Elle rêve de devenir chevalier un jour.She dreams of becoming a knight someday.
- Le noble chevalier a prêté serment de fidélité au roi.The noble knight pledged his loyalty to the king.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are visiting a medieval museum.
- ManonRegarde l'armure de ce chevalier !Look at this knight's armor!
- GabrielC'est impressionnant, Gabriel trouve ça génial.It's impressive, Gabriel thinks it's great.
- ManonEst-ce qu'un chevalier était vraiment si fort ?Was a knight really that strong?
- GabrielOui, ils s'entraînaient beaucoup.Yes, they trained a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knight” translations and entries chevalier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chevalier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
