ouvrier
/u.vʁi.je/masculine
The English word "laborer" is translated into French as ouvrier.
The term ouvrier refers to a person who uses bodily strength to earn a wage.
Meaning: One who uses bodily strength to earn a wage (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ouvrier specifically refers to manual or industrial labor, employé is used for office workers or white-collar employees.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is ouvrier. To refer to a female laborer, use the feminine form ouvrière. For the plural of the masculine noun, use ouvriers.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables: /u.vʁi.je/.
Did you know?
- In French, the term ouvrier is used to describe a 'worker bee' (abeille ouvrière), showing how the term for human labor extends to nature.
- The term ouvrier is often used in the phrase ouvrier de la pensée, which poetically describes a 'laborer of thought' or a dedicated intellectual.
- In French history, the term ouvrier was central to the identity of the 'class struggle', often used in political slogans to distinguish the proletariat from the bourgeoisie.
Examples in context
- Ziri est devenu ouvrier.Ziri became a laborer.This sentence is useful for showing how to use the word ouvrier when describing someone's profession.Tatoeba #11764085 by Amastan, translation #10209884 by Amastan
- Le nouvel ouvrier a rejoint l'équipe de construction aujourd'hui.The new laborer joined the construction team today.
- Les travailleurs agricoles accomplissent un travail essentiel dans les champs.The agricultural laborers perform essential work in the fields.
- Les manœuvres de chantier travaillent dur toute la journée.The construction laborers work hard all day long.
- Mon oncle est un ouvrier qualifié.My uncle is a skilled laborer.
- Il travaille comme ouvrier dans une usine.He works as a laborer in a factory.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are talking about Hugo's career change.
- HugoJe veux devenir ouvrier.I want to become a laborer.
- ManonC'est un métier difficile, Hugo.It is a difficult job, Hugo.
- HugoOui, mais j'aime le travail manuel.Yes, but I like manual work.
- ManonBon courage pour ton nouveau poste.Good luck with your new position.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “laborer” translations and entries ouvrier, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
