loquet
/lɔ.kɛ/masculine
The French word for latch is loquet.
A loquet is a fastening used for a door. It is important to distinguish it from a serrure, which specifically refers to a lock or a gâche, which refers to the strike plate that a latch or lock fastens against.
Meaning: fastening for a door (noun)
Which one should you use?
While loquet is the standard term for a door latch, you may encounter fermoir in more formal contexts, particularly when referring to fastenings on jewelry or accessories. Additionally, if you are specifically referring to a toggle latch, the term is fermoir à bascule.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word loquet is a masculine noun. If you wish to express the action of locking something, use the verb verrouiller.
How do you pronounce it?
/lɔ.kɛ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use serrure when you mean a latch, as serrure refers specifically to a lock.
Did you know?
- The word bascule in fermoir à bascule is the same word French speakers use for a see-saw in a playground.
- The word loquet shares a common ancestor with the English word 'lock', despite the two words having evolved to describe different components of door security.
- In French, the term loquet is a diminutive, which historically characterized the object as a small or minor fastening.
Examples in context
- Le loquet est cassé.The latch is broken.This sentence is useful for describing the condition of a loquet.Tatoeba #1272741 by sacredceltic, translation #6576285 by Eccles17
- Le loquet de la porte est cassé.The latch of the door is broken.
- Le fermoir de mon bracelet est très délicat.The latch of my bracelet is very delicate.
- N'oublie pas de pousser le verrou de la porte avant de partir.Don't forget to push the latch of the door before leaving.
- Utilise cette attache pour fixer ta ceinture.Use this latch to fasten your belt.
- Le fermoir à bascule se bloque automatiquement.The toggle latch locks automatically.
- Il faut réparer le loquet de la porte.The door latch needs to be repaired.
- Le loquet de la clôture est ouvert.The fence latch is open.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are trying to close a garden gate.
- LéaHugo, regarde le loquet.Hugo, look at the latch.
- HugoQu'est-ce qu'il y a ?What is it?
- LéaLe loquet ne ferme pas.The latch does not close.
- HugoJe vais le réparer.I will fix it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “latch” translations and entries loquet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries loquet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
