majordome
/ma.ʒɔʁ.dɔm/masculine
The English word majordomo is translated into French as majordome.
A majordome refers to a head servant. This term is typically used when discussing historical settings or high-society households.
Meaning: head servant (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term majordome is formal. Depending on the specific professional context, other terms may be more appropriate: for a headwaiter or restaurant manager, use Maître d'hôtel and for a personal attendant, use Valet de chambre.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ma.ʒɔʁ.dɔm/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The term majordome is so closely linked to old-fashioned nobility that using it for a modern employee might be perceived as a joke or a sarcastic comment on their importance.
- The English word 'majordomo' is actually a loanword from the French majordome, which was borrowed from Italian.
- In the French legal system, the word maître used in maître d'hôtel is also the mandatory title used when addressing lawyers and notaries.
Examples in context
- Le maître d'hôtel est un excellent choix pour gérer les affaires quotidiennes de la maison.The majordomo is an excellent choice to handle the day-to-day affairs of the house.
- Le majordome s'occupe de l'organisation des réceptions dans cette maison.The majordomo takes care of organizing receptions in this house.
- L'intendant se charge des tâches quotidiennes liées à la propriété.The majordomo handles the day-to-day tasks related to the property.
- Le maître d'hôtel est un rôle crucial dans l'industrie de l'hospitalité.The majordomo is a crucial role in the hospitality industry.
- Qui est l'intendant responsable de cette propriété ?Who is the majordomo responsible for this property?
- Le majordome prépare le thé.The majordome is preparing the tea.
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are watching a period drama on television.
- ChloéEst-ce que l'acteur joue le rôle du majordome ?Is the actor playing the role of the majordome?
- GabrielOui, il est le majordome de la famille.Yes, he is the family's majordome.
- ChloéIl a l'air très sérieux.He looks very serious.
- GabrielC'est un travail qui demande de la rigueur.It is a job that requires rigor.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “majordomo” translations and entries majordome, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries majordome, CC BY-SA 4.0.
