bureau
/by.ʁo/masculine
The English word "office" is translated to French as bureau. Wiktionary also lists office.
Meaning: room(s) or building used for non-manual work (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bureau | /by.ʁo/ | masculine |
| office | /ɔ.fis/ | masculine |
bureau refers to a room or building used for non-manual work.
Which one should you use?
The word bureau can refer to both the physical workspace (the office) and the piece of furniture (the desk).
How do you pronounce it?
/by.ʁo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the French word office to mean a physical workspace. In French, office usually refers to a religious or official function.
Did you know?
- The root of bureau is linked to 'fluff' or 'shaggy hair', reflecting the texture of the ancient fabrics used to cover work surfaces.
- In a domestic setting, l'office refers to a small room or pantry area between the kitchen and the dining room used for preparing meals.
- In French, le bureau can refer to the physical space or the group of people who manage an organization. For example, a board of directors is often called le bureau.
Examples in context
- Il est au bureau.He is at the office.Tatoeba #4718693 by sacredceltic, translation #2612751 by CK
- Je suis au bureau.I'm at the office.Tatoeba #11145652 by lbdx, translation #5859512 by CK
- À demain au bureau.See you tomorrow in the office.Tatoeba #333860 by sysko, translation #323399 by AlanF_US
- Je travaille dans un bureauI work in an office
- Je vais au boulotI'm going to the office
- Son bureau est à ParisHis office is in Paris
- Mon bureau est près du centre-villeMy office is close to downtown
- Je dois retourner au bureau demainI have to go back to the office tomorrow
- Où est votre nouveau bureau?Where is your new office?
- 555 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are discussing their work locations.
- LéaOù est ton bureau, Nathan ?Where is your office, Nathan?
- NathanMon bureau est dans ce bâtiment.My office is in this building.
- LéaEst-ce que ton bureau est loin ?Is your office far away?
- NathanNon, il est juste ici.No, it is right here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “office” translations and entries bureau, office, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bureau, office, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
