tenue
/tə.ny/feminine
In French, outfit is translated as tenue. Wiktionary also lists costume.
Meaning: set of clothing (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tenue | /tə.ny/ | feminine |
| costume | /kɔs.tym/ | masculine |
The term tenue is often used to refer to a complete outfit, which includes both clothing and accessories. Another common and versatile term for outfit is ensemble.
Which one should you use?
While tenue refers to a general outfit or attire, costume is used for a specific costume, such as one for a play or a party or for a formal man's suit. The phrase tenue de ville is specifically used to denote a formal or semi-formal dress code, often translated as city dress.
How do you pronounce it?
/tə.ny/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using costume to mean a regular everyday outfit, as this usually implies a theatrical costume or a formal suit in French.
Did you know?
- While English speakers say 'dress up', a French person might say se mettre sur son trente-et-un to mean putting on a very fine outfit.
- The word tenue comes from the verb tenir, meaning 'to hold'. It originally referred to how a person 'held' themselves or their posture.
- The word costume shares its roots with the word 'custom' because it originally described the clothes one wore as a habit or part of their social custom.
Examples in context
- C'est ma tenue préférée.This is my favorite outfit.This sentence is useful for identifying a favorite tenue.Tatoeba #11148319 by lbdx, translation #5401058 by Hybrid
- Cette tenue est mignonne.This outfit is cute.This sentence is useful for describing a tenue as cute.Tatoeba #5288970 by Aiji, translation #5288209 by Hybrid
- J'aime ta nouvelle tenue.I like your new outfit.This sentence is useful for complimenting someone on a new tenue.Tatoeba #13649464 by felix63, translation #13649472 by araneo
- Je porte un ensemble élégant aujourd'huiI'm wearing a stylish outfit today
- Elle avait une tenue impeccable pour l'occasionShe had an impeccable outfit for the occasion
- J'aime tes fringues, elles sont super cool!I love your outfit, it's really cool!
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are preparing to go to a party.
- EmmaTa tenue est très élégante.Your outfit is very elegant.
- LucasMerci, Emma. Et toi ?Thanks, Emma. And you?
- EmmaJ'ai choisi une tenue simple.I chose a simple outfit.
- LucasElle te va très bien.It suits you very well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “outfit” translations and entries tenue, costume, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries costume, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
