paquet
/pa.kɛ/masculine
The English phrase 'package' can be translated into French as paquet. Wiktionary also lists paquetage.
Meaning: something which is packed (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| paquet | /pa.kɛ/ | masculine |
| paquetage | /pak.taʒ/ | masculine |
The word paquet means something which is packed. You may also see the related verbs empaqueter and emballer, which mean 'to pack'. Colloquially, the phrase un paquet de… is used idiomatically to mean 'a lot of' something, such as un paquet de travail (a lot of work).
Which one should you use?
While paquet refers to a single parcel or package, paquetage refers to a collection of gear or equipment, often used in a military or hiking context.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word paquet has two syllables and is pronounced /pa.kɛ/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use paquet for everything, but for a commercial parcel being delivered to your house, colis is the more natural term.
Did you know?
- French has a specific phrase recevoir un paquet that can mean getting a severe scolding or a 'talking to' from a superior.
- Despite its common use in French, the word paquet actually has Germanic roots through Middle Dutch, rather than coming from the Latin roots one might expect in French.
- While paquet usually describes man-made items, it is also used to describe natural formations, such as un paquet de nuages for a dense cluster of clouds.
Examples in context
- Qui t'a donné ce paquet ?Who gave you that package?This sentence is useful for asking who gave someone a specific paquet.Tatoeba #7883084 by Aiji, translation #3151159 by CK
- J'ai un paquet pour vous.I have a package for you.This sentence is useful for stating that you have a paquet for someone.Tatoeba #8031082 by Aiji, translation #2358771 by CK
- Qu'y a-t-il dans le paquet ?What's in the package?This sentence is useful for asking what is inside a paquet.Tatoeba #5326505 by Aiji, translation #2646200 by CK
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo is receiving a delivery at his apartment.
- HugoLe livreur a déposé un paquet devant la porte.The delivery man left a package in front of the door.
- ManonEst-ce que c'est ton paquet, Hugo ?Is it your package, Hugo?
- HugoOui, je l'attendais avec impatience.Yes, I was looking forward to it.
- ManonOuvre-le pour voir ce qu'il y a dedans.Open it to see what is inside.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “package” translations and entries paquet, paquetage, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paquet, paquetage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
