paire
/pɛʁ/feminine
The English word "pair" can be translated into French as paire.
Meaning: two people in a relationship (noun)
Which one should you use?
While paire refers to two things or people that go together, couple is the more common and standard term for two people in a romantic relationship.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a pair of objects (like gloves or shoes), you must use the construction une paire de followed by the noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɛʁ/
Did you know?
- The French word paire is often used in the expression faire la paire, which translates to 'to be a pair' but is actually used to describe two people who are constantly up to no good together.
- The Latin root of paire, paria, also gave rise to the English word 'peer', as in someone of equal status.
- While paire means 'pair', French uses the specific word binôme for two people working as a professional or academic team. This term is common in schools and offices to describe a project partnership.
Examples in context
- Quelle paire ils font !What a pair!This sentence shows how to express 'What a pair!' using paire.Tatoeba #3430448 by sacredceltic, translation #3419481 by Hybrid
- Quelle paire elles font !What a pair they make!Tatoeba #3430449 by sacredceltic, translation #3419484 by Hybrid
- Je veux une paire de gants.I want a pair of gloves.This sentence demonstrates the use of the construction paire for objects.Tatoeba #6154389 by Aiji, translation #2011889 by CK
- Tu seras mon binôme pour le projet.You will be my partner for the project.
- 110 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are talking about their friends at a party.
- HugoRegarde Marc et Julie, quelle paire !Look at Marc and Julie, what a pair!
- EmmaC'est vrai, ils sont très mignons ensemble.It's true, they are very cute together.
- HugoC'est une belle paire, non ?They make a beautiful pair, don't they?
- EmmaOui, ils se complètent parfaitement.Yes, they complement each other perfectly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pair” translations and entries paire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries paire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
