colis
/kɔ.li/masculine
The English phrase 'parcel' can be translated into French as colis. Wiktionary also lists paquet.
Meaning: package wrapped for shipment (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| colis | /kɔ.li/ | masculine |
| paquet | /pa.kɛ/ | masculine |
Both colis and paquet are used to refer to a package wrapped for shipment.
Which one should you use?
While both mean package, colis is the standard term used in logistics, shipping and by postal services. In contrast, paquet is more generic and often refers to a smaller bundle or a packet.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
colis is an invariable noun, meaning its spelling does not change in the plural form. Because colis is a masculine noun, you must use the masculine article un or le.
How do you pronounce it?
The word colis is pronounced /kɔ.li/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word colis is borrowed from the Italian colli, which is the plural form of collo meaning 'neck' or 'collar'.
- While colis refers to the package, the word colisage is used in French industry to describe the entire professional process of packing and preparing shipments.
- The expression en paquet can describe something that has been bundled up or piled high, rather than just being wrapped for shipping.
Examples in context
- As-tu reçu mon paquet ?Have you received my parcel?This sentence is useful for asking if someone received a paquet.Tatoeba #1850957 by Rovo, translation #11935714 by sundown
- On a reçu un gros colis.We received a large parcel.This sentence is useful for stating that a large colis was received.Tatoeba #11448217 by lbdx, translation #23258 by Swift
- Je n'ai pas reçu le colis.I didn't receive the parcel.This sentence is useful for stating that the colis was not received.Tatoeba #5645744 by narnar, translation #13871112 by zogwarg
- J'ai reçu un colis aujourd'hui.I received a parcel today.
- Je dois envoyer un paquet à mon ami.I have to send a parcel to my friend.
- L'envoi sera livré demain.The parcel will be delivered tomorrow.
- J'ai reçu un paquet de mon frère.I received a parcel from my brother.
- Tu as déjà envoyé le colis ?Did you already send the parcel?
- Voici ton paquet-cadeau d'anniversaire !Here's your birthday gift parcel!
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are talking in their living room about a delivery.
- EmmaHugo, le facteur a déposé un colis pour toi.Hugo, the mailman dropped off a parcel for you.
- HugoAh bon ? Où est le colis ?Oh really? Where is the parcel?
- EmmaIl est sur la table dans l'entrée.It is on the table in the entryway.
- HugoMerci beaucoup, Emma !Thank you very much, Emma!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “parcel” translations and entries colis, paquet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries colis, paquet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
