pasteur
/pas.tœʁ/masculine
The English phrase "pastor" is translated into French as pasteur.
The term pasteur is used to refer to a minister or priest.
Meaning: minister or priest (noun)
Which one should you use?
In French, there is a specific distinction between religious roles: pasteur refers specifically to a Protestant minister, while a Catholic priest is called un prêtre.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is pasteur and the feminine form used for a female pastor is pasteure.
How do you pronounce it?
/pas.tœʁ/
Did you know?
- In French, the word pasteur is a homonym with the famous scientist Louis Pasteur, though they represent entirely different histories and meanings.
- If you were to describe the work of a 'pastor' in a secular sense in France, you would use words related to 'berger' rather than using the word pasteur.
- French has a diminutive form pastoureau which historically referred to a young shepherd.
Examples in context
- Le pasteur est dans l'église.The pastor is in the church.This sentence is useful for describing the location of the pasteur.Tatoeba #11240207 by lbdx, translation #9692564 by MarijnKp
- Il confessa ses péchés au pasteur.He confessed his sins to the pastor.This sentence shows a context involving confession to the pasteur.Tatoeba #470574 by sacredceltic, translation #303775 by xtofu80
- La jeune fille ferma les yeux et écouta le pasteur.The girl closed her eyes and listened to the pastor.This sentence illustrates someone listening to the pasteur.Tatoeba #470558 by sacredceltic, translation #839242 by Scott
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A woman is asking her friend about a religious meeting.
- LucasConnais-tu le pasteur ?Do you know the pastor?
- ChloéOui, c'est un homme très gentil.Yes, he is a very kind man.
- LucasLe pasteur vient nous voir demain.The pastor is coming to see us tomorrow.
- ChloéC'est une excellente nouvelle, Lucas.That is excellent news, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pastor” translations and entries pasteur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pasteur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
