Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| plombier | /plɔ̃.bje/ | masculine |
| tuyauteur | /tɥi.jo.tœʁ/ | masculine |
| homme à pipe | Louisiana, masculine |
The term plombier is the most common and straightforward way to say 'plumber' in French, referring to someone who fits pipes for water, gas or drainage.
What does it mean word for word?
The word plombier is derived from plomb, which means 'lead', reflecting the fact that plumbers historically worked with lead pipes.
Which one should you use?
While plombier refers to a general plumber, tuyauteur specifically refers to a pipefitter or someone specializing in the installation of piping systems.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase homme à pipe is used in Louisiana.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a female plumber, use the feminine form plombière. In French, when stating a person's profession, you do not include an indefinite article. For example, you should say Je suis plombier rather than Je suis un plombier.
How do you pronounce it?
/plɔ̃.bje/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When stating your profession, do not include an indefinite article like 'un' before the word. Instead, say Je suis plombier.
Did you know?
- The word homme in homme à pipe is a distant relative of the English word 'human', both tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'earthling'.
- The feminine form plombière is technically correct, but in modern professional contexts, many French speakers simply use the masculine plombier for both genders.
Examples in context
- Appelle un plombier !Call a plumber.This sentence is useful for practicing the command to call a plombier.Tatoeba #4626049 by sacredceltic, translation #3821456 by CK
- Tom n'est pas plombier.Tom isn't a plumber.This sentence is useful for practicing the negation of the profession plombier.Tatoeba #12313066 by Rovo, translation #8966099 by CK
- Ziri est devenu plombier.Ziri became a plumber.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of the verb 'to become' with the profession plombier.Tatoeba #11764070 by Amastan, translation #10209471 by Amastan
- Bonjour, pourriez-vous m'envoyer un plombier, s'il vous plaît?Hello, could you please send a plumber?
- Connaissez-vous un bon plombier à recommander?Do you know a good plumber to recommend?
- Il y a une fuite d'eau dans la cuisine. Avez-vous un plombier disponible ?There is a water leak in the kitchen. Do you have a plumber available?
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are in their kitchen looking at a leaking pipe.
- LucasLe robinet fuit, il nous faut un plombier.The faucet is leaking, we need a plumber.
- ManonEst-ce que tu connais un bon plombier ?Do you know a good plumber?
- LucasMon frère est plombier, il peut venir demain.My brother is a plumber, he can come tomorrow.
- ManonC'est parfait, merci beaucoup !That is perfect, thank you very much!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plumber” translations and entries plombier, tuyauteur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries homme, pipe, plombier, tuyauteur, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
