politicien
/pɔ.li.ti.sjɛ̃/masculine
The English word 'politician' is translated into French as politicien. Wiktionary also lists politique and homme politique.
Meaning: one engaged in politics (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| politicien | /pɔ.li.ti.sjɛ̃/ | masculine |
| politique | /pɔ.li.tik/ | feminine, masculine |
| homme politique | /ɔm pɔ.li.tik/ | masculine |
| femme politique | /fam pɔ.li.tik/ | feminine |
The terms are used to describe a person engaged in politics.
Which one should you use?
In a professional context, homme politique is the standard, neutral way to refer to a politician. In contrast, politicien can sometimes carry a pejorative connotation, suggesting someone who is merely 'playing politics'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer specifically to a female politician, you should use the phrase femme politique instead of the masculine politicien.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɔ.li.ti.sjɛ̃/ (4 syllables)
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the word politique to mean 'a politician'. While politique means 'political', you must use homme politique or politicien when referring to the person.
Did you know?
- In French, the term politicien is often a back-formation or 'calque' of the English word 'politician', making it a relatively recent linguistic import compared to older terms.
Examples in context
- Tom est un homme politique.Tom is a politician.This sentence shows how to use the form politique as part of the phrase homme politique.Tatoeba #3435089 by Rovo, translation #2272850 by CK
- Le politicien est corrompu.The politician is corrupt.This sentence uses the form politicien to describe a person's character.Tatoeba #6589054 by GB3, translation #6589048 by Eccles17
- J'ai envie de devenir politicien.I want to become a politician.This sentence uses the form politicien to describe a career goal.Tatoeba #9788351 by Gib, translation #8681429 by shekitten
- Julie est une femme remarquable. Elle est une femme politique très talentueuse et engagée.Julie is an outstanding woman. She is a very talented and committed politician.
- La députée française, Marie, est une femme politique qui inspire de nombreuses personnes.The French Member of Parliament, Marie, is a female politician who inspires many people.
- Les politiciens devraient écouter davantage les préoccupations des citoyens.Politicians should listen more to the concerns of citizens.
- Ce pays a été dirigé par de grands hommes d'État qui ont marqué l'histoire.This country has been led by great statesmen who have left their mark on history.
- 49 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are discussing a news report on TV.
- GabrielCe politicien parle beaucoup trop.This politician talks way too much.
- LéaC'est vrai, mais il est populaire.That's true, but he is popular.
- GabrielJe ne fais pas confiance à ce politicien.I don't trust this politician.
- LéaMoi non plus, Gabriel.Me neither, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “politician” translations and entries politicien, politique, homme politique, femme politique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries femme, homme, politicien, politique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
