polo
masculine
The English phrase "polo shirt" is translated into French as polo.
polo refers to a casual, usually short-sleeved shirt that features a protruding collar.
Meaning: casual, usually short-sleeved, shirt with a protruding collar (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun polo is masculine and is used with the definite article le to form le polo (the polo shirt).
Did you know?
- If you describe a shirt as un polo, a French speaker will assume it has a ribbed collar and a partial placket. A similar shirt without the collar is called un t-shirt, and calling a polo a t-shirt is considered a factual error.
- While polo refers specifically to the shirt, the sport of polo is called le polo as well. In a French sentence, the context of the verb determines if someone is playing a game or putting on a garment.
- In some French-speaking regions, specifically in parts of Belgium or Canada, you might hear chandail used for various knit tops, which can overlap with the polo category.
Examples in context
- Salut ! Tu sais où je peux acheter un polo sympa ?Hey! Do you know where I can buy a nice polo shirt?
- Je porte un polo bleu.I am wearing a blue polo shirt.
- Il porte un polo bleu.He is wearing a blue polo shirt.
- J'ai acheté un nouveau polo.I bought a new polo shirt.
- Ce polo est très confortable.This polo shirt is very comfortable.
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are shopping for clothes.
- LéaTu aimes ce polo blanc ?Do you like this white polo shirt?
- NathanOui, il te va très bien.Yes, it suits you very well.
- LéaEst-ce que je le prends ?Should I take it?
- NathanOui, achète-le.Yes, buy it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “polo shirt” translations and entries polo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
