prêtre
/pʁɛtʁ/masculine
The English word "priest" is translated into French as prêtre. If unsure, use prêtre. Wiktionary also lists prêtresse and sacrificatrice.
Meaning: clergyman (clergywoman, clergyperson) (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| prêtre | /pʁɛtʁ/ /pʁɛːtʁ/ |
masculine |
| prêtresse | /pʁɛ.tʁɛs/ /pʁe.tʁɛs/ |
feminine |
| sacrificatrice | feminine |
The term prêtre is the standard word for a Christian priest, such as in the Catholic or Orthodox traditions. For a female priest, particularly within mythological or historical contexts, the term prêtresse is used.
Which one should you use?
Use the masculine form prêtre when referring to a male priest or a priest of unspecified gender. Use the feminine form prêtresse when referring specifically to a female priest, often in a mythological or historical context. The form sacrificatrice is also a feminine option.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions, the word abbé can be used as a way to address a priest, serving as either a formal or informal address.
How do you pronounce it?
/pʁɛtʁ/
Did you know?
- While prêtre refers to the religious role, French speakers use the term curé specifically for the priest who is the head of a local parish.
- The word prêtre comes from a root meaning 'elder', connecting the concept of a priest to seniority rather than holiness.
- In French literature and history, the term abbé is often used to describe a secular priest who does not lead a monastery, serving as a common social title.
Examples in context
- Je connais un prêtre.I know a priest.This sentence is useful for expressing that you know a prêtre.Tatoeba #6671281 by GB3, translation #6670777 by Reonaato
- Tom veut devenir prêtre.Tom wants to become a priest.This sentence is useful for expressing an ambition to become a prêtre.Tatoeba #5243059 by sicerabibax, translation #5243054 by Hybrid
- Ce prêtre est un homme bon.This priest is a good man.This sentence is useful for describing a prêtre as a good man.Tatoeba #6636218 by GB3, translation #6629556 by Reonaato
- Excusez-moi, mon père, puis-je vous poser une question?Excuse me, Father, can I ask you a question?
- Cher prêtre, j'ai besoin de vos conseils spirituels.Dear priest, I am in need of your spiritual advice.
- Mon cher curé, vous avez une minute pour discuter?My dear priest, do you have a minute to talk?
- Le curé est connu pour sa bienveillance et sa sagesse.The priest is known for his kindness and wisdom.
- L'abbé Dupuis est un prêtre respecté dans la région.Father Dupuis is a respected priest in the region.
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are walking past an old church.
- HugoLe prêtre de cette église est très âgé.The priest of this church is very old.
- ManonEst-ce qu'il est gentil, Hugo ?Is he kind, Hugo?
- HugoOui, il est très apprécié ici.Yes, he is very well-liked here.
- ManonC'est une bonne chose pour la communauté.That is a good thing for the community.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “priest” translations and entries prêtre, prêtresse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries prêtre, prêtresse, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
