Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| directeur | /di.ʁɛk.tœʁ/ | masculine |
| principal (collège) | masculine | |
| proviseur | /pʁɔ.vi.zœʁ/ | masculine |
| proviseure (lycée) | feminine |
In French, the word used to refer to a principal depends on the type of school and the gender of the person.
Which one should you use?
While directeur is a general term, specific educational levels in France require different words. For the head of a middle school (collège), use principal (collège). For the head of a high school (lycée), use proviseur for a man or proviseure for a woman. Note that while the English word 'principal' can mean 'main' or 'primary', the French word principal is an adjective used to describe something of primary importance, not a person.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In regions such as Canada, Switzerland or Belgium, the term Directeur d'école can be used interchangeably with 'principal' in formal contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the job title directeur is directrice. For the high school principal, the feminine form is proviseure.
How do you pronounce it?
The word directeur is pronounced /di.ʁɛk.tœʁ/ and consists of 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse the noun 'principal' (the person) with the French adjective principal (meaning main or primary). In French, use the adjective principal to describe something of primary importance, but use the specific titles mentioned above when referring to a school administrator.
Did you know?
- The term proviseur comes from the Latin word for 'provider' or 'foreseer'.
- French uses different words for a school head because the roles of a principal and a proviseur historically involved different administrative powers and legal responsibilities.
- While directeur is a common way to refer to a principal, it is also the word used for a 'director' in the film industry. In a school context, it specifically denotes the administrative head.
Examples in context
- Le directeur veut te parler.The principal wants to talk to you.This sentence shows the use of directeur to indicate someone wants to speak with the principal.Tatoeba #9690360 by lbdx, translation #1358628 by CK
- J'ai parlé au directeur lui-même.I spoke to the principal himself.This sentence uses directeur to emphasize that the speaker spoke to the principal himself.Tatoeba #11167688 by lbdx, translation #257394 by CM
- Yanni voulait frapper le directeur.Yanni wanted to hit the principal.This sentence shows how directeur is used in a sentence describing an action toward the principal.Tatoeba #9775999 by Micsmithel, translation #9246993 by Amastan
- Le principal de l'école est fier des élèves.The principal of the school is proud of the students.
- Le directeur a annoncé les nouvelles politiques.The principal announced the new policies.
- Le chef d'établissement est responsable de la bonne marche de l'école.The principal is responsible for the smooth running of the school.
- Le proviseur de notre lycée est très respecté.The principal of our high school is highly respected.
- Le directeur d'école est en réunion avec les parents aujourd'hui.The principal is in a meeting with the parents today.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student is asking a teacher about the school principal.
- LucasOù est le directeur ?Where is the principal?
- LéaLe directeur est dans son bureau.The principal is in his office.
- LucasPuis-je lui parler ?Can I speak to him?
- LéaOui, mais il est très occupé.Yes, but he is very busy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “principal” translations and entries directeur, proviseur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries directeur, principal, proviseur, proviseure, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
