privé
/pʁi.ve/
The English word "private" is translated into French as privé. Wiktionary also lists personnel.
Meaning: belonging to, concerning, or accessible only to an individual person or a specific group (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| privé | /pʁi.ve/ | |
| personnel | /pɛʁ.sɔ.nɛl/ | masculine |
privé is an adjective used to describe something belonging to, concerning or accessible only to a specific individual or group. To say "in private," the phrase en privé is used. While privé is the standard term, if you are referring to something that is hidden or concealed, you might also use the word caché(e).
Which one should you use?
privé is the default masculine form, while personnel is a masculine form.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, privé changes based on the gender and number of the noun it modifies: privé is the masculine singular form, privée is the feminine singular form, privés is the masculine plural form and privées is the feminine plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/pʁi.ve/
Did you know?
- The French word personnel shares its root with the word personne, which originally referred to a mask worn by actors in ancient theater.
- In French, the word privé can also mean 'deprived'. For example, être privé de liberté means to be deprived of liberty or imprisoned.
- While privé refers to ownership or access, the French use intime to describe the most private, emotional parts of a person's life, such as la vie intime.
Examples in context
- Il est détective privé.He's a private detective.This sentence is useful for describing a profession using privé.Tatoeba #7731129 by Micsmithel, translation #2947777 by Hybrid
- Il possède un jet privé.He owns a private jet.This sentence shows the use of privé with a vehicle.Tatoeba #12015824 by lbdx, translation #2718430 by Hybrid
- On peut parler en privé ?Can we talk in private?This sentence demonstrates the phrase en privé.Tatoeba #336513 by sysko, translation #326516 by CK
- J'ai réservé une salle privée pour notre réunion.I booked a private room for our meeting.
- Cet établissement propose des cours particuliers.This establishment offers private lessons.
- Veuillez rester à l'écart de cet espace privé.Please stay away from this private area.
- Ce rapport doit rester confidentiel.This report must remain confidential.
- J'ai des informations médicales confidentielles.I have confidential medical information.
- Ça ne te regarde pas, c'est personnel.It's none of your business, it's personal.
- Je ne veux pas discuter de ma vie intime.I don't want to discuss my private life.
- C'est un endroit intime où nous pouvons nous détendre.It's a private place where we can relax.
- 141 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are walking near a large house.
- GabrielEst-ce que cette maison est publique ?Is this house public?
- ChloéNon, c'est un domaine privé.No, it is a private estate.
- GabrielAh, je comprends mieux maintenant.Ah, I understand better now.
- ChloéGabriel, nous ne pouvons pas entrer.Gabriel, we cannot enter.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “private” translations and entries privé, personnel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries personnel, privé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
