pub
/pyb/masculine
The English phrase 'pub' is translated into French as pub. If unsure, use pub. Wiktionary also lists estaminet.
Meaning: public house (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pub | /pyb/ /pœb/ (France) |
masculine |
| estaminet | /ɛs.ta.mi.nɛ/ | masculine |
The word pub refers to a public house. In informal contexts, you might also hear people use the terms bar, bistrot or troquet to refer to a pub or a pub-like establishment, with troquet often implying a small, traditional place.
Which one should you use?
While pub refers specifically to a British-style establishment, estaminet is used to describe a small cafe or pub found in Northern France and Belgium.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Northern France, the term estaminet refers to a traditional tavern.
How do you pronounce it?
/pyb/
Did you know?
- The French word pub is also a common clipping for the word 'publicité', meaning 'advertisement'.
- The word estaminet originates from the Walloon word stamon, which referred to a post used for tying up cows next to a manger.
- In Northern France, an estaminet is not just a pub but a preserved piece of regional heritage, often featuring traditional wooden interiors and local beers.
Examples in context
- Ma femme travaille dans un pub à côté.My wife works in a nearby pub.This sentence shows how to mention someone working in a nearby pub.Tatoeba #6324087 by Aiji, translation #4135455 by CK
- Il lorgna une fille à l'extérieur d'un pub.He ogled a girl outside a pub.This sentence describes an action occurring outside of a pub.Tatoeba #2343726 by sacredceltic, translation #2181229 by Hybrid
- Un pub est un endroit ou les gens se rassemblent pour boire de la bière.A pub is a popular gathering place in which to drink beer.This sentence provides a general definition of a pub as a place for people to gather and drink beer.Tatoeba #13113 by dominiko, translation #35104 by CM
- On se retrouve tous au bar ce soir?Shall we all meet at the pub tonight?
- Allons prendre un verre au bistrot du coin.Let's go have a drink at the local pub.
- J'ai découvert un charmant troquet dans le quartier.I discovered a charming pub in the neighborhood.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are deciding where to go for a drink.
- EmmaOn va dans un pub ce soir ?Are we going to a pub tonight?
- NathanOui, je connais un pub très sympa.Yes, I know a very nice pub.
- EmmaEst-ce qu'il est loin d'ici ?Is it far from here?
- NathanNon, le pub est juste au coin de la rue.No, the pub is just around the corner.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pub” translations and entries pub, estaminet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries estaminet, pub, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
