fonctionnaire
/fɔ̃k.sjɔ.nɛʁ/
The English phrase "public servant" can be translated into French as fonctionnaire.
In French, fonctionnaire specifically refers to someone employed by the state or a public administration, rather than just any person serving the public.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the term Fonctionnaire d'État is often used to specify public servants employed by the national government.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word fonctionnaire is an epicene noun, meaning it has the same form for both masculine and feminine subjects. To make the word plural, add an 's' to the end, as in des fonctionnaires.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɔ̃k.sjɔ.nɛʁ/
Did you know?
- The French state has a specific category of public servants called haut fonctionnaire. These elite officials are often graduates of the INSP, formerly the famous ENA school.
- In France, fonctionnaire is often used pejoratively to describe someone who is overly bureaucratic or rigid. It can imply that a person follows rules blindly regardless of the human cost.
- The word fonctionnaire shares its root with the English word 'function', suggesting that a public servant is someone who performs a specific, essential role in the machinery of the state.
Examples in context
- Le rôle des fonctionnaires est d'assurer le bon fonctionnement de l'administration publique.The role of public servants is to ensure the proper functioning of the public administration.
- Madame Martin est une agente publique dévouée et compétente.Mrs. Martin is a dedicated and competent public servant.
- Le ministre de l'Intérieur est un haut fonctionnaire.The Minister of the Interior is a senior public servant.
- Les serviteurs publics de ce pays font preuve d'un grand dévouement envers leur communauté.The public servants in this country show great dedication to their community.
- Pierre est un fonctionnaire d'État chargé de la sécurité publique.Pierre is a public servant responsible for public safety at the national level.
- Les agents de la fonction publique canadienne sont au service des citoyens.Canadian public servants are at the service of citizens.
- Mon frère est fonctionnaire.My brother is a public servant.
- Elle travaille comme fonctionnaire.She works as a public servant.
- C'est un métier de fonctionnaire.It is a public servant's job.
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are discussing their career paths.
- HugoTu veux devenir fonctionnaire ?Do you want to become a public servant?
- EmmaNon, je préfère le secteur privé.No, I prefer the private sector.
- HugoMoi, je pense que c'est stable.Me, I think it is stable.
- EmmaC'est vrai, mais ce n'est pas pour moi.That's true, but it's not for me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fonctionnaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fonctionnaire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
