chanteur
/ʃɑ̃.tœʁ/masculine
In French, the English phrase "singer" is translated as chanteur.
The word chanteur refers to a person who sings. It is used as a masculine or generic term.
Meaning: person who sings (male or generic term) (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb chanter, meaning to sing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the noun is chanteuse. For a group of male singers or a mixed-gender group, use the masculine plural chanteurs. For a group consisting only of female singers, use the feminine plural chanteuses.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃɑ̃.tœʁ/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- French has a specific word, chansonnier, for a singer who performs satirical or storytelling songs, a role common in medieval and folk traditions.
- The feminine form chanteuse is not just a gender marker, but is frequently used to categorize a specific genre of cabaret performers.
- The noun chanteur shares its Latin roots with the English word 'chant', though the French term has evolved to describe any kind of vocalist.
Examples in context
- Il est bon chanteur.He is a good singer.This sentence is useful for describing someone's skill as a chanteur.Tatoeba #1316323 by sacredceltic, translation #294493 by CK
- Tu n'es pas chanteur.You're no singer.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is not a chanteur.Tatoeba #3648107 by sacredceltic, translation #2218226 by CK
- Tom est-il chanteur ?Is Tom a singer?This sentence is useful for asking a question about whether someone is a chanteur.Tatoeba #4598639 by Amastan, translation #12981674 by rul
- Patrick est un chanteur talentueux.Patrick is a talented singer.
- Marie est une chanteuse d'opéra renommée.Marie is a renowned opera singer.
- Elodie est une interprète talentueuse.Elodie is a talented singer/performer.
- Les chanteurs célèbres se produiront au concert.Famous singers will perform at the concert.
- 98 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are talking about a concert they saw.
- LucasLe chanteur a une voix magnifique.The singer has a magnificent voice.
- ManonOui, il chante très bien.Yes, he sings very well.
- LucasC'est mon chanteur préféré.He is my favorite singer.
- ManonJe suis d'accord avec toi, Lucas.I agree with you, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “singer” translations and entries chanteur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chanteur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
