esclave
/ɛs.klav/feminine, masculine
The English word 'slave' is translated into French as esclave. Wiktionary also lists serf.
Meaning: person owned by another (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| esclave | /ɛs.klav/ | feminine, masculine |
| serf | /sɛʁf/ (usually) /sɛʁ/ (usually) |
masculine |
The term refers to a person who is owned by another person as property.
Which one should you use?
esclave refers to a person owned as property, whereas serf refers specifically to a person bound to the land in a feudal system.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of esclave, simply add an 's' to create esclaves.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and is pronounced /ɛs.klav/.
Did you know?
- The French word esclave is actually an ethnonym, meaning it originally referred specifically to people of Slavic descent. It entered the language via the Medieval Latin Sclavus, which was used to identify the Slavic people.
- The French phrase être esclave de is often used to describe addictions, such as being a 'slave' to passion or a 'slave' to a habit.
- French law historically distinguished between esclavage and servage because the former implied ownership of the person and the latter implied ownership of the land.
Examples in context
- Tu es mon esclave.You are my slave.This sentence shows how to express possession using esclave.Tatoeba #6159384 by sicerabibax, translation #6058238 by mailohilohi
- Il me traite en esclave.He treats me like his slave.This sentence illustrates the verb phrase for treating someone like an esclave.Tatoeba #132369 by nimfeo, translation #298162 by CK
- Le maître loua l'esclave.The master praised the slave.This sentence demonstrates the use of the definite article with esclave.Tatoeba #6287331 by nimfeo, translation #1495323 by Thryth
- L'exploitation des esclaves a une longue histoire dans de nombreux pays.The exploitation of slaves has a long history in many countries.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two history students are discussing an ancient novel in a library.
- ChloéL'histoire de cet esclave est tragique.The story of this slave is tragic.
- NathanOui, son combat est très émouvant.Yes, his struggle is very moving.
- ChloéLe livre décrit bien sa vie.The book describes his life well.
- NathanC'est un récit très puissant.It is a very powerful tale.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slave” translations and entries esclave, serf, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries esclave, serf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
