sponsor
/spɔ̃.sɔʁ/masculine
The English word 'sponsor' can be translated into French as sponsor, commanditaire or parrain.
Meaning: person or organization that pays all or part of the cost of an event, publication, etc. (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sponsor | /spɔ̃.sɔʁ/ | masculine |
| commanditaire | /kɔ.mɑ̃.di.tɛʁ/ | Canada, masculine |
The term refers to a person or organization that pays all or part of the cost for an event, publication or other activities. Related verbs include commanditer, sponsoriser and financer.
Which one should you use?
While the verb sponsoriser is typically used in the context of commercial sponsorship, the verb financer provides a more neutral way to express the act of funding or financing an event.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec and other parts of Canada, commanditaire is the preferred term to avoid using anglicisms like sponsor.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/spɔ̃.sɔʁ/
Did you know?
- If you are looking for a sponsor for a charity gala in a formal French setting, you might use the word mécène instead.
- The word sponsor was borrowed directly from English, which in turn took it from the Latin spōnsor.
- The term parrainage is used not only for sponsorship but also for the French system of mentoring new employees or students.
Examples in context
- Notre entreprise a trouvé un parrain important pour notre nouveau projet.Our company has found a significant sponsor for our new project.
- Le mécène a financé la construction du théâtre.The sponsor funded the construction of the theater.
- Les commanditaires ont permis à notre équipe de participer au tournoi.The sponsors allowed our team to participate in the tournament.
- Lucas a trouvé un soutien financier pour son voyage à l'étranger.Lucas found a sponsor for his trip abroad.
- Le sponsor a payé pour le buffet.The sponsor paid for the buffet.
- Nous cherchons un nouveau sponsor pour le festival.We are looking for a new sponsor for the festival.
- Ce sponsor est très généreux avec nous.This sponsor is very generous with us.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing the funding for a local sports event.
- HugoAs-tu trouvé un sponsor pour le tournoi ?Did you find a sponsor for the tournament?
- ManonOui, Hugo, un gros sponsor a accepté.Yes, Hugo, a big sponsor has agreed.
- HugoC'est une excellente nouvelle pour l'équipe.That is excellent news for the team.
- ManonLe sponsor va financer tous les équipements.The sponsor is going to fund all the equipment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sponsor” translations and entries sponsor, commanditaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries commanditaire, sponsor, CC BY-SA 4.0.
