If you’re learning French and want to know how to say “suits” in this elegant language, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways of expressing this word. While some regional variations exist, we will focus primarily on standard French usage. So, whether you want to discuss business attire or the popular TV show, “Suits,” let’s dive into the various ways to say “suits” in French!
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Formal Ways to Say “Suits” in French (Expressions for Business Attire)
Importantly, keep in mind that business-related vocabulary often leans towards the formal side of the language. To accurately convey the concept of “suits” in a professional context, you’ll find the following expressions useful:
1. Costume
The most common and standard term for “suit” in French is “costume.” It refers to the classic matching jacket and trousers ensemble typically worn in formal or business settings. This term is understood across French-speaking regions.
Example: Il porte un magnifique costume bleu marine. (He is wearing a magnificent navy blue suit.)
2. Ensemble trois pièces
Another formal way to refer to “suits” is “ensemble trois pièces,” which means “three-piece suit” – including a jacket, trousers, and matching waistcoat.
Example: Le directeur de la société était vêtu d’un élégant ensemble trois pièces. (The company’s director was dressed in an elegant three-piece suit.)
3. Tenue professionnelle
For a more generic term, you can use “tenue professionnelle” to refer to “suits” or formal attire worn for a professional setting. This expression is broader and encompasses various business attires.
Example: Le code vestimentaire exige une tenue professionnelle lors de la réunion. (The dress code requires a professional attire for the meeting.)
Informal Ways to Say “Suits” in French (Expressions for Casual Contexts)
When it comes to informal contexts or discussing everyday attire, the French language offers some colloquial expressions. Here are a few ways to say “suits” in a more relaxed environment:
1. Costume deux ou trois pièces
In casual discussions, you can use “costume deux ou trois pièces” to describe a standard suit-like outfit, whether it includes a waistcoat or not. This expression is less formal than the ones mentioned earlier.
Example: J’adore ta tenue, c’est un beau costume deux ou trois pièces. (I love your outfit, it’s a nice two or three-piece suit.)
2. Ensemble pantalon-veste
“Ensemble pantalon-veste” is a common informal way to refer to a suit. This expression emphasizes the combination of trousers and a matching jacket.
Example: Pour la soirée, il a décidé de mettre son nouvel ensemble pantalon-veste. (For the evening, he decided to wear his new trouser-jacket ensemble.)
3. Complet/Completno
In certain French-speaking regions, such as Quebec, Canada, or some African countries, the term “complet” or “completno” is often used for “suits” in a more informal context.
Example: Il se rend toujours au bureau en complet pour rester professionnel. (He always goes to the office in a suit to maintain a professional look.)
Regional Variations
While the French language remains largely consistent across regions, some variations do exist. It’s important to note that these variations might not apply universally, but they add color and richness to the language. Here are a couple of regional terms for “suits”:
1. Costume croisé
In France, particularly in Paris, you may come across the expression “costume croisé” when referring to a double-breasted suit. It denotes the formal style where the jacket’s front overlaps and has two parallel columns of buttons.
Example: Les hommes élégants optent souvent pour un costume croisé lors des occasions spéciales. (Elegant men often choose a double-breasted suit for special occasions.)
2. Ensemble complet / Vêtements de cérémonie
In some regions, especially in parts of Africa, “ensemble complet” or “vêtements de cérémonie” may be used to refer to a suit, particularly a more formal one worn for special events or ceremonies.
Example: Les invités étaient vêtus d’ensembles complets pour la cérémonie de remise des prix. (The guests were dressed in suits for the awards ceremony.)
Remember, these regional variations might not be widely understood in all French-speaking areas, so it’s often best to stick to the more commonly used expressions mentioned earlier.
In Conclusion
You now have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “suits” in French. Whether you need to discuss business attire or casually refer to a suit-like outfit, you can navigate these various expressions with confidence. Remember to adjust your choice of words based on the specific context and formality required. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to effortlessly incorporate these terms into your French conversations. Bonne chance!
