voleur
/vɔ.lœʁ/masculine
The French word for thief is voleur.
voleur is a noun used to describe one who carries out a theft.
Meaning: one who carries out theft (noun)
Which one should you use?
voleur is the masculine form. If you are referring specifically to a female thief, use voleuse. You might also encounter cambrioleur or escroc. Notably, escroc is a form that can be used for both male and female thieves.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun changes based on gender and number. The masculine singular is voleur and its plural is voleurs. The feminine singular is voleuse and its plural is voleuses.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: /vɔ.lœʁ/.
Did you know?
- The French verb voler is a homonym that means both 'to steal' and 'to fly'.
- In French literature and cinema, a gentleman cambrioleur is a specific archetype of a refined thief who steals with style and elegance.
- In certain French slang, the word 'voleur' can be used playfully among friends to jokingly accuse someone of 'stealing' a great idea or a clever remark.
Examples in context
- Tu es un voleur.You're a thief.This sentence uses voleur to state that someone is a thief.Tatoeba #6153729 by Aiji, translation #2218045 by CK
- Attrape le voleur !Get the thief!This sentence uses voleur in a command to catch a thief.Tatoeba #7668264 by tras, translation #1502002 by marcelostockle
- Coffrez le voleur !Stop thief!This sentence uses voleur in a command to stop a thief.Tatoeba #13915039 by Myrano_, translation #2155100 by freddy1
- Le voleur a pris mon portefeuille.The thief stole my wallet.
- Les cambrioleurs ont dévalisé la bijouterie.The burglars ransacked the jewelry store.
- 120 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are walking in a park when they see a crime.
- GabrielRegarde, il y a un voleur !Look, there is a thief!
- LéaOù est-il, Gabriel ?Where is he, Gabriel?
- GabrielIl court vers la forêt.He is running towards the forest.
- LéaVite, appelons la police !Quick, let's call the police!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thief” translations and entries voleur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
