friperie
/fʁi.pʁi/feminine
The English phrase thrift shop is translated into French as friperie.
While 'friperie' can refer to any shop selling second-hand clothes, it is the standard term used for thrift stores in general.
Meaning: shop which sells used goods (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 'friperie' specifically implies clothing, 'magasin d'occasion' is a broader term used for shops selling various second-hand goods like furniture or electronics. Additionally, Le dépôt-vente specifically refers to a consignment shop.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canada, the term le magasin d'articles usagés is used for a used items store.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so it takes the feminine indefinite article une (une friperie).
How do you pronounce it?
/fʁi.pʁi/
Did you know?
- The term friperie originates from the Late Latin word faluppa, meaning 'straw' or 'fiber', which was likely a loan from a Celtic language.
- French speakers often use the word fripe as a slang term to describe a piece of clothing, regardless of whether the item is brand new or second-hand.
- In France, you may see a ressourcerie, which differs from a friperie because it focuses specifically on upcycling and repairing salvaged items to reduce waste.
Examples in context
- Je vais passer à la friperie pour trouver une tenue unique pour la soirée.I'm going to the thrift shop to find a unique outfit for the party.
- Je me suis procuré ce sac à main dans un magasin d'occasion.I got this handbag from a thrift shop.
- Cette friperie est très célèbre.This thrift shop is very famous.
- Je cherche une petite friperie.I am looking for a small thrift shop.
- Il y a une friperie près d'ici.There is a thrift shop near here.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are walking in the city center.
- GabrielEmma, tu connais une bonne friperie ?Emma, do you know a good thrift shop?
- EmmaOui, il y en a une juste là.Yes, there is one right there.
- GabrielC'est une grande friperie ?Is it a large thrift shop?
- EmmaNon, c'est une petite boutique sympa.No, it is a small, nice shop.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “thrift shop” translations and entries friperie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries friperie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
