friperie
/fʁi.pʁi/
The English phrase "thrift store" is translated into French as friperie.
The term friperie specifically implies a shop that specializes in used clothing and textiles.
Which one should you use?
While friperie is common, the term magasin de seconde main is a more formal or descriptive way to refer to secondhand shops.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
magasin de seconde main and magasin d'occasion are formal ways to say thrift store.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the term bourse aux habits is used for a thrift store focused on clothing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun friperie is feminine, so you use the article une to say "a thrift store" (une friperie).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /fʁi.pʁi/ and consists of 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In France, some friperies operate as 'pay by weight' stores, where customers pay for their finds by the kilogram.
- The word friperie is a linguistic descendant of the word for 'straw' or 'chips'.
- Unlike the English 'thrift store', which often implies a non-profit or charity, a friperie is frequently a for-profit business.
Examples in context
- Je vais à la friperieI'm going to the thrift store
- Nous avons trouvé une superbe robe vintage dans ce magasin de seconde main.We found a fantastic vintage dress at this thrift store.
- Allons à la friperie pour voir s'ils ont de bonnes affaires.Let's go to the thrift store to see if they have any good deals.
- Je vais chercher des meubles d'occasion dans le magasin vintage du quartier.I'm going to look for second-hand furniture at the local vintage store.
- Il y a une excellente friperie dans ce quartier.There is an excellent thrift store in this neighborhood.
- Je cherche une veste dans une friperie.I am looking for a jacket in a thrift store.
- Cette friperie vend des vêtements vintage magnifiques.This thrift store sells magnificent vintage clothes.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are walking downtown looking for clothes.
- GabrielTu connais une bonne friperie par ici ?Do you know a good thrift store around here?
- ChloéOui, il y en a une juste au coin de la rue.Yes, there is one right around the corner.
- GabrielSuper, j'ai besoin d'un nouveau manteau.Great, I need a new coat.
- ChloéOn peut y aller ensemble alors.We can go there together then.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry friperie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries friperie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
