clochard
/klɔ.ʃaʁ/masculine
The English word tramp can be translated into French as clochard. If unsure, use clochard. Wiktionary also lists va-nu-pieds.
Meaning: homeless person (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| clochard | /klɔ.ʃaʁ/ | masculine |
| va-nu-pieds | /va.ny.pje/ | feminine, masculine |
The term refers to a homeless person.
Which one should you use?
While clochard describes a person's social state, va-nu-pieds literally means 'barefoot' and is used as a more insulting, derogatory term for a person of no means.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
clochard is an informal term. va-nu-pieds is colloquial and derogatory.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of clochard is clocharde.
How do you pronounce it?
/klɔ.ʃaʁ/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- The word clochard might be connected to the verb clocher, which means 'to limp'. This suggests the term originally described someone with a physical disability or a characteristic gait.
- In French, the suffix -ard used in clochard often adds a pejorative or intensifying tone to a word. It transforms a simple description into a more judgmental label.
- The phrase va-nu-pieds is so strongly associated with poverty that it can be used metaphorically to describe someone with no social standing or influence, even if they are wearing shoes.
Examples in context
- Ziri est devenu un clochard.Ziri became a tramp.Tatoeba #11764121 by Amastan, translation #10210034 by Amastan
- Le vent froid faisait terriblement souffrir le clochard.The cold wind pained the tramp terribly.Tatoeba #10055397 by lbdx, translation #5228677 by joshodude_1308
- Le voyageur du temps consacra son attention au déjeuner et montra un appétit de clochard.The Time Traveller devoted his attention to his dinner, and displayed the appetite of a tramp.Tatoeba #3745437 by sacredceltic, translation #3719487 by Hybrid
- Les rues de Paris sont souvent fréquentées par des mendiants.The streets of Paris are often frequented by beggars.
- L'œuvre de bienfaisance aide les mendiants à trouver un toit.The charity helps tramps find shelter.
- Il y a beaucoup de clochards dans ce quartier.There are many tramps in this neighborhood.
- Le clochard cherche de la nourriture dans la poubelle.The tramp is searching for food in the garbage.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are walking through a city park.
- LéaRegarde ce clochard sous le banc.Look at that tramp under the bench.
- LucasIl a l'air très fatigué, le pauvre clochard.He looks very tired, the poor tramp.
- LéaOn devrait lui donner quelque chose à manger.We should give him something to eat.
- LucasBonne idée, je vais chercher un sandwich.Good idea, I will look for a sandwich.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tramp” translations and entries clochard, va-nu-pieds, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries clochard, va-nu-pieds, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
