hypocrite
/i.pɔ.kʁit/
The English phrase 'two-faced' can be translated into French as hypocrite.
The word is used to describe a person who is deceitful or duplicitous. If you wish to refer to the concept of hypocrisy itself, use the noun form l'hypocrisie.
Meaning: Deceitful, duplicitous (adj)
Which one should you use?
While hypocrite is the standard term, the slang term faux-cul is a common, much more vulgar way to describe a two-faced person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective hypocrite is used for both masculine and feminine subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /i.pɔ.kʁit/.
Did you know?
- The word hypocrite descends from the Ancient Greek word for 'stage actor'. In antiquity, it described someone wearing a mask to play a role, which evolved into the meaning of pretending to have virtues one does not possess.
- The vulgar slang term faux-cul mentioned above literally translates to 'false bottom', referring to a person who is not what they seem on the surface.
- If you use the phrase avoir deux visages to call someone two-faced, a French speaker might think you are talking about a literal monster or a god like Janus. It lacks the social sting of the English 'two-faced'.
Examples in context
- Il est connu pour son double jeu. Il paraît amical, mais il dit du mal des autres en leur absence.He is known for his two-faced nature. He appears friendly, but he speaks ill of others behind their backs.
- Je ne peux pas le supporter, il est tellement hypocrite avec tout le monde.I can't stand him, he's so two-faced with everyone.
- Je ne peux pas lui faire confiance, il est hypocrite.I can't trust him, he is two-faced.
- Elle se comporte de façon hypocrite avec ses collègues.She behaves in a two-faced way with her colleagues.
- Ne sois pas si hypocrite avec moi.Don't be so two-faced with me.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are discussing a mutual acquaintance at a cafe.
- LéaTu as vu comment il lui a parlé ?Did you see how he spoke to her?
- LucasOui, c'est un homme vraiment hypocrite.Yes, he is a truly two-faced man.
- LéaIl joue un double jeu tout le temps.He plays a double game all the time.
- LucasC'est vrai, on ne peut pas le croire.It's true, we can't believe him.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hypocrite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
