VIP
The English phrase 'very important person' is translated into French as VIP.
VIP is an abbreviation used to refer to a very important person. It is commonly used in French to describe exclusive access, services or areas, mirroring how it is used in English, such as in the phrase un accès VIP.
Meaning: abbreviation: very important person (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and is used with the masculine indefinite article un, as in un VIP.
Did you know?
- While it looks like an English acronym, a French speaker will pronounce it using French letters as vé i pé.
- While VIP is ubiquitous in luxury contexts, French speakers often use the word people (pronounced like the English word) to describe a crowd of famous or trendy people.
- In formal or high-society French, using the abbreviation VIP can actually be seen as 'cheap' or lacking elegance compared to more descriptive French terms.
Examples in context
- Lors de la conférence, le ministre de la Culture a rencontré de nombreuses personnalités du monde du cinéma.During the conference, the Minister of Culture met many film personalities.
- Il y a un VIP à la fête.There is a VIP at the party.
- Elle a un accès VIP pour le concert.She has VIP access for the concert.
- C'est une zone réservée aux VIP.It is a zone reserved for VIPs.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are arriving at a gala event.
- ManonRegarde, il y a une file pour les VIP.Look, there is a line for VIPs.
- NathanEst-ce qu'on peut passer par là, Manon ?Can we go through there, Manon?
- ManonOui, nos invitations sont des pass VIP.Yes, our invitations are VIP passes.
- NathanC'est génial, Nathan adore ça !That's great, Nathan loves that!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vip” translations and entries VIP, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
