joker
/ʒɔ.kɛʁ/masculine
The English phrase 'wild card' is translated into French as joker.
In the context of card games, joker refers to a wild card that can substitute for any other card.
Meaning: special card (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun joker is masculine and is typically used with the definite article le to form le joker (the wild card).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ʒɔ.kɛʁ/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- If you are talking about a person who makes jokes, the French word is un plaisantin or un farceur, as un joker refers almost exclusively to the card or the metaphorical advantage.
- While 'wild card' in English often refers to a person or thing that is unpredictable, in French le joker is more strictly used for things that provide an advantage or a way out of a difficult situation.
- The word joker is an anglicism, meaning it was borrowed directly from English to fit into the French vocabulary.
Examples in context
- Le joker peut remplacer n'importe quelle autre carte, compris ?The Joker is the wild card, OK?This sentence demonstrates how joker can replace any other card.Tatoeba #9060148 by Micsmithel, translation #1156861 by mookeee
- L'utilisation d'une carte Joker peut vous aider à obtenir davantage d'options lors du jeu.Using a wild card can help you get more options during the game.
- J'ai utilisé un joker pour gagner la partie.I used a wild card to win the game.
- Est-ce que le joker est autorisé dans ce jeu ?Is the wild card allowed in this game?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are playing a card game.
- LéaC'est ton tour, Nathan.It's your turn, Nathan.
- NathanJe joue mon joker pour gagner !I'm playing my joker to win!
- LéaAh non ! C'est malin.Oh no! That's clever.
- NathanC'est la règle du jeu, Léa.That's the rule of the game, Léa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wild card” translations and entries joker, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries joker, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
