Published May 20, 2024 • Updated July 12, 2026 — By French teacher David Issokson with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier
Père — Meaning and Pronunciation
Père means “father” in French. The word also appears in common terms such as grand-père (grandfather), beau-père (father-in-law or stepfather) and père Noël (Santa Claus). In everyday conversation, French speakers often use papa instead of père when speaking directly to or affectionately about their dad.
The IPA pronunciation of père is /pɛʁ/, which sounds approximately like “pehr”.
Example Sentences
Comment s’appelle ton père et où est-ce qu’il habite?
What is your dad’s name and where does he live?
Louis Pasteur est le père de la pasteurisation.
Louis Pasteur is the father of pasteurization.
Le père Martin est venu manger chez nous après la messe.
Father Martin came to eat at our place after mass.
Coucou, papa ! Ça va ?
Hey dad, how’s it going?
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Related words and expressions
- papa — dad
- grand-père — grandfather
- le père Noël — Santa Claus
- arrière-grand-père — great-grandfather
- beau-père — father-in-law or stepfather
- père adoptif — adoptive father
- père biologique — biological father
- père de famille — family man, father
- tel père, tel fils — Like father, like son
📚 Related lessons
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