Published March 30, 2025 • Updated September 15, 2026 — By French teacher David Issokson with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier
Accueil meaning
Accueil is a French noun meaning “welcome,” “reception,” or “the act of receiving someone.” It is closely related to the verb accueillir, meaning “to welcome” or “to receive.” You will often see accueil used for the way someone is welcomed or for a reception/front-desk area.
Accueil pronunciation
The IPA pronunciation of accueil is /a.kœj/, which sounds approximately like “ah-keuy.” Pronunciation tips: The word has two syllables: a-cueil. Keep the first a short and clear, then pronounce -cueil as one compact syllable. For the œ sound, round your lips slightly while keeping your tongue in an “eh”-like position, then glide quickly into the final y sound. Avoid pronouncing all the written vowels separately.
Accueil example sentences
Claude et Françoise se sont donné rendez-vous devant l’accueil de l’hôtel.
Claude and Françoise arranged to meet in front of the hotel reception desk.
L’étudiant d’échange passe un an dans une famille d’accueil en France.
The exchange student is spending one year in a French host in France.
On dit souvent que les Mexicains sont très accueillants.
It’s often said that the Mexicans are very welcoming.
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🪶 Word origin
Accueil is related to the verb accueillir (to welcome, to host), which comes from colligere (to gather, bring together) in Latin.
🔗 Related words and expressions
- la réception — reception, front desk
- la bienvenue — welcome
- accueillir — to welcome, to receive
- un hôte / une hôtesse — host / hostess
- un visiteur / une visiteuse — visitor
- être bien accueilli — to be warmly welcomed
- réserver un accueil chaleureux — to give someone a warm welcome
📚 Related lessons
👉 Chaleureux (warm, welcoming) »
👉 Bienvenue (welcome) »
👉 25 Most Difficult French Words To Pronounce »
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