French word

bureau

Pronunciation

IPA/byʁo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounoffice

Example

Je suis allé au bureau ce matin.

I went to the office this morning.

Illustration for bureau (office)

More examples

Je travaille au bureau tous les jours.

I work at the office every day.

Core concept

A practical office space organized around desks, papers, and computers.

Common phrases

  • aller au bureau

    go to the office

  • travailler au bureau

    work at the office

  • être au bureau

    be at the office

Similar words

travail: Paid work or tasks performed to earn an income.
entreprise: An organization that produces goods or provides services.
siège: The main building or location where a company is managed.
cabinet: A small professional office for a lawyer, doctor, or similar specialist.

Definition in French

Lieu de travail où des personnes se réunissent pour effectuer des tâches administratives et professionnelles.

Word origin

The word developed from Old French burel, the name of a coarse cloth used as a desk covering, and its meaning extended from desk to office.

Usage tips

  • Bureau can mean either an office or a desk, so context determines whether it names a room or a piece of furniture.

Other meanings

  • desknoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word