French word

colis

Pronunciation

IPA/koli/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpackage

Example

J'ai reçu un colis ce matin.

I received a package this morning.

Illustration for colis (package)

More examples

Je dois ouvrir le colis maintenant.

I have to open the package now.

Core concept

A sealed package moving through the postal or delivery network to its recipient.

Common phrases

  • envoyer un colis

    send a package

  • recevoir un colis

    receive a package

  • ouvrir un colis

    open a package

Similar words

paquet: A portable item wrapped in paper or cardboard.
envoi: An item sent by post or courier to a recipient.
lettre: A letter or document mailed in an envelope.

Definition in French

Objet emballé et fermé, destiné à être envoyé ou livré par la poste ou par un transporteur.

Word origin

Colis is attested in Middle French for a bundle or package, while its more distant origin remains uncertain; its modern sense developed through shipping use.

Usage tips

  • Colis is masculine, so standard phrases use un colis, ce colis, and le colis.

Other meanings

  • parcelnoun

Word lists with this word