French word

commerce

Pronunciation

IPA/komɛʁs/

Meaning

  • masculine nounshop

Example

Le commerce du quartier est fermé aujourd'hui.

The neighborhood shop is closed today.

Illustration for commerce (shop)

More examples

Je préfère acheter au commerce du coin.

I prefer to buy at the neighborhood shop.

Core concept

A public-facing place where goods or services pass from a seller to customers.

Common phrases

  • commerce de proximité

    neighborhood shop

  • commerce en ligne

    online store

Similar words

magasin: An indoor retail store where goods are offered for sale.
boutique: A small shop specializing in particular types of goods.
supermarché: A large supermarket carrying groceries and everyday household items in bulk.
épicerie: A small shop selling food, groceries, and seasonings.

Definition in French

Établissement où l'on vend des marchandises ou des services au public.

Word origin

French commerce comes from Latin commercium, formed from com- meaning 'together' and merx, mercis meaning 'goods', through Old French.

Usage tips

  • Commerce is masculine, so the phrase is un commerce, while magasin or boutique usually identifies a specific shop more precisely.

Other meanings

  • commercenoun
  • businessnoun
  • tradenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word