French Conversation · Level 13
89 words
French word
garçon
Pronunciation
IPA/gaʁsɔ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounboy
Example
Le garçon mange une pomme.
The boy is eating an apple.
More examples
Le garçon de café sourit au client.
The cafe waiter smiles at the customer.
Core concept
A young male person, with the same word extending to the young man serving at a cafe or restaurant.
Common phrases
le garçon de café
cafe waiter
un garçon timide
a shy boy
mon garçon
my son
Similar words
enfant: A child of any age.
gamin: An informal, affectionate term for a young boy.
gosse: A colloquial term for a young child.
serveur: A male waiter who serves food or drinks.
Definition in French
Désigne un enfant ou un jeune de sexe masculin; par extension, personne (souvent jeune) qui sert dans un café ou un restaurant (serveur).
Word origin
Garçon comes through Old French garçon or garçun, which referred to a young male or servant before developing the restaurant-server sense.
Usage tips
- Calling a server garçon is dated and can sound rude, so Monsieur, Excusez-moi, or a polite gesture is more suitable.
Other meanings
- waiternoun
Opposites
- fillegirlnoun