French Conversation · Level 89
60 words
French word
gardien
Pronunciation
IPA/gaʁdjɛ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nouncaretaker
Example
Le gardien nettoie l'immeuble tous les matins.
The caretaker cleans the building every morning.
More examples
Le gardien d'immeuble répond aux questions des locataires.
The building superintendent answers tenants' questions.
Core concept
A watchful person entrusted with a place, equipment, or goal, caring for it while keeping it secure.
Common phrases
gardien d'immeuble
building superintendent
gardien de nuit
night watchman
Similar words
concierge: A residential concierge who handles the entrance, shared spaces, and residents' requests.
portier: An entrance attendant who checks and controls access to a building or theater.
agent de sécurité: A guard who monitors premises and patrols to maintain safety at a facility or event.
réceptionniste: A hotel or company worker who receives visitors and provides directions.
Definition in French
Personne responsable du soin, de la garde et parfois de la sécurité d'un bâtiment, d'un équipement ou d'un lieu public.
Word origin
The noun gardien developed in Old French from garder with the person-forming suffix -ien, while garder comes from a Germanic source related to English ward.
Usage tips
- For a building caretaker, gardien d'immeuble is more precise, while gardien de but means goalkeeper and requires a sports context.
Other meanings
- guardnoun
- security guardnoun
- watchmannoun
- goalkeepernoun
Opposites
- intrusintrudernoun
- cambrioleurburglarnoun
Related words
- garderwatch oververb
- gardiennefemale building managernoun
- gardiennagesecurity worknoun