French Conversation · Level 125
55 words
French word
maîtresse
Pronunciation
IPA/mɛtʁɛs/
Meaning
- feminine nounteacher
Example
La maîtresse de ma fille est très gentille.
My daughter's teacher is very kind.
More examples
La maîtresse a expliqué la leçon aux élèves.
The class teacher explained the lesson to the pupils.
Core concept
One familiar female teacher who manages a young class and teaches its daily subjects.
Common phrases
la maîtresse de la classe
class teacher
la maîtresse d'école
schoolteacher
parler à la maîtresse
talk to the class teacher
Similar words
enseignante: A female teacher who teaches pupils at a school.
institutrice: A female teacher responsible for a class at a primary school.
Definition in French
Femme qui est titulaire d'une classe à l'école primaire et qui enseigne aux enfants.
Word origin
The word developed as the feminine counterpart of Old French maistre, which comes from Latin magister, an instructor or master.
Usage tips
- Maîtresse can also mean a mistress or lover, so enseignante or professeure avoids ambiguity when the school meaning needs emphasis.