French word

monsieur

Pronunciation

IPA/məsjø/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsir

Example

Pardon, monsieur Dupont.

Excuse me, Mr. Dupont.

Illustration for monsieur (sir)

More examples

Merci, monsieur.

Thank you, sir.

Core concept

A respectful address placed before a man's surname or used alone when speaking to him.

Common phrases

  • Bonjour monsieur

    Hello, sir

  • monsieur Dupont

    Mr. Dupont

  • Merci monsieur

    Thank you, sir

Similar words

M.: The shortened written form of a man's title, placed before his name.
madame: A polite title for a woman, commonly used before her name.
homme: A common noun referring to an adult man.

Definition in French

Formule de politesse s'adressant à un homme, utilisée seule ou devant le nom de famille (ex. Monsieur Dupont).

Word origin

Monsieur developed from Old French mon seigneur, meaning 'my lord', through the shortened form mon sieur.

Usage tips

  • Monsieur is used for men regardless of age or social rank, while its written abbreviation is M.

Other meanings

  • gentlemannoun
  • mannoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word