French word

portefeuille

Pronunciation

IPA/pɔʁtəfœj/

Meaning

  • masculine nounwallet

Example

Il a sorti son portefeuille pour payer.

He took out his wallet to pay.

Illustration for portefeuille (wallet)

More examples

Elle a ouvert son portefeuille et a pris une carte.

She opened her wallet and took out a card.

Core concept

A pocket-sized case with sections that organizes the flat documents and cards carried every day.

Common phrases

  • sortir son portefeuille

    take out one's wallet

  • ouvrir son portefeuille

    open one's wallet

Similar words

porte-monnaie: A small purse for carrying coins.
porte-cartes: A slim case for carrying several cards.

Definition in French

Accessoire personnel de poche, généralement plat et muni de compartiments, destiné à ranger billets, cartes et papiers d'identité.

Word origin

French formed portefeuille from porte and feuille, "carry" and "sheet," because the original object carried papers before taking its modern wallet sense.

Usage tips

  • Portefeuille usually suggests banknotes and cards, while porte-monnaie more specifically suggests a purse for coins.

Other meanings

  • portfolionoun

Word lists with this word