French word

portier

Pronunciation

IPA/pɔʁtje/

Meaning

  • masculine noundoorman

Example

Le portier a ouvert la porte.

The doorman opened the door.

Illustration for portier (doorman)

More examples

Le portier a contrôlé nos sacs.

The doorman checked our bags.

Core concept

A person stationed at a doorway, opening access while welcoming and directing arrivals.

Common phrases

  • le portier de la résidence

    the apartment building doorman

  • le portier à l'accueil

    the doorman at the front desk

Similar words

concierge: A building attendant who manages shared areas, assists residents, and receives visitors.
gardien: A guard who watches over a property and monitors safety and access.
réceptionniste: A front-desk worker who welcomes visitors, provides information, and handles calls.

Definition in French

Employé chargé de garder l'entrée d'une porte ou d'une grille et d'accueillir ou d'orienter les personnes qui veulent entrer.

Word origin

French portier is formed from porte with the occupational suffix -ier, while porte comes from Latin porta.

Usage tips

  • Portier is masculine, and portière can mean either a female attendant or a car door, so context distinguishes the meanings.

Other meanings

  • gatekeepernoun

Word lists with this word