French Conversation · Level 182
15 words
French word
préfecture
Pronunciation
IPA/pʁefɛktyʁ/
Meaning
- feminine nounprefectural office
Example
Je dois aller à la préfecture demain pour renouveler mon passeport.
I have to go to the prefectural office tomorrow to renew my passport.
More examples
Il faut se renseigner à la préfecture sur les formalités.
You need to inquire at the prefectural office about the procedures.
Core concept
The local face of central government, centered in the prefect's offices and public service counters.
Common phrases
se renseigner à la préfecture
inquire at the prefectural office
au guichet de la préfecture
at the prefectural office counter
Similar words
mairie: A municipal office handling local administration, registration, and official procedures.
hôtel de ville: A city hall building housing major municipal offices and public service counters.
sous-préfecture: A local branch office handling administrative services for a specific area.
préfecture de police: A special authority responsible for policing and public security in Paris and similar areas.
Definition in French
Administration et bâtiment du département où le préfet exerce les pouvoirs de l'État et où sont centralisées certaines démarches administratives.
Word origin
The French noun is a learned borrowing from Latin praefectura, formed from praefectus, the title of an appointed state official.
Usage tips
- In Paris, Préfecture de police names a separate police authority, so préfecture can refer to more than a department's general administration.
Other meanings
- prefectural capitalnoun
- prefecturenoun