French Conversation · Level 105
58 words
French word
savoir-faire
Pronunciation
IPA/savwaʁfɛʁ/
Meaning
- masculine nounknow-how
Example
Cette entreprise possède un grand savoir-faire.
This company has extensive know-how.
More examples
Elle a fait preuve de savoir-faire lors de la négociation.
She demonstrated know-how during the negotiation.
Core concept
A skilled hand that combines practical expertise with tactful judgment in the moment.
Common phrases
faire preuve de savoir-faire
demonstrate know-how
un savoir-faire professionnel
professional know-how
Similar words
compétence: The knowledge and ability required for a job or field.
expérience: Knowledge and proven ability developed through practical experience.
habileté: Cleverness and precision in manual or physical actions.
savoir-être: Ease and effectiveness in workplace behavior and social relations.
Definition in French
Aptitude à agir avec tact et habileté dans des situations sociales ou professionnelles, combinant compétence technique et sens pratique.
Word origin
Savoir-faire is a compound of savoir, "to know," and faire, "to do," forming a noun for knowledge applied through competent action.
Usage tips
- Savoir-faire is masculine in French, so the usual article is un, as in un grand savoir-faire.
Other meanings
- skillnoun
- expertisenoun
Opposites
- inexpérienceinexperiencenoun
- incompétenceincompetencenoun