French Conversation · Level 16
89 words
French word
secrétaire
Pronunciation
IPA/səkʁetɛʁ/
Meaning
- noun (m./f.)secretary
Example
Le secrétaire gère l'agenda du directeur.
The secretary manages the director's schedule.
More examples
La secrétaire répond au téléphone et prend des messages.
The secretary answers the phone and takes messages.
Core concept
A person at the administrative center of a desk, coordinating schedules, correspondence, and files for others.
Common phrases
secrétaire administratif
administrative secretary
secrétaire de direction
executive secretary
secrétaire médical
medical secretary
Similar words
assistant: A staff member who directly supports a manager or team.
collaborateur: A colleague working within the same organization.
réceptionniste: A front-desk worker who greets visitors and handles incoming calls.
adjoint: A person appointed to assist the person in charge.
Definition in French
Employé(e) chargé(e) de gérer l'agenda, la correspondance et les dossiers administratifs pour une personne ou un service.
Word origin
The Latin term secretarius referred to someone handling confidential matters, and French secrétaire inherited this title through historical French usage.
Usage tips
- Job labels commonly specify the role with forms such as secrétaire de direction or secrétaire médical, since secrétaire alone covers several occupations.
Other meanings
- clerknoun
Related words
- secrétariatsecretariatnoun
- secrétarialsecretarialadjective
- sous-secrétaireundersecretarynoun