French Conversation · Level 85
60 words
French word
sergent
Pronunciation
IPA/sɛʁʒɑ̃/
Meaning
- masculine nounpolice sergeant
Example
Le sergent du commissariat a pris ma plainte.
The police sergeant at the station took my complaint.
More examples
Le sergent de police a pris la déposition du témoin.
The police sergeant took the witness's statement.
Core concept
A noncommissioned officer stands between senior command and a team on the ground, organizing its work and enforcing instructions.
Common phrases
sergent de police
police sergeant
sergent du commissariat
station sergeant
Similar words
policier: A police officer who responds to calls and patrols to maintain public safety.
gendarme: A national police officer enforcing law and traffic rules on roads and in rural areas.
agent: A police officer who deals directly with the public through patrols or front-desk duties.
Definition in French
Titre indiquant un sous-officier ou un responsable de terrain dans la police ou l'armée, chargé de superviser une équipe et d'appliquer les ordres des supérieurs.
Word origin
The word entered French as serjant from Latin serviens, the present participle of servire, 'to serve', before becoming the title of a lower-ranking commander.
Usage tips
- The final t in sergent is silent, while g before e has the sound of the s in 'measure': approximately [sɛʁ.ʒɑ̃].
Other meanings
- sergeantnoun
Related words
- sergentefemale sergeantnoun
- sergent-chefchief sergeantnoun