How to Say "Mayor" in French: A Detailed Explanation

The word for "mayor" in French is "maire." In this article, we will explore the origin of this vocabulary, provide example sentences, and discuss notes on usage and additional variations.

Explanation of Forms

The French word for "mayor" is "maire." It is a masculine noun, and it follows the standard rules for French nouns in terms of gender and number. For example:

  • "le maire" (the mayor)
  • "les maires" (the mayors)

Examples of Usage

Here are some example sentences using the word "maire" in French:

  1. Le maire de la ville organise une fête pour les habitants. (The mayor of the city organizes a party for the residents.)
  2. La maire a beaucoup fait pour améliorer la ville. (The mayor has done a lot to improve the city.)
  3. Quel est le nom du maire de votre ville? (What is the name of the mayor of your city?)
  4. Le maire a été élu pour un mandat de six ans. (The mayor was elected for a six-year term.)

Notes on Usage

In French, the word "maire" is used specifically for the head of a municipality. If you are referring to someone who holds a similar position in a larger political entity, such as a prefect or a governor, you would use other terms, such as "préfet" or "gouverneur."

Word Origin

The French word "maire" comes from the Latin word "maior," which means "greater" or "older." This term was used in the Middle Ages to designate the eldest member of a community who had the responsibility of representing the people in front of the lord or the king. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the head of a municipality.

Additional Variations

There are no significant variations for the word "maire" in French. However, the term "maire adjoint" is used to designate a deputy mayor, who assists the mayor in the administration of a municipality.

In conclusion, the French word for "mayor" is "maire." It is a masculine noun and follows standard French noun rules for gender and number. The term is used specifically for the head of a municipality and is derived from the Latin word "maior."