When learning French, it is fun to discover how to express common words and phrases. One important word to know is “king.” This word comes up in stories, history, and even everyday conversations. Learning how to say “king” in French is a great way to start expanding your vocabulary.
In this article, we will explore the French word for “king,” learn its pronunciation, and discover other similar words. You will also practice using this word in sentences to become more familiar with it. Let’s begin!
Ways to Say King in French
The word “king” in French is most commonly translated as roi. However, there are other words and related phrases depending on the context. Whether you’re talking about royalty, a ruler, or using the term figuratively, there are various expressions in French. Below are the ways to say “king” in French, along with their meanings, pronunciation, and examples.
1. Roi
Pronunciation: rwah
Meaning: King; the male ruler of a kingdom.
In a Sentence:
- Le roi habite dans un grand château. (The king lives in a big castle.)
- Le roi de France était très puissant. (The king of France was very powerful.)
2. Monarque
Pronunciation: mo-nar-k
Meaning: Monarch; a ruler, including kings and queens.
In a Sentence:
- Le monarque est respecté par tout le royaume. (The monarch is respected by the whole kingdom.)
- Un monarque gouverne souvent à vie. (A monarch often rules for life.)
3. Souverain
Pronunciation: soo-vuh-ran
Meaning: Sovereign; a supreme ruler, similar to a king.
In a Sentence:
- Le souverain a pris une grande décision. (The sovereign made an important decision.)
- Elle a rencontré le souverain lors de la cérémonie. (She met the sovereign during the ceremony.)
4. Prince Héritier
Pronunciation: pran-se ay-ree-tyay
Meaning: Crown prince; the future king.
In a Sentence:
- Le prince héritier deviendra roi un jour. (The crown prince will become king one day.)
- Le roi et le prince héritier assistent au banquet. (The king and the crown prince are attending the banquet.)
5. Chef
Pronunciation: shehf
Meaning: Leader; sometimes used metaphorically for king.
In a Sentence:
- Le chef du village est souvent considéré comme un roi. (The village leader is often seen as a king.)
- Ce chef était connu pour sa sagesse. (This leader was known for his wisdom.)
6. Seigneur
Pronunciation: say-nyur
Meaning: Lord; historically used for kings or noble rulers.
In a Sentence:
- Le seigneur est parti en guerre. (The lord has gone to war.)
- Ce seigneur a construit une forteresse. (This lord built a fortress.)
7. Régent
Pronunciation: ray-zhon
Meaning: Regent; someone ruling temporarily in place of a king.
In a Sentence:
- Le régent gouverne jusqu’à ce que le roi soit majeur. (The regent governs until the king is of age.)
- Un régent a été nommé pendant l’absence du roi. (A regent was appointed during the king’s absence.)
8. Roi Soleil
Pronunciation: rwah soh-lay
Meaning: Sun King; specifically referring to King Louis XIV of France.
In a Sentence:
- Le Roi Soleil est connu pour son règne long et prospère. (The Sun King is known for his long and prosperous reign.)
- Louis XIV était surnommé le Roi Soleil. (Louis XIV was nicknamed the Sun King.)
9. Empereur
Pronunciation: om-per-uh
Meaning: Emperor; a ruler higher than a king.
In a Sentence:
- Napoléon Bonaparte était un empereur célèbre. (Napoleon Bonaparte was a famous emperor.)
- L’empereur contrôlait plusieurs royaumes. (The emperor controlled several kingdoms.)
10. Souverain Suprême
Pronunciation: soo-vuh-ran soo-prem
Meaning: Supreme sovereign; an ultimate ruler or king.
In a Sentence:
- Le souverain suprême décide de tout dans l’empire. (The supreme sovereign decides everything in the empire.)
- C’est un honneur de servir le souverain suprême. (It’s an honor to serve the supreme sovereign.)
11. Patriarche
Pronunciation: pah-tree-arsh
Meaning: Patriarch; a ruler or head of a family, sometimes referred to as a king figuratively.
In a Sentence:
- Le patriarche de la famille est respecté comme un roi. (The patriarch of the family is respected as a king.)
- Ce patriarche règne sur sa famille avec amour. (This patriarch rules his family with love.)
12. Roi Mage
Pronunciation: rwah mahzh
Meaning: Wise King; often referring to the Three Wise Men.
In a Sentence:
- Les Rois Mages apportent des cadeaux dans l’histoire de Noël. (The Wise Kings bring gifts in the Christmas story.)
- Le Roi Mage avait un cadeau spécial pour l’enfant. (The Wise King had a special gift for the child.)
13. Maître
Pronunciation: meh-truh
Meaning: Master; metaphorically used for king.
In a Sentence:
- Il est le maître de ce domaine, un véritable roi. (He is the master of this estate, a true king.)
- Le maître du jeu était considéré comme le roi des échecs. (The master of the game was considered the king of chess.)
14. Roi Consort
Pronunciation: rwah kon-sor
Meaning: King consort; the husband of a reigning queen.
In a Sentence:
- Le roi consort est toujours à côté de la reine. (The king consort is always by the queen’s side.)
- Ce roi consort est aimé du peuple. (This king consort is loved by the people.)
15. Commandeur
Pronunciation: koh-mahn-dur
Meaning: Commander; a figurative king in terms of leadership.
In a Sentence:
- Le commandeur de l’armée était vu comme un roi sur le champ de bataille. (The commander of the army was seen as a king on the battlefield.)
- Ce commandeur a dirigé avec le respect d’un roi. (This commander led with the respect of a king.)
16. Roi Sacré
Pronunciation: rwah sah-kray
Meaning: Sacred king; a king seen as chosen by divine power.
In a Sentence:
- Le roi sacré a été couronné dans une cérémonie spéciale. (The sacred king was crowned in a special ceremony.)
- Ce roi sacré est une figure religieuse importante. (This sacred king is an important religious figure.)
17. Protecteur
Pronunciation: pro-tek-tur
Meaning: Protector; sometimes a title for a king.
In a Sentence:
- Le roi était vu comme le protecteur du peuple. (The king was seen as the protector of the people.)
- Ce protecteur a sauvé son royaume. (This protector saved his kingdom.)
18. Roi de Cœur
Pronunciation: rwah duh kur
Meaning: King of hearts; used figuratively or romantically.
In a Sentence:
- Il est le roi de cœur de cette nation. (He is the king of hearts for this nation.)
- Elle l’appelle son roi de cœur. (She calls him her king of hearts.)
19. Chef d’État
Pronunciation: shehf day-tah
Meaning: Head of state; equivalent to a king in some contexts.
In a Sentence:
- Le chef d’État a une responsabilité similaire à un roi. (The head of state has a responsibility similar to a king.)
- Ce chef d’État est admiré dans le monde entier. (This head of state is admired worldwide.)
20. Roi Légendaire
Pronunciation: rwah lay-zhon-dair
Meaning: Legendary king; used for mythical or famous kings.
In a Sentence:
- Arthur est souvent appelé un roi légendaire. (Arthur is often called a legendary king.)
- Ce roi légendaire est immortalisé dans les livres. (This legendary king is immortalized in books.)
21. Majesté
Pronunciation: mah-zheh-stay
Meaning: Majesty; a respectful title for a king.
In a Sentence:
- Sa Majesté le roi est arrivé pour la cérémonie. (His Majesty the king has arrived for the ceremony.)
- Nous devons respecter Sa Majesté. (We must respect His Majesty.)
22. Roi du Peuple
Pronunciation: rwah du puh-pluh
Meaning: King of the people; a king loved by his citizens.
In a Sentence:
- Le roi du peuple a toujours pris soin de ses sujets. (The king of the people always cared for his subjects.)
- Ce roi est surnommé le roi du peuple. (This king is nicknamed the king of the people.)
23. Roi Divin
Pronunciation: rwah dee-van
Meaning: Divine king; a ruler seen as chosen by God.
In a Sentence:
- Le roi divin est respecté dans tout le royaume. (The divine king is respected throughout the kingdom.)
- Ce roi divin a été béni par le prêtre. (This divine king was blessed by the priest.)
24. Dirigeant
Pronunciation: dee-ree-zhon
Meaning: Ruler or leader; another way to refer to a king.
In a Sentence:
- Le dirigeant du royaume est sage et puissant. (The ruler of the kingdom is wise and powerful.)
- Ce dirigeant est vu comme un roi moderne. (This ruler is seen as a modern king.)
25. Roi Juste
Pronunciation: rwah zhoost
Meaning: Just king; a fair and righteous king.
In a Sentence:
- Le roi juste est aimé de son peuple. (The just king is loved by his people.)
- Un roi juste est nécessaire pour un royaume prospère. (A just king is necessary for a prosperous kingdom.)
26. Maître Suprême
Pronunciation: meh-truh soo-prem
Meaning: Supreme master; figuratively used for king.
In a Sentence:
- Le maître suprême règne sur tout le territoire. (The supreme master rules over all the territory.)
- Ce maître suprême est respecté comme un roi. (This supreme master is respected as a king.)
27. Roi de la Montagne
Pronunciation: rwah duh lah mon-tayn
Meaning: King of the mountain; figurative or regional king.
In a Sentence:
- Le roi de la montagne protège sa région. (The king of the mountain protects his region.)
- Ce titre, roi de la montagne, est légendaire. (This title, king of the mountain, is legendary.)
28. Roi des Animaux
Pronunciation: rwah dez ah-nee-mo
Meaning: King of animals; often used for lions.
In a Sentence:
- Le lion est appelé le roi des animaux. (The lion is called the king of animals.)
- Le roi des animaux est majestueux. (The king of animals is majestic.)
29. Tyran
Pronunciation: tee-rahn
Meaning: Tyrant; a king who rules harshly.
In a Sentence:
- Ce roi était considéré comme un tyran. (This king was considered a tyrant.)
- Un tyran n’est jamais aimé de son peuple. (A tyrant is never loved by his people.)
30. Roi des Rois
Pronunciation: rwah day rwah
Meaning: King of kings; a title for a powerful ruler.
In a Sentence:
- Le roi des rois est une figure importante de l’histoire. (The king of kings is an important historical figure.)
- Ce roi des rois était connu pour son pouvoir immense. (This king of kings was known for his immense power.)
31. Roi Guerrier
Pronunciation: rwah gair-ree-ay
Meaning: Warrior king; a king known for fighting in battles.
In a Sentence:
- Le roi guerrier a mené ses troupes à la victoire. (The warrior king led his troops to victory.)
- Ce roi guerrier a défendu son royaume avec courage. (This warrior king defended his kingdom with courage.)
32. Roi Protecteur
Pronunciation: rwah pro-tek-tur
Meaning: Protector king; a king who guards his people.
In a Sentence:
- Le roi protecteur veille sur le bien-être de son peuple. (The protector king watches over his people’s well-being.)
- Un roi protecteur est toujours apprécié. (A protector king is always appreciated.)
33. Dictateur
Pronunciation: deek-ta-tur
Meaning: Dictator; a king with absolute control, often used negatively.
In a Sentence:
- Ce dictateur a agi comme un roi impitoyable. (This dictator acted like a ruthless king.)
- Un dictateur est rarement respecté comme un roi. (A dictator is rarely respected as a king.)
34. Héritier du Trône
Pronunciation: ay-ree-tyay du trohn
Meaning: Heir to the throne; the person destined to become king.
In a Sentence:
- L’héritier du trône se prépare à devenir roi. (The heir to the throne is preparing to become king.)
- Cet héritier du trône est aimé par le peuple. (This heir to the throne is loved by the people.)
35. Roi Souverain
Pronunciation: rwah soo-vuh-ran
Meaning: Sovereign king; a fully independent ruler.
In a Sentence:
- Le roi souverain ne répond qu’à Dieu. (The sovereign king answers only to God.)
- Ce roi souverain a établi une nation puissante. (This sovereign king established a powerful nation.)
Other Ways to Say King in French
Here are additional phrases and words to describe “king” in French. This table includes pronunciation, meaning, and example sentences to help you understand and practice.
| Other Ways to Say | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentences |
| Haut Roi | oh rwah | High king; a ceremonial ruler | Le haut roi préside la cérémonie. (The high king presides over the ceremony.) |
| Roi Puissant | rwah pwee-sahnt | Powerful king | Le roi puissant a conquis plusieurs territoires. (The powerful king conquered many territories.) |
| Roi de Fortune | rwah duh fohr-tune | King of fortune; lucky ruler | Ce roi de fortune a survécu à de nombreuses batailles. (This king of fortune survived many battles.) |
| Roi Mythique | rwah mee-teek | Mythical king | Arthur est un roi mythique connu dans le monde entier. (Arthur is a mythical king known worldwide.) |
| Héros Royal | ay-roh rwah-yahl | Royal hero | Ce héros royal a sauvé son royaume. (This royal hero saved his kingdom.) |
| Roi d’Honneur | rwah doh-neur | Honorary king | Le roi d’honneur était célébré lors du festival. (The honorary king was celebrated at the festival.) |
| Roi des Mers | rwah day mair | King of the seas | Poséidon est souvent appelé le roi des mers. (Poseidon is often called the king of the seas.) |
| Roi du Désert | rwah dew deh-zair | King of the desert | Ce lion est connu comme le roi du désert. (This lion is known as the king of the desert.) |
| Commandant Suprême | koh-mahn-don soo-prem | Supreme commander; metaphor for king | Le commandant suprême guide son armée comme un roi. (The supreme commander leads his army like a king.) |
| Roi de Légende | rwah duh lay-zhond | Legendary king | Ce roi de légende a inspiré de nombreuses histoires. (This legendary king inspired many stories.) |
| Roi Bien-aimé | rwah bee-en-ay-may | Beloved king | Le roi bien-aimé était adoré de tous ses sujets. (The beloved king was adored by all his subjects.) |
| Roi Victorieux | rwah veek-toh-ree-yuh | Victorious king | Le roi victorieux a célébré son triomphe avec son armée. (The victorious king celebrated his triumph with his army.) |
| Chef Couronné | shehf koo-ro-nay | Crowned leader | Le chef couronné était acclamé par le peuple. (The crowned leader was cheered by the people.) |
| Roi Glorieux | rwah gloh-ree-yuh | Glorious king | Ce roi glorieux est entré dans l’histoire. (This glorious king went down in history.) |
| Roi Céleste | rwah say-lest | Heavenly king | Le roi céleste est vénéré dans cette religion. (The heavenly king is worshipped in this religion.) |
Responses to King in French
When addressing or responding to someone referred to as “king” in French, the tone and words you use depend on the context. These responses can show respect, admiration, or even casual recognition. Here are some examples of how you might reply when the term “king” is mentioned.
1. Vive le roi
Pronunciation: veev luh rwah
Meaning: Long live the king.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi arrive bientôt. (The king is arriving soon.)
Person 2: Vive le roi! (Long live the king!)
2. À vos ordres, Votre Majesté
Pronunciation: ah voh zor-druh, voh-truh mah-zheh-stay
Meaning: At your command, Your Majesty.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi a une demande spéciale. (The king has a special request.)
Person 2: À vos ordres, Votre Majesté. (At your command, Your Majesty.)
3. Merci, mon roi
Pronunciation: mehr-see, mon rwah
Meaning: Thank you, my king.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi offre un festin pour tout le village. (The king is offering a feast for the entire village.)
Person 2: Merci, mon roi. (Thank you, my king.)
4. Gloire au roi
Pronunciation: glwar oh rwah
Meaning: Glory to the king.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi a remporté une grande victoire. (The king has won a great victory.)
Person 2: Gloire au roi! (Glory to the king!)
5. Votre Majesté, c’est un honneur
Pronunciation: voh-truh mah-zheh-stay, say uh noh-neur
Meaning: Your Majesty, it is an honor.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi veut vous voir. (The king wants to see you.)
Person 2: Votre Majesté, c’est un honneur. (Your Majesty, it is an honor.)
6. Tout pour le roi
Pronunciation: too poor luh rwah
Meaning: Everything for the king.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Nous devons soutenir le roi dans cette guerre. (We must support the king in this war.)
Person 2: Tout pour le roi. (Everything for the king.)
7. Votre roi est sage
Pronunciation: voh-truh rwah eh sahzh
Meaning: Your king is wise.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi a pris une décision importante. (The king made an important decision.)
Person 2: Votre roi est sage. (Your king is wise.)
8. Le roi est notre protecteur
Pronunciation: luh rwah eh noh-truh pro-tek-tur
Meaning: The king is our protector.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi a aidé le peuple en difficulté. (The king helped the people in trouble.)
Person 2: Le roi est notre protecteur. (The king is our protector.)
9. Que dit le roi?
Pronunciation: kuh dee luh rwah
Meaning: What does the king say?
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Il y a une grande réunion au château. (There is a big meeting at the castle.)
Person 2: Que dit le roi? (What does the king say?)
10. Tout pour servir le roi
Pronunciation: too poor sair-veer luh rwah
Meaning: All to serve the king.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi a besoin de notre aide. (The king needs our help.)
Person 2: Tout pour servir le roi. (All to serve the king.)
11. À la gloire du roi
Pronunciation: ah lah glwar dew rwah
Meaning: To the glory of the king.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi a organisé un festival. (The king organized a festival.)
Person 2: À la gloire du roi! (To the glory of the king!)
12. Votre roi est bien-aimé
Pronunciation: voh-truh rwah eh bee-en-ay-may
Meaning: Your king is beloved.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi est apprécié par tout le monde. (The king is appreciated by everyone.)
Person 2: Votre roi est bien-aimé. (Your king is beloved.)
13. Long règne au roi
Pronunciation: lon rayn oh rwah
Meaning: Long reign to the king.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi célèbre dix ans sur le trône. (The king is celebrating ten years on the throne.)
Person 2: Long règne au roi! (Long reign to the king!)
14. Le roi mérite cet honneur
Pronunciation: luh rwah meh-reet seh toh-neur
Meaning: The king deserves this honor.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi a été décoré pour son courage. (The king was honored for his bravery.)
Person 2: Le roi mérite cet honneur. (The king deserves this honor.)
15. Merci, Votre Altesse
Pronunciation: mehr-see, voh-truh al-tess
Meaning: Thank you, Your Highness.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi a accordé une audience privée. (The king granted a private audience.)
Person 2: Merci, Votre Altesse. (Thank you, Your Highness.)
16. Votre majesté est généreuse
Pronunciation: voh-truh mah-zheh-stay eh zhay-nay-ruh-zuh
Meaning: Your Majesty is generous.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi a fait un don à la communauté. (The king made a donation to the community.)
Person 2: Votre majesté est généreuse. (Your Majesty is generous.)
17. À votre service, mon roi
Pronunciation: ah voh-truh sair-vees, mon rwah
Meaning: At your service, my king.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi a besoin d’un messager. (The king needs a messenger.)
Person 2: À votre service, mon roi. (At your service, my king.)
18. Que le roi soit béni
Pronunciation: kuh luh rwah swah bay-nee
Meaning: May the king be blessed.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi a mené le pays à la paix. (The king led the country to peace.)
Person 2: Que le roi soit béni. (May the king be blessed.)
19. Le roi a toute ma loyauté
Pronunciation: luh rwah ah toot mah lwah-yoh-tay
Meaning: The king has all my loyalty.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Servirez-vous le roi? (Will you serve the king?)
Person 2: Le roi a toute ma loyauté. (The king has all my loyalty.)
20. Avec respect, Votre Majesté
Pronunciation: ah-vek reh-speh, voh-truh mah-zheh-stay
Meaning: With respect, Your Majesty.
In a Sentence:
- Person 1: Le roi veut entendre vos conseils. (The king wants to hear your advice.)
Person 2: Avec respect, Votre Majesté. (With respect, Your Majesty.)
Exercise to Practice Success: King in French
Here are 12 fill-in-the-blank exercises using the above-given ways to say and respond to “king” in French. Each sentence is in French, followed by its English meaning. After the exercises, you will find the answers.
Fill-in-the-Blanks
- Le ________ a ordonné une nouvelle loi pour le royaume.
- Vive le ________ ! Longue vie et prospérité à notre souverain.
- Le peuple a crié : “________ le roi !” après sa victoire.
- Le roi est honoré pour être un ________ juste et équitable.
- Sa ________ a offert un festin pour célébrer l’union du royaume.
- Le roi sacré est souvent vu comme le ________ du peuple.
- À votre service, ________, je suis prêt à vous aider.
- Le lion est surnommé le ________ des animaux dans cette région.
- Le ________ légendaire Arthur est célèbre dans les contes médiévaux.
- Le roi est considéré comme un ________ dans sa communauté.
- Que le ________ soit béni pour ses actes courageux.
- Le roi a toute ma ________ pour protéger le royaume.
Answers
- roi (The king has ordered a new law for the kingdom.)
- roi (Long live the king! Long life and prosperity to our sovereign.)
- Gloire au (The people shouted, “Glory to the king!” after his victory.)
- roi (The king is honored for being a just and fair ruler.)
- Majesté (His Majesty offered a feast to celebrate the union of the kingdom.)
- protecteur (The sacred king is often seen as the protector of the people.)
- mon roi (At your service, my king, I am ready to help you.)
- roi (The lion is nicknamed the king of animals in this region.)
- roi (The legendary king Arthur is famous in medieval tales.)
- patriarche (The king is considered a patriarch in his community.)
- roi (May the king be blessed for his brave actions.)
- loyauté (The king has all my loyalty to protect the kingdom.)
Conclusion
Learning how to say and respond to “king” in French adds a fascinating layer to your language skills. From discussing historical rulers to using figurative phrases, the variety of expressions and responses allows you to communicate with more richness and precision. These terms can be useful in casual conversations, storytelling, or when learning about French culture and history.
By practicing with the examples and exercises, you’ll not only become comfortable with these words but also gain confidence in applying them in real-life situations. Keep exploring and practicing, and you’ll master this vocabulary in no time!