French Words at Work
This French word meaning “hello” can be used when greeting colleagues in the morning.
What is bonjour?
This flaky, buttery pastry is shaped like a crescent and is a French breakfast staple.
What is a croissant?
This famous French landmark is probably the first thing most people picture when they hear “Paris.”
What is the Eiffel Tower?
In French, “personnes” means this — and HR spends a lot of time working with them.
What are people?
I am a famous French fashion designer whose name is synonymous with a little black dress and Chanel No. 5.
Who is Coco Chanel?
If your coworker responded with "de rien" this is likely the French word that prompted it.
What is merci?
These colorful little cookies are often sold in flavors like chocolate, pistachio and raspberry.
What are macarons?
This long, crusty French loaf is so iconic that UNESCO recognized French baguette craftsmanship as cultural heritage.
What is a baguette?
In French, “équipe” means this—something HR is constantly trying to build, strengthen, and engage.
What is team?
I am the French artist famous for painting water lilies and spending time in Giverny.
Who is Claude Monet?
This French word means “work” — something HR professionals know a little about!
What is travail?
This creamy dessert has a crunchy, caramelized sugar topping.
What is crème brûlée?
This French term for an appetizer literally means “outside the meal.”
What is hors d’œuvre?
The French word for this recurring workplace ritual or "réunion"—one HR professionals may somehow have approximately 47 of on their calendars every week.
What is meeting?
I played Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther films.
Who is Peter Sellers?
The French Riviera may be all “oui oui,” but around the workplace, this is the word employees swear HR says most.
What is non?
This chocolate-filled pastry shares its name with a French word for “chocolate.”
What is pain au chocolat?
This famous French phrase means “long live France!”
What is Vive la France?
Employees ask for it, managers approve it, and everyone dreams about it. In French, “vacances” means this.
What is vacation?
I was a French emperor who crowned himself and famously met his final defeat at Waterloo.
Who is Napoleon Bonaparte?
This French phrase meaning “see you soon” is a more optimistic farewell than “I’ll see you at the next meeting.”
What is à bientôt?
This classic "sour" French dessert has an upside-down apple.
What is tarte Tatin?
This French phrase means “good life” and captures the idea of enjoying life's pleasures.
What is la belle vie?
Beyond the paycheck and the perks, every great company needs a “raison d’être” — the fancy French way of saying its reason for being.
What is purpose?
I was an American-born actress who became Princess of Monaco after marrying Prince Rainier III.
Who is Grace Kelly?