L'office (en. The office)

/l‿ɔ.fis/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A place where administrative or professional activities take place.
She works at the tourist office in her city.
Elle travaille à l'office du tourisme de sa ville.
A ceremony or religious service.
The Sunday service always attracts many worshipers.
L'office du dimanche attire toujours beaucoup de fidèles.
In the context of cooking, a service or part of the service.
The kitchen service is very busy in the evening.
L'office de la cuisine est très occupé le soir.

Etymology

From Latin 'officium', which means 'service, function'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

the tourist office
Service or bureau that provides information to visitors.
l'office du tourisme
religious office
Ceremonial service organized in a religious setting.
office religieux
to be at the office
To be at work or engaged in fulfilling one's duties.
être à l'office

Related Words

function
A role or duty to fulfill.
fonction
service
The act of providing help or support.
service
bureau
A workspace or administrative institution.
bureau

Slang Meanings

A place frequented by officials.
He spends too much time at the office instead of working.
Il passe trop de temps à l'office au lieu de travailler.
A place where one gathers for work.
We'll meet at the office for the debriefing.
On se voit à l'office pour le débriefing.