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firme
/fiʁm/
firm
Cette firme est leader dans le secteur des énergies renouvelables.
This firm is a leader in the renewable energy sector.
Business
formal
A business or company, especially one that is well-established or large.
La firme a été fondée en 1985 et emploie plus de 2000 personnes.
The firm was founded in 1985 and employs over 2000 people.
Cette firme est spécialisée dans la production de logiciels.
This firm specializes in software production.
Used in both legal and business contexts to refer to a company, often implying a certain size or stability.
Business
formal
A company's headquarters or main office.
Le siège social de la firme se trouve à Paris.
The firm's headquarters are located in Paris.
Less common than the first definition but still used in specific contexts.
Collocations
firme multinationalemultinational firmdirigeant de la firmefirm's managersiège de la firmefirm's headquarters
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'firme' in formal business contexts (e.g., legal documents, financial reports). In everyday speech, 'entreprise' or 'boîte' (slang) are more common.
Gold Rule
Business Context
'Firme' is typically used for established, often large companies. Avoid using it for small businesses or informal contexts.
Word Origin
From Old French 'ferme' (strong, firm), derived from Latin 'firmus' (firm, strong). The business sense emerged in the 17th century.
Usage Notes
In French, 'firme' is slightly more formal than 'entreprise' or 'société' and is often used in legal or financial contexts. It can also refer to the headquarters of a company.
Dictionnaire Français-Anglais