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compagnon
/kɔ̃.pa.ɲɔ̃/
companion
Il est un bon compagnon de voyage.
He is a good travel companion.
informal
A companion or close friend, often someone who shares activities or experiences with another person.
Nous sommes compagnons depuis l'enfance.
We have been companions since childhood.
The term can also refer to a fellow worker or colleague, especially in traditional crafts or trades.
formal
A fellow member of a group or organization, such as a guild or association.
Les compagnons de la guilde se réunissent chaque mois.
The companions of the guild meet every month.
Historically, this term was used for members of medieval guilds or brotherhoods.
Collocations
compagnon de voyagetravel companioncompagnon de routecompanion on the roadcompagnon de travailwork colleague
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Use
While 'compagnon' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it often carries a slightly more formal or traditional tone than 'ami' (friend).
Gold Rule
Historical Context
In historical contexts, 'compagnon' often refers to members of medieval guilds or brotherhoods, emphasizing shared skills and traditions.
Word Origin
From Old French 'compainon', from 'compain' (companion) + '-on' (suffix indicating a person). Related to Latin 'companio' (companion).
Usage Notes
The term 'compagnon' can carry a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences, often stronger than a simple 'friend'. In some contexts, it implies a long-standing or deep bond.
Word Breakdown
com-
together
prefix-pagnon
derived from 'pain' (bread), originally referring to someone with whom one shares bread
suffixDictionnaire Français-Anglais