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compagnie
/kɔ̃.pa.ɲi/
company
Elle travaille dans une compagnie d'assurance.
She works at an insurance company.
formal
An organization formed for business, commercial, or industrial purposes.
La compagnie aérienne a annoncé de nouveaux vols internationaux.
The airline company announced new international flights.
Often used in business contexts to refer to a corporation or firm.
neutral
A group of people or animals moving together, especially for a specific purpose.
Une compagnie de soldats a traversé le village.
A company of soldiers marched through the village.
In military contexts, 'compagnie' refers to a unit of soldiers.
literary
The state of being with someone; companionship.
Il cherche la compagnie de ses amis.
He seeks the company of his friends.
Used in a more abstract sense to describe social interaction.
Collocations
compagnie aérienneairline companycompagnie d'assuranceinsurance companycompagnie de théâtretheater troupeen bonne compagniein good companycompagnie de soldatscompany of soldiers
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Business vs. Social Context
In business contexts, 'compagnie' almost always translates to 'company'. In social contexts, it can mean 'companionship' or 'group'. Always check the context to avoid confusion.
Gold Rule
Avoid Literal Translations
Do not translate 'compagnie' as 'companionship' in a business context. Stick to 'company' for organizations and 'companionship' for social settings.
Word Origin
From Old French 'compagnie' (12th century), derived from 'compagnon' (companion), itself from Late Latin 'companio' (com- 'with' + panis 'bread'), originally meaning 'one who breaks bread with another'.
Usage Notes
In French, 'compagnie' can refer to a business entity or a group of people. In English, 'company' is the most common translation, but context determines the exact meaning. Avoid confusing with 'compagnie' as in 'military company' (a unit of soldiers).
Word Breakdown
com-
with
prefix-pagn-
bread
root-ie
abstract noun suffix
suffixDictionnaire Français-Anglais