What is the French word for firefighter?

The French word for firefighter is "pompier." This term is widely used in France and refers specifically to a person who is trained to fight fires and respond to emergencies. The word itself has become synonymous with the profession, making it instantly recognizable when discussing fire service in French-speaking contexts.

The term "sapeur" can refer to a soldier or firefighter, but it is more commonly associated with the "Sapeurs-Pompiers," which is a specific branch in France that combines both firefighting and saving lives, making "pompier" the more direct translation for firefighter. "Incendie" means fire in French, referring to the situation rather than the profession. "Briquet" translates to lighter or match, which relates to objects used to start a fire rather than the individuals who combat them. Understanding these distinctions provides clarity on the correct terminology for firefighter in French.