When you learn a new language, some words seem simple at first. Take the word 'pocket,' for example. In French, the most common word is poche. But just like in English, there's more than one way to talk about this handy little pouch in your clothes. Depending on the context, the type of pocket, or even a bit of slang, you might hear several different words. Let's dive into the various ways you can say 'pocket' in French and add some useful nuance to your vocabulary!

1. The standard 'pocket' – la poche

The most common and standard French word for 'pocket' is la poche. It is a feminine noun, which means it is always accompanied by feminine articles like la or une.

La poche refers to the small pouch sewn into clothing—like trousers, jackets, or shirts—used for carrying small items. It's the direct equivalent of the English word 'pocket' in most everyday situations.

The singular form is la poche (the pocket) or une poche (a pocket). The plural form is les poches (the pockets). For example, you would say un pantalon avec deux poches (trousers with two pockets).

This word is also part of several common French expressions. A very frequent one is dans ma poche (in my pocket). For example, J'ai mes clés dans ma poche (I have my keys in my pocket).

A popular idiom you might hear is connaître quelque chose comme sa poche (to know something like the back of your hand, literally 'to know something like one's pocket'). This expression shows deep familiarity with a subject or place.

Another useful phrase is mettre quelqu'un dans sa poche (to win someone over, literally 'to put someone in one's pocket'). It means to easily get someone on your side or gain their favor.

💡 * J'ai mis mon téléphone dans la poche de mon jean.

• Ce manteau n'a pas de poches intérieures.
• Il connaît Paris comme sa poche.
• Ne t'inquiète pas, j'ai les billets dans ma poche.
• Avec son charme, il a mis tout le jury dans sa poche.

The 'inside pocket' – la poche intérieure

To specify an 'inside pocket' in French, you use the direct and descriptive term la poche intérieure.

Literally translating to 'the interior pocket,' this phrase refers to the pocket found on the inside lining of a garment, such as a coat, jacket, or blazer. It is distinct from an outer pocket.

The poche intérieure is culturally understood as a secure spot for valuables. It's the designated place for a wallet (portefeuille), passport (passeport), or phone (téléphone) to protect them from theft.

A key grammar point is noun-adjective agreement. The noun poche is feminine, so the adjective intérieur must take its feminine form, intérieure. This is a common rule you'll see with many French nouns.

While a general pocket is simply une poche, adding the adjective intérieure removes any ambiguity. This is particularly useful when shopping for clothes or telling someone where you've stored an important item.

💡 * J'ai mis mon portefeuille dans la poche intérieure de ma veste.

• Ce manteau a-t-il une poche intérieure pour mon téléphone ?
• Il a sorti un vieux billet de sa poche intérieure.
• La poche intérieure est souvent plus discrète et plus sûre.

The 'back pocket' – la poche arrière

The French term for a 'back pocket' is la poche arrière. This phrase is a direct and literal translation of its English counterpart, making it relatively easy to remember.

Let's break down the two components: la poche means 'the pocket', and arrière is an adjective meaning 'back' or 'rear'. When you put them together, you get 'the back pocket'.

A key grammar point is that poche is a feminine noun. Therefore, you must use the feminine article la (the) or une (a/an). For example, you would say une poche arrière to mean 'a back pocket'.

To refer to more than one back pocket, you use the plural form: les poches arrière. Notice that the noun poches takes an 's', but the adjective arrière remains unchanged. This is a common rule for adjectives that are also nouns or adverbs.

You'll most often hear or use this phrase when discussing clothing, especially trousers or jeans (un jean), and describing where you might keep your wallet (un portefeuille) or phone (un téléphone).

💡 * J'ai mis mon portefeuille dans ma poche arrière.

• Il y a un trou dans la poche arrière de ton jean.
• Elle a sorti son téléphone de sa poche arrière.
• Les poches arrière de ce pantalon sont très petites.

The 'breast pocket' – la poche de poitrine

The French term for a 'breast pocket' is la poche de poitrine. This is a literal and direct translation you'll encounter when discussing clothing, particularly formal or semi-formal wear.

The phrase is a combination of two simple nouns: la poche means 'the pocket,' and la poitrine means 'the chest' or 'breast.' The preposition 'de' connects them, literally translating to 'the pocket of the chest.'

This term is most commonly used for the pocket on the upper part of a suit jacket (un veston), blazer, or a formal shirt (une chemise). It's the designated spot for a pocket square.

A key accessory associated with this pocket is the pocket square, which in French is called une pochette. Be careful not to confuse this with une poche, the pocket itself.

💡 * J'ai glissé mon mouchoir dans la poche de poitrine de ma veste.

• Il portait une pochette en soie dans sa poche de poitrine.
• La poche de poitrine de cette chemise est juste pour la décoration.
• Mon téléphone est trop grand pour la poche de poitrine.

The 'trouser pocket' – la poche de pantalon

The phrase la poche de pantalon is the direct and most common way to say 'trouser pocket' or 'pants pocket' in French. It's a fundamental vocabulary item for everyday situations.

This expression is a straightforward construction. La poche means 'the pocket,' and the preposition de followed by pantalon ('trousers') specifies what kind of pocket it is. This 'noun + de + noun' structure is very common in French to describe an object's function or origin.

It's important to remember that poche is a feminine noun, which is why it uses the article la. Even though 'trousers' or 'pants' might feel plural in English, the French word pantalon is used in its singular form in this standard phrase.

You can easily adapt the phrase by changing the article or adding a possessive adjective. For example, you would say dans ma poche de pantalon ('in my trouser pocket') or une poche de pantalon ('a trouser pocket').

In many contexts where it's obvious you are talking about your trousers, you can simply shorten the phrase to la poche. For instance, if someone asks where your phone is, you can just reply, 'Dans ma poche' ('In my pocket').

💡 * J'ai mis mes clés dans la poche de mon pantalon. (I put my keys in my trouser pocket.)

• La poche de son pantalon est trouée. (His trouser pocket has a hole in it.)
• Il a toujours les mains dans les poches de son pantalon. (He always has his hands in his pants pockets.)
• Combien d'argent as-tu dans la poche de ton pantalon ? (How much money do you have in your trouser pocket?)

The small 'watch pocket' or 'coin pocket' – le gousset

Ever wondered what to call that tiny pocket on your jeans? In French, it's called le gousset. This is the specific term for the small 'watch pocket' or 'coin pocket' found on trousers, particularly denim jeans.

Originally, le gousset was designed to hold a pocket watch, known in French as a montre à gousset. This dates back to a time before wristwatches were common, making this small, secure pocket the ideal place to keep a timepiece safe.

While pocket watches are rare today, the pocket itself remains a standard feature. Nowadays, le gousset is commonly used for storing small items like coins (la monnaie), a key (une clé), or a guitar pick (un médiator).

The word also appears in a classic French idiom: avoir le gousset bien garni, which literally means 'to have a well-lined pocket.' This expression is used to say that someone is wealthy or has a lot of money.

💡 * J'ai trouvé une pièce de deux euros dans mon gousset.

• Mon grand-père gardait toujours sa montre à gousset dans la petite poche de son pantalon.
• Depuis qu'il a eu sa promotion, il a le gousset bien garni.

The 'pouch' or 'small bag' that acts like a pocket – le pochon

When you need a small bag for your essentials, the French have the perfect word: le pochon. This term describes a small pouch or bag that often functions like an external pocket.

Le pochon is a masculine noun (un pochon) that typically refers to a small, often drawstring, bag. It's used to carry items like keys, coins, or a phone when you don't have pockets or don't want to carry a larger handbag.

Be aware that the meaning can vary by region. While it commonly means a small cloth pouch, in some parts of France (like the West), un pochon can also refer to a small plastic bag you might get at a market for fruits or vegetables.

💡 * J'ai mis mes clés dans un pochon pour ne pas les perdre dans mon grand sac. (I put my keys in a pouch so I wouldn't lose them in my big bag.)

• Elle a acheté un joli pochon en soie pour ses bijoux. (She bought a pretty silk pouch for her jewelry.)
• Au marché, le vendeur m'a donné un pochon pour les champignons. (At the market, the vendor gave me a small bag for the mushrooms.)

The 'pocket' or compartment in a car – le vide-poche

The 'pocket' or compartment in a car – le vide-poche

Literally translating to “the empty-pocket,” le vide-poche is a wonderfully descriptive French noun. It's a compound word from vider (to empty) and poche (pocket).

Its most common meaning refers to any small storage compartment or cubby inside a car, perfect for holding items like keys, sunglasses, or a phone. You might find it in the center console or on the doors.

The term also extends to the home. A vide-poche can be a decorative tray or bowl, usually placed near an entryway, where you empty your pockets of keys, coins, and other small items upon arriving.

💡 * J'ai mis mes lunettes de soleil dans le vide-poche.

• Le vide-poche de ma voiture est plein de pièces de monnaie.
• En rentrant, il a posé ses clés dans le vide-poche de l'entrée.

The 'handbag pocket' or 'clutch' – la pochette

The primary and most fashionable meaning of la pochette is a 'clutch' or a small, strapless handbag. It's typically used for evenings or formal events to carry essential items like a phone, keys, and lipstick. This directly translates to the English concept of a clutch purse.

Beyond a standalone bag, la pochette also refers to a small pocket or pouch, often zippered, found inside a larger bag. You might use this pochette intérieure (inner pocket) to organize smaller, valuable items and prevent them from getting lost in your main handbag or backpack.

The word's meaning extends further to describe a 'sleeve' or 'envelope'. For example, la pochette d'un disque is a record sleeve, and you can also buy documents or photos in a pochette en plastique (plastic sleeve/folder). The core idea is a small, flat container.

Crucially, pochette is a feminine noun. Therefore, you must always use feminine articles and adjectives with it, such as une pochette or ma nouvelle pochette. The context is key to understanding whether someone is referring to a clutch, an inner pocket, or a sleeve.

💡 * J'ai besoin d'une nouvelle pochette dorée pour le mariage de ma sœur. (I need a new gold clutch for my sister's wedding.)

• Range tes papiers importants dans cette pochette pour ne pas les perdre. (Put your important papers in this sleeve so you don't lose them.)
• Mon rouge à lèvres est dans la petite pochette à l'intérieur de mon sac. (My lipstick is in the little pocket inside my bag.)
• La pochette de ce vieil album de vinyle est magnifique. (The sleeve of this old vinyl album is magnificent.)

Are there other ways to say 'pocket' in French?

Are there other ways to say “pocket” in French?

Our list features the most common and essential word for “pocket” in French: poche. However, French is a rich language with other terms you might encounter, from slang and regionalisms to very specific words used in tailoring or historical contexts.

You can expand your vocabulary by doing an online search for “comment dire poche en argot” (how to say pocket in slang) or by looking up the French terms for specific types of clothing, which may have unique names for their pockets.

You might discover some interesting synonyms for poche on a forum or in a dictionary. As always, be sure to check the word's definition and try to see it used in context before you start using it yourself to avoid any confusion.

Pay attention as you read, watch, and listen to things in French. A character in a classic film or a modern TV series might use a different word for a pocket, giving you a clue about the time period or their social background.

And if you’re looking for more vocabulary related to clothing, or for idiomatic expressions that use the word poche, the WordReference entry for poche is an excellent place to start your search!

I hope you found this guide to your liking. Mastering everyday words like 'pocket' is a key step toward sounding more natural. To finish, here is a fitting French proverb for any language learner: Petit à petit, l'oiseau fait son nid. (Little by little, the bird builds its nest.)