How to Say ‘A retirement party’ in French
Un pot de départ à la retraite
poh duh day-PAR ah lah ruh-TRET
[poh duh day-PAR ah lah ruh-TRET]
🇫🇷 In France: A pot de départ is a big tradition in French workplaces, often organized by colleagues. Saying this tells the restaurant to expect a lively, mixed-age group and maybe speeches.
Phrase Breakdown
Un pot de départ
poh duh day-PAR
A farewell drinks party
This is a common workplace tradition. Say it as "un po duh dé-PAR", with silent t's.
Il y a un pot de départ ce soir.
There's a farewell drinks party tonight.
Words in this phrase
Un
pot
[poh]
drinks party
Informal word for a celebratory gathering with drinks.
On fait un pot vendredi au bureau.
We're having drinks Friday at the office.
de
[duh]
of
Expressing the relationship between part and a whole.
Un verre de lait.
A glass of milk.
départ
[day-PAR]
departure / leaving
Masculine noun for leaving; 'départ à la retraite' is retirement.
Son départ est prévu en juin.
Her departure is planned for June.
à la retraite
ah lah ruh-TRET
for retirement
This specifies the reason for leaving. Say it as "a la ruh-TRET".
Elle part à la retraite en juin.
She's retiring in June.
Words in this phrase
à
[ah]
to
Used with infinitive verbs to indicate purpose.
Elle commence à chanter.
She begins to sing.
la
[lah]
the
A definite article preceding a noun.
La porte est ouverte.
The door is open.
retraite
[ruh-TRET]
retirement
Feminine noun for stopping work at the end of a career.
Il prend sa retraite cette année.
He retires this year.
Guides for French learners
Get the Full Learning Experience
This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.
Pronunciation Feedback
AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud
Spaced Repetition
Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice
Immersive Roleplaying
Practice real conversations with AI partners
Lessons for Your Situation
Request lessons tailored to your specific needs
Get Full LessonWhat Learners Are Saying
“Moved to Lyon for a culinary apprenticeship. The food and restaurant lessons were exactly what I needed — my French colleagues were genuinely impressed.”
Tom H., 38, Chef
“Studying in Paris and the academic French I learned in school was useless for daily life. This app filled the gap in weeks, not months.”
Nina W., 29, Graduate Student
“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”
Alex M., 42, Software Engineer