Particulier

Particulier is a French term used as both an adjective and a noun with meanings centered on privacy and individuality. As an adjective, it describes something private, personal, or specific to a single person or situation. As a noun, it designates a private person or individual, typically in contrast to a professional, business, or public entity. The masculine form is un particulier; the feminine form is particulière, though for referents in everyday use many writers prefer expressions like une personne privée.

Etymology and usage. Particulier derives from the Latin termal form related to particula, meaning a small part, and entered French through Old or Middle French as particulier and then particulier. Over time, it acquired the sense of belonging to a private person rather than a public or professional body. In contemporary French, the plural particuliers refers to private individuals collectively. The feminine forms particulière or, when used as an adjective, particulière, are used to describe a private matter, person, or characteristic related to a specific subject.

Contexts and examples. The word occurs frequently in legal, commercial, and everyday language. In law and commerce it contrasts private individuals with professionals or companies, as in vente entre particuliers (private-sale) or contrat entre particuliers (private contract). In media and everyday speech, one might speak of les particuliers pour investir, meaning private individuals as opposed to institutions. The phrase à titre privé emphasizes a private capacity rather than an official or public one.

Related terms. Particulier contrasts with professionnel and entreprise for business contexts, and with personne physique in legal terminology, where personne physique denotes a natural person. The concept also intersects with phrases like vie privée (private life) and confidentialité when privacy is a concern.