In French, the concept of "home" is expressed with different words depending on whether you mean the physical building or the feeling of belonging. Maison is a noun meaning "house," the solid structure where people live. In contrast, chez soi is a phrase used to evoke the idea of being "at home," emphasizing comfort, familiarity, and personal space.
- Maison = the house (the building)
- Chez soi = (literally "at one's place") used for being at home, where you feel you belong
'Maison' means the physical 'house.'
'Chez soi' expresses 'being at home' in terms of feeling and comfort.
Maison: The House
Maison is a feminine noun (la maison) that refers specifically to a house—the building where people live. It’s a tangible, physical place and not used for the abstract idea of "home" as an emotional concept.
- Maison → A physical house/building
- Feminine noun: la maison
- Common synonym for residence: demeure (more formal)
Examples:
- J’habite dans une maison. (I live in a house.)
- La maison est grande et moderne. (The house is big and modern.)
'Maison' is only used for a house, not an apartment.
'Maison' is used for the house itself, not for feelings.
Chez Soi: Being at Home
Chez soi means "at one’s home/place" and expresses the idea of being in your own space, where you feel comfortable and belong. It’s about feeling at home, not just where you live physically. You use this phrase when talking about the cozy, personal side of "home."
- Chez soi → At home (where you feel you belong)
- Used for: comfort, personal space, the feeling of home
- Chez + possessive/neuter: chez moi (at my home), chez toi, chez lui/elle, chez nous, chez vous, chez eux/elles
Examples:
- Rien de mieux que d’être chez soi. (There’s nothing better than being at home.)
- Elle travaille souvent chez elle. (She often works at home.)
'Chez soi' is best for comfort, routines, and casual home presence—not for the physical building.
'Chez soi' can be used in both formal and informal contexts to express 'at home.'
'Chez soi' refers to the feeling or state of being at home, not the house itself.
Summary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maison | House (the building) | Describes physical residence | J’ai une maison. |
| Chez soi | At home (emotion, sense of belonging) | Describes being in one’s own space, feeling comfortable | Il est bon d’être chez soi. |
In French, a maison is the tangible structure you live in, while chez soi captures the warm, intangible feeling of being "at home."