Definition
A person who lives next door or very close to you. Can also be used as an adjective meaning "nearby" or "neighbouring."
Example
Mon voisin m'a prêté du sucre ce matin.
Show translation
My neighbour lent me some sugar this morning.
Etymology
From Latin *vicinus* ("of the neighbourhood"), derived from *vicus* ("village, row of houses"). The same root gives English "vicinity" and "village."
Cultural note
French apartment culture makes voisins a very present part of daily life. The phrase *les relations de voisinage* (neighbourly relations) carries real social weight — disputes over noise (le bruit) between neighbours (*entre voisins*) are among the most common civil complaints in France. Saying *bonjour* to your voisin in a hallway is a basic social expectation, even in big cities.