Pronunciation: [kˈaɹɛfə] (IPA) 
The word "carrefour" is originally derived from the French language and is known as a marketplace or crossroads in English. It is commonly spelled as /karəˈfʊər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word begins with the "k" sound followed by a short "a" sound, represented by "a" in the middle, and ending with a stressed "oo" sound and an "r" sound at the end. This spelling accurately depicts the proper pronunciation of this word.
Carrefour is a term that originated in French and in the simplest sense, refers to a crossroads or intersection. However, in contemporary contexts, the term "carrefour" has come to represent a specific type of establishment. More specifically, a carrefour is commonly understood to be a large, multinational retail corporation that specializes in hypermarkets and supermarkets.
Carrefour is known for its extensive range of products, offering customers a wide selection of groceries, household items, electronics, clothing, and various other consumer goods. These retail outlets are often conveniently located in commercial areas and are designed to cater to the diverse needs of customers in terms of both product availability and price range.
The concept of a carrefour often involves spacious premises, ample parking spaces, and a convenient layout that aims to provide an enjoyable shopping experience for customers. Moreover, carrefour stores typically adopt a customer-centric approach, prioritizing customer satisfaction and affordable pricing.
The term "carrefour" is also recognized as a brand name, with Carrefour being one of the largest retail chains in the world. Originating in France in 1957, Carrefour has expanded rapidly and now operates across numerous countries, maintaining a significant presence in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The brand's success has made it a household name associated with convenience, quality, and accessibility in the retail industry.
The word "carrefour" originated from the French language and has its roots in Latin.
The Middle French term "carrefour" evolved from the Old French "carrefor", which came from the Medieval Latin word "quadrifurcus". "Quadrifurcus" was formed from the Latin roots "quattuor" meaning "four" and "furca" meaning "fork" or "cross".
Therefore, the literal meaning of "carrefour" is "four forks" or "four crosses", referring to a place where four roads meet or intersect.
