un dictionnaire
The English phrase "a dictionary" is un dictionnaire in French.
Un dictionnaire is the standard and most widely used term for a dictionary. If you are referring specifically to a specialized dictionary or a glossary, you may use un lexique.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
You may use the informal term un dico.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of un dictionnaire is des dictionnaires.
Did you know?
- The French language was historically managed by the Académie française, which created dictionaries to keep the language 'pure' and uniform.
- The Petit Larousse and Petit Robert are the most famous dictionaries in France, yet they are often massive volumes.
- While English speakers use a 'thesaurus' for synonyms, French speakers typically call this a dictionnaire des synonymes.
Examples in context
- As-tu un dictionnaire ?Do you have a dictionary?This sentence is useful for asking if someone possesses un dictionnaire.Tatoeba #2654902 by Julien_PDC, translation #2654806 by CK
- J'ai acheté un dictionnaire.I bought a dictionary.This sentence is useful for stating that you bought un dictionnaire.Tatoeba #11594122 by Adrien_FR, translation #6356850 by CK
- Je dispose d'un dictionnaire.I have a dictionary.This sentence is useful for stating that you have un dictionnaire.Tatoeba #810434 by sacredceltic, translation #321846 by CK
- Je consulte un dictionnaire pour comprendre ce motI am consulting a dictionary to understand this word
- un lexique médicalA medical dictionary
- J'ai besoin de mon dico pour traduire ce motI need my dictionary to translate this word
- J'utilise souvent un dictionnaire français-anglais pour mes étudesI often use a French-English dictionary for my studies
- J'ai acheté un lexique de linguistique pour approfondir mes connaissancesI bought a linguistics dictionary to deepen my knowledge
- Passe-moi ton dico, je veux vérifier la signification de ce motPass me your dictionary, I want to check the meaning of this word
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At the library, Hugo is looking for a book.
- HugoEst-ce qu'il y a un dictionnaire ici ?Is there a dictionary here?
- LéaOui, il y a un dictionnaire sur la table.Yes, there is a dictionary on the table.
- HugoC'est un dictionnaire de français ?Is it a French dictionary?
- LéaOui, il est juste là.Yes, it is right there.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
