Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| application | /a.pli.ka.sjɔ̃/ | feminine |
| appli | /a.pli/ | feminine |
| programme | /pʁɔ.ɡʁam/ | masculine |
Application and its shortened form appli specifically refer to a small computer application, whereas programme is a masculine noun used for software or computer programs in a more general sense.
Which one should you use?
Application is the full, formal noun, whereas appli is the colloquial abbreviation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The formal way to say 'app' in French is Application. A formal way to say 'app' in French is Application mobile. The informal way to say 'app' in French is Appli.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the English term 'app' may be used in conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word appli is feminine, so it is used with the feminine article une. The form Une application is a feminine singular app. The form Des applications is feminine plural apps. programme is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- While appli is a shortening of application, the word application in French can also mean 'diligence' or 'care' when describing how someone performs a task.
- The word programme comes from the Ancient Greek prógramma, which originally referred to a public notice written on a board.
- In Quebec, the use of English terms like 'app' is sometimes seen as a socio-political statement or a sign of bilingualism rather than just a linguistic shortcut.
Examples in context
- Ziri avait cette application.Ziri had that app.This sentence shows the use of the form appli.Tatoeba #12481986 by always, translation #10237391 by Amastan
- David a tout de même ouvert l'application.David opened the app anyway.Tatoeba #11504450 by Amastan, translation #11500432 by Amastan
- Il ne faut surtout pas télécharger cette application.You absolutely shouldn't download this app.Tatoeba #11949610 by RCendre, translation #11953834 by zogwarg
- J'ai développé une application mobile pour notre entreprise.I have developed a mobile application for our company.
- Téléchargez notre nouvelle application mobile dès maintenant.Download our new mobile application now.
- Cette application smartphone facilite la gestion de votre emploi du temps.This smartphone application makes managing your schedule easier.
- As-tu téléchargé la nouvelle appli de musique ?Have you downloaded the new music app?
- Cette appli mobile te permet de commander de la nourriture en ligne.This mobile app allows you to order food online.
- Les jeunes passent beaucoup de temps sur cette appli smartphone.Young people spend a lot of time on this smartphone app.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are talking about a new language learning tool.
- EmmaQuelle application utilises-tu pour apprendre l'espagnol ?Which app do you use to learn Spanish?
- NathanJ'utilise une application gratuite sur mon téléphone.I use a free app on my phone.
- EmmaEst-ce que cette application est facile à utiliser ?Is this app easy to use?
- NathanOui, Nathan adore cette application !Yes, Nathan loves this app!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “app” translations and entries application, appli, programme, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries appli, application, programme, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
