présence
/pʁe.zɑ̃s/
The English word "attendance" is translated into French as présence.
présence is used to refer to the fact of being present or the persons who are present. Depending on the context, other terms may be more precise: fréquentation is used for the regular attendance of a place like a school or a workplace, while participation implies that the person is not just present but actively engaged. To express the action of taking attendance, such as in a classroom or a meeting, use the phrase faire l'appel.
Meaning: persons present, their number (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/pʁe.zɑ̃s/ (2 syllables)
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using assiduité to mean general attendance. In French, assiduité specifically refers to the quality of being regular and consistent, such as in the context of school regularity, rather than the simple state of being present.
Did you know?
- The term fréquentation can have a negative connotation in French. While it means 'attendance' for a place, it can also refer to the people someone associates with, such as mauvaises fréquentations for 'bad company'.
- In French, the word présence is used in the religious concept of la présence réelle, which refers to the belief that the body and blood of Christ are physically present in the Eucharist.
- While faire l'appel means 'to take attendance', the word appel literally means 'call'. This reflects the custom of calling out each person's name individually rather than asking for a general show of hands.
Examples in context
- La présence est obligatoire.Attendance is mandatory.This sentence uses présence to indicate that being present is a requirement.Tatoeba #4547378 by sacredceltic, translation #2244992 by CK
- Votre présence est obligatoire.Attendance is compulsory.This sentence uses présence to express that attendance is compulsory.Tatoeba #10068616 by lbdx, translation #10068503 by sundown
- La présence de tous les membres est requise.Attendance is compulsory for all members.This sentence uses présence to show that the attendance of all members is required.Tatoeba #14646 by sacredceltic, translation #273751 by CM
- J'ai toujours été apprécié pour mon assiduité lors des réunions.I have always been appreciated for my attendance at meetings.
- Je serai présent à la fête ce soir. Ça promet d'être amusant!I will be attending the party tonight. It promises to be fun!
- On compte sur toi pour être de la partie demain à la réunion.We're counting on you to be part of the meeting tomorrow.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking about a class they just finished.
- NathanLe professeur a-t-il vérifié la présence ?Did the teacher check the attendance?
- LéaOui, il a appelé tout le monde.Yes, he called everyone.
- NathanJ'ai peur d'avoir manqué l'appel.I'm afraid I missed the call.
- LéaNe t'inquiète pas, Nathan, ta présence est notée.Don't worry, Nathan, your attendance is noted.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry présence, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
