sauvegarder
/sov.ɡaʁ.de/
To back up in French is sauvegarder. Wiktionary also lists faire une sauvegarde.
Meaning: To copy as a security measure (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| sauvegarder | /sov.ɡaʁ.de/ |
| faire une sauvegarde |
The term is used when referring to the technical process of copying data as a security measure. While sauvegarder can generally mean 'to save' a file, in a technical context it specifically refers to the act of creating a backup.
Which one should you use?
You can use the verb sauvegarder to mean to back up data, or the phrase faire une sauvegarde to describe the process of performing a backup operation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form for 'a backup' is the feminine noun une sauvegarde.
How do you pronounce it?
/sov.ɡaʁ.de/
Did you know?
- The word sauvegarde can be used as a noun to describe a 'safe conduct' pass used in military history to allow people to pass through enemy lines.
- The root of sauvegarder links it to the word 'salvation' via the word sauve, creating a linguistic connection between saving a computer file and saving a soul.
- The verb sauvegarder is also used in environmental contexts, such as sauvegarder la planète, meaning 'to save' or 'to preserve' the planet.
Examples in context
- Assure-toi de sauvegarder tous tes fichiers.Make sure to back up all your files.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of sauvegarder.Tatoeba #550050 by sacredceltic, translation #546777 by darinmex
- soutenez votre argument avec des preuvesBackup your argument with evidence
- je serai là pour toiI'll back you up
- Je viens en aide à mes collèguesI'm here to back up my colleagues
- Je suis solidaire avec toiI'm backing you up/supporting you
- Je te soutiens moralement dans cette épreuveI'm here to back you up emotionally during this difficult time
- N'oublie pas de sauvegarder ton travail.Don't forget to back up your work.
- Je dois sauvegarder mes photos sur un disque externe.I need to back up my photos to an external drive.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are working on a computer together.
- GabrielChloé, n'oublie pas de sauvegarder le document.Chloé, don't forget to back up the document.
- ChloéOui, je le fais tout de suite.Yes, I am doing it right now.
- GabrielC'est important pour ne pas tout perdre.It's important so we don't lose everything.
- ChloéC'est fait, tout est bien sauvegardé.It's done, everything is safely backed up.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “back up” translations and entries sauvegarder, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
