binaire
/bi.nɛʁ/
The English word binary is translated into French as binaire.
The adjective binaire describes a state of being in one of two mutually exclusive conditions, such as on or off. When you want to express that something is written or exists 'in binary', you should use the phrase en binaire.
Meaning: being in a state of one of two mutually exclusive conditions such as on or off (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective binaire is invariable in gender, so it remains the same whether the noun it describes is masculine or feminine. To form the plural, simply add an 's' to the end to get binaires.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /bi.nɛʁ/.
Did you know?
- The expression raisonnement binaire is used as a criticism to describe a simplistic way of thinking that ignores nuance by only seeing two opposing sides.
- In the context of gender identity, the use of non-binaire is often linked to broader French linguistic debates over creating gender-neutral grammar.
- The French word binaire is a learned borrowing from the Latin bīnārius, meaning 'consisting of two'.
Examples in context
- Nous sommes tous non-binaires, Moïse.We're all non-binary, Moses.This sentence uses binaire to discuss non-binary identities.Tatoeba #10009446 by Rovo, translation #12523870 by rul
- Le sexe est bimodal et non pas binaire.Sex is bimodal, not binary.This sentence uses binaire to contrast bimodal and binary concepts regarding sex.Tatoeba #13810090 by Rovo, translation #13721785 by rul
- Le nombre 2015 s’écrit 11111011111 en binaire.The number 2015 is represented as 11111011111 in binary.This sentence uses binaire to describe a number written in the binary system.Tatoeba #3741244 by gillux, translation #5771159 by ahlec
- Le système binaire est utilisé en informatique pour représenter des données et des instructions.The binary system is used in computer science to represent data and instructions.
- La numération binaire est un système fondamental dans l'informatique et les télécommunications.Binary numeration is a fundamental system in computer science and telecommunications.
- Ce code est écrit en binaire, il faut le décoder.This code is written in binary, it needs to be decoded.
- Le fichier est stocké sous forme binaire pour une meilleure efficacité.The file is stored in binary format for better efficiency.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are discussing a technical issue with a light switch.
- ChloéLe fonctionnement de cet interrupteur est binaire.The operation of this switch is binary.
- GabrielC'est vrai, il est soit allumé, soit éteint.It's true, it is either on or off.
- ChloéIl n'y a pas d'entre-deux possible.There is no middle ground possible.
- GabrielC'est un système très simple.It is a very simple system.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “binary” translations and entries binaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries binaire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
