calculatrice
/kal.ky.la.tʁis/feminine
The French word for calculator is calculatrice. Wiktionary also lists calculette.
Meaning: electronic device that performs mathematical calculations (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| calculatrice | /kal.ky.la.tʁis/ | feminine |
| calculette | /kal.ky.lɛt/ | feminine |
The term refers to an electronic device used to perform mathematical calculations.
Which one should you use?
While calculatrice is the standard term, calculette is a diminutive form used to refer specifically to a small calculator.
How does it change in a sentence?
calculatrice is a feminine noun. For example, when saying 'a calculator', you must use the feminine indefinite article une to form une calculatrice.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and is pronounced /kal.ky.la.tʁis/.
Did you know?
- In old French, 'calcul' referred not just to math, but to the small stones used on an abacus to keep count.
- If you call a person a calculatrice in a figurative sense, you might be implying they are a person who is overly calculating or shrewd.
- While calculatrice is standard, you might see calculateur used in technical contexts to describe a computer's processing unit or an onboard flight computer.
Examples in context
- Qu'est-ce qu'une calculatrice ?What is a calculator?This sentence is useful for asking for the definition of calculatrice.Tatoeba #3249799 by nimfeo, translation #3391088 by AlanF_US
- Puis-je emprunter ta calculatrice ?May I borrow your calculator?This sentence is useful for asking to borrow someone's calculatrice.Tatoeba #12002845 by lbdx, translation #6731334 by CK
- J'ai laissé ma calculette sur mon bureau.I left my calculator on my desk.This sentence is useful for mentioning that you left your calculette on a desk.Tatoeba #2384355 by sacredceltic, translation #2377298 by CK
- Il utilise une calculatrice pour résoudre des problèmes mathématiques compliqués.He uses a calculator to solve complex mathematical problems.
- J'ai oublié ma calculette à la maison, je suis perdu sans elle !I forgot my calculator at home, I'm lost without it!
- La machine à calculer est un outil indispensable pour les comptables.The calculating machine is an essential tool for accountants.
- Tu peux me prêter ta calculatrice ? J'ai besoin de faire quelques calculs.Can you lend me your calculator? I need to do some calculations.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are studying in a library.
- LéaTu as une calculatrice ?Do you have a calculator?
- GabrielOui, elle est dans mon sac.Yes, it is in my bag.
- LéaPeux-tu me la prêter ?Can you lend it to me?
- GabrielBien sûr, tiens.Of course, here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “calculator” translations and entries calculatrice, calculette, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
