calcul
/kal.kyl/masculine
The English phrase 'calculus' is translated into French as calcul.
In French, calcul refers to the mathematical subject encompassing both differential and integral calculus.
Meaning: differential calculus and integral calculus considered as a single subject (noun)
Which one should you use?
While calcul is the general term, more specific formal terms exist depending on the context: Calcul différentiel is used specifically for differential calculus, Calcul intégral is used specifically for integral calculus and Analyse infinitésimale is a formal term emphasizing the study of infinitesimal quantities.
How does it change in a sentence?
calcul is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/kal.kyl/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the Latin word 'calculus' instead of the French word calcul when referring to the mathematical subject.
Did you know?
- In a medical context, a French speaker might use calcul to refer to a kidney stone or gallstone, rather than a mathematical operation.
- The term calcul shares its roots with the word 'pebble', as the ancient method of counting involved moving small stones across a board.
- In French, the expression faire un calcul can be used metaphorically to describe someone making a calculated or strategic decision in a social situation.
Examples in context
- La matière préférée de Tom est le calcul différentiel.Tom's favourite subject is calculus.This sentence shows how to mention a favorite subject using calcul.Tatoeba #11922119 by zogwarg, translation #8022125 by deniko
- Je comprends finalement les principes de base du calcul.I finally understand the basic principles of calculus.This sentence illustrates understanding basic principles of calcul.Tatoeba #545733 by sacredceltic, translation #516199 by darinmex
- Le calcul différentiel a été développé par Newton (en parallèle des travaux de Leibniz à ce sujet) pour traiter des problèmes de mécanique.Differential calculus was developed by Newton (alongside the work of Leibniz in this matter) to solve problems in mechanics.This sentence provides a formal context for calcul différentiel in relation to Newton and mechanics.Tatoeba #6135579 by Selenyt, translation #6135588 by Selenyt
- J'étudie le calcul intégral à l'universitéI'm studying calculus at university
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are talking about their university courses.
- ManonEst-ce que tu aimes le cours de calcul ?Do you like the calculus class?
- NathanC'est difficile, mais j'aime beaucoup le calcul.It is difficult, but I like calculus a lot.
- ManonMoi aussi, je trouve ça passionnant.Me too, I find it fascinating.
- NathanOn pourrait réviser ensemble pour l'examen.We could study together for the exam.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “calculus” translations and entries calcul, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calcul, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
