clic
/klik/
The French word for the English phrase "click" is clic.
clic is used to refer to the act of pressing a button on a computer mouse or to describe a sharp, short sound. If you want to use a verb to say "to click" (as in a computer action), the most common and standard way is to use cliquer.
Meaning: transitive: press and release (button on a mouse) (verb)
Which one should you use?
While clic refers to a physical sound or a computer action, the related word déclic is used figuratively to describe a sudden mental realization or a breakthrough in one's understanding.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the verb cliquer to refer to a specific object, such as a link, you must include the preposition sur. For example, you would say cliquer sur le lien to mean "to click on the link".
How do you pronounce it?
/klik/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid forgetting to use the preposition sur after the verb cliquer when you are clicking on a specific object.
Did you know?
- The term déclic originates from the mechanical action of a trigger or a latch snapping into place.
- The word déclic is frequently used to describe the exact moment someone falls in love or suddenly decides to change their life.
- The French term for a computer mouse click, clic, is an onomatopoeia, meaning the word itself is intended to imitate the short, sharp sound it describes.
Examples in context
- On entendit un léger clic.A soft click was heard.This sentence is useful for hearing how clic is used to describe a sound.Tatoeba #8976830 by Aiji, translation #8420115 by AlanF_US
- Cliquer sur le bouton pour continuerClick on the button to proceed
- Sélectionnez les articles que vous souhaitez acheterClick/select the items you want to purchase
- Appuie sur le bouton pour prendre une photoClick/press the button to take a picture
- Clique sur le lien pour ouvrir le document.Click on the link to open the document.
- Choisis ta langue préférée en cliquant sur le drapeau correspondant.Select your preferred language by clicking on the corresponding flag.
- Merci de cliquer sur le bouton "Entrée" pour confirmer ton choix.Please click/press the "Enter" button to confirm your choice.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry clic, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
