filière
/fi.ljɛʁ/
The English phrase "college major" is translated into French as filière.
The term refers to the main subject or field of study that a student chooses to specialize in at a university. To say "my major is [subject]", you can use the phrase ma filière est…
Which one should you use?
While filière refers to the academic track or field of study, spécialisation is often used to refer to a specific concentration within that field.
How does it change in a sentence?
filière is a feminine noun. For example, "the major" is la filière.
How do you pronounce it?
/fi.ljɛʁ/
Did you know?
- In French, the term filière can also refer to a network of clandestine activities or a secret smuggling ring.
- The word filière originates from the word fil, which means 'thread'.
- While English speakers 'change their major', French students are more likely to speak of se réorienter, which means 'reorienting' oneself.
Examples in context
- Lors de mes études, j'ai étudié la biologie marine.During my studies, I majored in marine biology.
- Ma spécialisation est l'ingénierie informatique.My major is computer engineering.
- Je me suis spécialisé(e) en économie internationale.I specialized in international economics.
- Mon truc à la fac, c'est les études de droit.My thing at the university is studying law.
- Je me suis lancé(e) dans les sciences politiques.I got into political science.
- Je suis en train d'étudier le droit.I'm studying law.
- Je suis en train d'étudier l'informatique.I'm studying computer science.
- Il a choisi une filière scientifique.He chose a science major/track.
- Elle a changé de filière l'année dernière.She changed her major last year.
- La filière médecine est très difficile.The medicine major is very difficult.
Example conversation
Two students are meeting for the first time at university.
- HugoSalut Manon, quelle est ta filière ?Hi Manon, what is your major?
- ManonJe suis en filière droit, et toi ?I'm a law major, and you?
- HugoMoi, j'ai pris la filière histoire.Me, I took the history major.
- ManonC'est super, Hugo !That's great, Hugo!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry filière, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries filière, CC BY-SA 4.0.
