clavier d'ordinateur
The English phrase "computer keyboard" is clavier d'ordinateur in French.
A clavier d'ordinateur refers to the panel of keys used to input text and commands into a computer. In most contexts, French speakers will simply say clavier instead of the full clavier d'ordinateur if the context of computing is already established.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of clavier (keyboard) and d'ordinateur (of computer).
Which one should you use?
While clavier refers to a computer keyboard, it is also the word used for a musical keyboard (such as on a piano or synthesizer).
Did you know?
- French keyboards use the AZERTY layout instead of the English QWERTY. This means the first six letters on the top row are shifted and rearranged.
- The word clavier is derived from the Latin clāvis, meaning 'key' or 'lock'. This makes the keyboard a literal collection of keys used to unlock information.
- While English speakers often say 'type on a keyboard', French speakers often say 'taper sur un clavier', using the verb 'taper' which also means 'to hit' or 'to tap'.
Examples in context
- Elle passe ses journées à tapoter sur son clavier d'ordinateur.She spends her days tapping away at her computer keyboard.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use clavier d'ordinateur in a sentence.Tatoeba #3272607 by Micsmithel, translation #3272606 by sundown
- Le clavier d'ordinateur est un outil essentiel pour la productivité.The computer keyboard is an essential tool for productivity.
- Le clavier pour ordinateur doit être ergonomique pour éviter les problèmes de santé.The computer keyboard must be ergonomic to avoid health problems.
- J'ai besoin d'un nouveau clavier pour mon ordinateur.I need a new keyboard for my computer.
- J'ai besoin d'un nouveau clavier d'ordinateur.I need a new computer keyboard.
- Le clavier d'ordinateur est très bruyant.The computer keyboard is very noisy.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are organizing a home office.
- LucasOù est le clavier d'ordinateur, Manon ?Where is the computer keyboard, Manon?
- ManonIl est sur le bureau, Lucas.It is on the desk, Lucas.
- LucasJe ne le vois pas ici.I don't see it here.
- ManonRegarde sous les papiers !Look under the papers!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries clavier, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
