informatique
/ɛ̃.fɔʁ.ma.tik/feminine
The English phrase "computer science" is translated into French as informatique.
informatique refers to the study of computers and their architecture. While informatique describes the field itself, a person working in this field is called an informaticien (masculine) or an informaticienne (feminine).
Meaning: study of computers and their architecture (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are referring to the field of study, informatique is typically used with the definite article, such as in l'informatique. Note that informatique is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛ̃.fɔʁ.ma.tik/
Did you know?
- The word informatique was coined in 1962 by Philippe Dreyfus, who wanted a term that described the automation of information processing rather than just the machines themselves.
- The term informatique is a portmanteau, blending the words information and automatique.
- In France, the phrase en panne d'informatique is often used colloquially to describe a total system crash or a digital breakdown.
Examples in context
- Mme Jones enseigne l'informatique.Mrs. Jones is teaching computer science.This sentence shows the use of informatique in a teaching context.Tatoeba #339598 by TRANG, translation #52883 by CN
- L'informatique a fait de rapides progrès dans notre pays.Computer science has made rapid progress in our country.This sentence describes the progress of informatique in a country.Tatoeba #339597 by TRANG, translation #29188 by trieuho
- J'étudie l'informatique.I am studying computer science.This sentence demonstrates the phrase used when describing a field of study.Tatoeba #11181189 by lbdx, translation #7784656 by sharris123
- L'informatique est un domaine en constante évolution qui englobe la programmation, les réseaux et l'intelligence artificielle.Computer science is an ever-evolving field that encompasses programming, networks, and artificial intelligence.
- J'adore l'info, surtout la programmation et la création de sites web.I love computer science, especially programming and web development.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their university subjects.
- HugoEst-ce que tu aimes l'informatique ?Do you like computer science?
- ManonOui, c'est ma matière préférée.Yes, it is my favorite subject.
- HugoMoi, je préfère les mathématiques.As for me, I prefer mathematics.
- ManonC'est vrai, mais l'informatique est passionnante.That's true, but computer science is fascinating.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “computer science” translations and entries informatique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries informatique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
