données
/dɔ.ne/feminine, plural
The English word "data" is translated into French as données.
The term refers to information as a noun.
Meaning: information (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, meaning any accompanying adjectives must agree in gender and number. For example, you would say données collectées (collected data). While the singular form donnée exists, the word is almost always used in its plural form données in French, even when referring to a single set of information.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /dɔ.ne/ across 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to use the singular donnée to represent the concept of "data", but in French, the plural données is the standard way to refer to information sets.
Did you know?
- The word données comes from the verb donner, which means 'to give'. In a literal sense, data are seen as things 'given' to a researcher or a system.
- While données is the standard term for digital information, a French speaker might use matière première when treating data as 'raw material' for a process.
- In a mathematical or physical context, the word donnée is used to mean a 'given' or a 'premise', as in the phrase la donnée est la suivante.
Examples in context
- J'ai vu les données.I saw the data.This sentence shows how to use the form données when talking about seeing information.Tatoeba #8954190 by Aiji, translation #5366315 by CK
- Ces données sont fausses.This data is incorrect.This sentence shows how to use the form données when describing the accuracy of information.Tatoeba #572676 by sacredceltic, translation #60883 by CK
- J'ai analysé les données.I've analyzed the data.This sentence shows how to use the form données in the context of analyzing information.Tatoeba #6083198 by Aiji, translation #2359005 by CK
- 110 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are working on a project in an office.
- LucasEmma, as-tu reçu les données ?Emma, did you receive the data?
- EmmaOui, je les ai reçues ce matin.Yes, I received them this morning.
- LucasEst-ce qu'elles sont complètes ?Are they complete?
- EmmaPas encore, il manque des données.Not yet, some data is missing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “data” translations and entries données, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
