Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| base de données | /baz də dɔ.ne/ /bɑz də dɔ.ne/ |
feminine |
| banque de données | feminine | |
| database | dated, feminine |
The term refers to a collection of information. While base de données is the standard modern term, you may encounter other forms depending on the context and location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase base de données is a literal translation of "base of data", composed of base (base), de (of) and données (data/information).
Which one should you use?
Base de données is the standard modern term used in French. In contrast, banque de données is often used when referring to larger, more static collections of information or archives. The English loanword database is also seen but is now considered dated.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The English loanword database is considered dated or highly informal in technical settings. In informal written exchanges or conversations, you might see the abbreviation DB.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, the term banque de données is sometimes used to mean database.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural "databases", change base de données to bases de données. In this plural form, you pluralize base to bases while keeping données in its plural form.
Did you know?
- While données is the standard word for 'data', it is the past participle of the verb donner, meaning 'to give'. Literally, data are things that have been 'given' to a system.
- The term banque de données shares its linguistic roots with the English word 'bank', but it originally traces back to the Italian word 'banca', meaning a 'moneychanger's table' or 'counter'.
- Outside of computer science, a donnée can refer to a 'given' or a 'known factor' in a mathematical problem or a logical argument.
Examples in context
- Tom n'a pas accès à la base de données.Tom does not have access to the database.This sentence shows how to express a lack of access to a base de données.Tatoeba #4675141 by Amastan, translation #4675768 by mrt6
- Un pirate informatique a eu accès à des fichiers sensibles dans la base de données de l'entreprise.A hacker gained access to sensitive files in the company's database.This sentence describes a hacker accessing sensitive files within a base de données.Tatoeba #11239665 by lbdx, translation #6029294 by Huskion
- Le pirate informatique obtint l'accès à des fichiers sensibles dans la base de données de la société.The hacker gained access to sensitive files in the company's database.This sentence is an alternative way to describe a hacker gaining access to files in a base de données.Tatoeba #814075 by sacredceltic, translation #638215 by darinmex
- Nous avons mis en place un système de bases de données pour gérer efficacement toutes nos informations clients.We have implemented a database system to efficiently manage all our customer information.
- La base de données contient des enregistrements détaillés de toutes les transactions effectuées par nos clients.The database contains detailed records of all transactions made by our customers.
- J'ai trouvé une nouvelle app qui stocke toutes mes photos dans une base de données sécurisée.I found a new app that stores all my photos in a secure database.
- Tu devrais sauvegarder cette information dans ta DB personnelle pour y avoir accès plus tard.You should save this information in your personal DB to access it later.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are working in an office.
- LucasLéa, peux-tu vérifier la base de données ?Léa, can you check the database?
- LéaOui, je m'en occupe tout de suite.Yes, I'll take care of it right away.
- LucasMerci, c'est très important pour le projet.Thank you, it is very important for the project.
- LéaPas de problème, Lucas.No problem, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “database” translations and entries base de données, database, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries banque, base, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
