conception
/kɔ̃.sɛp.sjɔ̃/
The French word for design is conception.
conception is used to refer to the abstract design, structural planning or the conceptualization of an object or idea. For example, you can use the phrase conception de produit to describe product design. The person who performs this work is called a concepteur (masculine) or a conceptrice (feminine).
Meaning: appearance (noun)
Which one should you use?
While conception refers to the abstract design or structural planning, dessin refers to the physical act of drawing or a sketch.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables: /kɔ̃.sɛp.sjɔ̃/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use the English word design as a noun in French, but in a formal or technical context, conception is the correct term for the structural or conceptual design.
Did you know?
- If you tell a French person you are working on a conception, they might think you are discussing the biological process of pregnancy rather than an industrial design.
- The term conception can be used to describe a person's 'notion' or 'idea' of something, such as ma conception de l'amour for 'my idea of love'.
- In modern French fashion and graphic arts, the English word 'design' is often used as a loanword to describe a specific aesthetic style, whereas conception is reserved for the engineering process.
Examples in context
- La conception acoustique a été impressionnante.The acoustic design was impressive.This sentence shows how to use conception to describe acoustic design.Tatoeba #12494040 by always, translation #11958653 by Amastan
- Suggères-tu qu'il s'agit d'un défaut de conception ?Are you suggesting it's a design flaw?This sentence uses conception to talk about a design flaw.Tatoeba #3816344 by sacredceltic, translation #3732006 by CM
- Nous étudions le français et la conception de site web.We're studying French and web design.This sentence demonstrates the use of conception in the context of web design.Tatoeba #961749 by U2FS, translation #961599 by CK
- La conception de ce bâtiment est vraiment innovante.The design of this building is truly innovative.
- Ce dessin représente bien le design intérieur de la pièce.This drawing accurately represents the interior design of the room.
- Son dessin traduit parfaitement les idées de design qu'il avait en tête.His drawing perfectly translates the design ideas he had in mind.
- Les dessins de cette artiste sont empreints d'une créativité sans limites.The artist's drawings are filled with boundless creativity.
- J'adore le style de cette nouvelle voiture.I love the design of this new car.
- Comment trouves-tu le look de mon nouveau site web ?What do you think of the design of my new website?
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are looking at a new lamp in a store.
- ChloéRegarde cette lampe, j'adore sa conception !Look at this lamp, I love its design!
- LucasC'est vrai, la conception est très moderne.It's true, the design is very modern.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu penses qu'elle est pratique ?Do you think it is practical?
- LucasOui, la conception semble assez fonctionnelle.Yes, the design seems quite functional.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry conception, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
