ordinateur de bureau
/ɔʁ.di.na.tœʁ də by.ʁo/masculine
The English phrase "desktop computer" is ordinateur de bureau in French. Wiktionary also lists ordinateur de table.
Meaning: a computer of a size designed to be used on a desk (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ordinateur de bureau | /ɔʁ.di.na.tœʁ də by.ʁo/ | masculine |
| ordinateur de table | /ɔʁ.di.na.tœʁ də tabl/ | Quebec, masculine |
The term is used to refer to a computer designed for stationary use on a desk, specifically to distinguish it from a portable (laptop). In casual conversation, speakers often shorten this to just ordinateur.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ordinateur de bureau literally translates to "computer of office".
Which one should you use?
The term ordinateur de bureau is used to distinguish a stationary desktop computer from a portable (laptop).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, ordinateur de table is used as an alternative to ordinateur de bureau. In Belgium and Switzerland, the term PC fixe may be used instead of ordinateur de bureau.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term ordinateur de bureau is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔʁ.di.na.tœʁ də by.ʁo/. It has 5 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word ordinateur was not a natural evolution but a deliberate invention by a philologist named Jacques Perret in 1955. He suggested it to IBM France because the existing term, calculateur, was considered too narrow for the machines' growing capabilities.
Examples in context
- Tom a un ordinateur de bureau.Tom has a desktop computer.This sentence shows the use of ordinateur de bureau.Tatoeba #6878313 by GB3, translation #6878302 by Hybrid
- J'ai besoin d'un nouvel ordinateur de bureau pour mon entreprise.I need a new desktop computer for my business.
- L'unité centrale de mon ordinateur de bureau est en panne.The CPU of my desktop computer is broken.
- Ma tour d'ordinateur est assez grande, elle prend beaucoup de place sur mon bureau.My computer tower is quite large, it takes up a lot of space on my desk.
- Il a acheté un nouvel ordinateur de bureau.He bought a new desktop computer.
- Mon ordinateur de bureau est très rapide.My desktop computer is very fast.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are discussing office equipment.
- EmmaHugo, préfères-tu un ordinateur portable ?Hugo, do you prefer a laptop?
- HugoNon, je préfère un ordinateur de bureau.No, I prefer a desktop computer.
- EmmaC'est vrai que c'est plus confortable.It's true that it is more comfortable.
- HugoOui, pour travailler toute la journée.Yes, for working all day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “desktop computer” translations and entries ordinateur de bureau, ordinateur de table, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bureau, de, ordinateur, table, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
