retenue
/ʁə.t(ə).ny/
In French, 'detention' (as a school punishment) is translated as retenue.
The term refers to a punishment given to a student for a minor infraction.
Meaning: punishment given to a student for a minor infraction (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ʁə.t(ə).ny/.
Did you know?
- In many French schools, the phrase colle is used as an informal synonym for retenue.
- In French, retenue also describes a person's modesty or reserve, such as une personne retenue.
- The word retenue is also used to describe a 'deduction' or 'withholding' of money, such as a tax deduction or a pay cut.
Examples in context
- Tom a eu une retenue pour avoir parlé en classe.Tom was given detention for talking during class.This sentence is useful for showing how to express that someone was given a retenue for talking in class.Tatoeba #1692810 by Scott, translation #37095 by CK
- Trop de bavardages en classe, je risque d'avoir une colle.Too much talking in class, I might get detention.
- Il a eu une retenue pour retard.He had detention for being late.
Example conversation
Two students are talking in the school hallway.
- LucasTu as une retenue aujourd'hui ?Do you have detention today?
- ManonOui, Lucas, je suis désolée.Yes, Lucas, I am sorry.
- LucasC'est pour quelle raison ?What is it for?
- ManonJ'ai oublié mes devoirs de français.I forgot my French homework.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “detention” translations and entries retenue, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
