numérique
/ny.me.ʁik/
The English word 'digital' can be translated into French as numérique or digital.
Meaning: of or relating to computers (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| numérique | /ny.me.ʁik/ |
| digital | /di.ʒi.tal/ |
Both terms describe things relating to computers, data or computer technology.
Which one should you use?
In formal and technical contexts, numérique is the standard and correct term for anything relating to computer technology or data. The term digital is used primarily in business and marketing jargon as an anglicism.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
numérique is the most widely used and accepted translation in formal settings. digital is considered an anglicism and is often criticized by linguists.
How do you pronounce it?
/ny.me.ʁik/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use digital when they should use numérique. In technical French, digital is often viewed as an incorrect anglicism.
Did you know?
- If you use the word digital in a French classroom, you are likely referring to something involving fingers rather than computers. In standard French, digital specifically relates to the fingers or toes.
- The term numérique is actually a relative of the English word 'number'. It derives from the Latin 'numerus', highlighting that digital technology is fundamentally based on numerical data.
Examples in context
- Apprends des compétences numériques.Learn digital skills.This sentence is useful for discussing learning numérique skills.Tatoeba #12495192 by always, translation #10869986 by Amastan
- La musique numérique gagne en popularité.Digital music is becoming more and more popular.This sentence shows how numérique is used to describe music.Tatoeba #3570724 by sacredceltic, translation #3562552 by Hybrid
- Le monde numérique, c'est le futur du Kabyle.The digital world is the future of Kabyle.This sentence illustrates the use of numérique when discussing the digital world.Tatoeba #7024784 by belkacem77, translation #10053299 by shekitten
- L'entreprise se concentre sur la transformation numérique.The company is focusing on digital transformation.
- Le nouvel appareil photo numérique possède des fonctionnalités électroniques innovantes.The new digital camera has innovative electronic features.
- L'entreprise a engagé une équipe d'experts en marketing numérique et informatique.The company hired a team of experts in digital marketing and computer science.
- J'adore lire des livres au format numérique.I love reading books in digital format.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are talking about a job opportunity.
- HugoManon, tu as vu cette offre d'emploi ?Manon, did you see this job offer?
- ManonNon, c'est pour quel domaine ?No, what field is it for?
- HugoC'est pour un poste dans le secteur numérique.It is for a position in the digital sector.
- ManonC'est une excellente opportunité pour toi, Hugo.It is an excellent opportunity for you, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “digital” translations and entries numérique, digital, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries digital, numérique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
