renseignements téléphoniques
The English phrase 'directory assistance' can be translated into French as renseignements téléphoniques.
You can use renseignements téléphoniques to mean telephone information or to seek directory assistance. In more formal or technical contexts, you may refer to the service itself as le service de renseignements téléphoniques.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase renseignements téléphoniques is composed of renseignements (information/details) and téléphoniques (telephone/telephonic).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canadian French, people often use Information or Renseignements when seeking directory assistance.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is most commonly used in the plural form renseignements téléphoniques to refer to the service as a whole.
Did you know?
- The word renseignement comes from the Old French verb renseigner, which is closely related to the English word 'sign', implying 'to mark' or 'to point out'.
- Historically, the French directory service was a state monopoly under the PTT, which combined posts, telegraphs and telephones into one giant administration.
- In France, if you were looking for the traditional operator-led directory assistance, you might have dialed '118' instead of searching for a formal service name.
Examples in context
- Je cherche le service des renseignements téléphoniques.I am looking for directory assistance.
- Est-ce que les renseignements téléphoniques sont gratuits ?Is directory assistance free?
- Appelez les renseignements téléphoniques pour trouver ce numéro.Call directory assistance to find this number.
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are trying to find a phone number for a business.
- ChloéJe ne trouve pas leur numéro sur internet.I can't find their number on the internet.
- LucasOn peut appeler les renseignements téléphoniques, Chloé.We can call directory assistance, Chloé.
- ChloéC'est une bonne idée, Lucas.That is a good idea, Lucas.
- LucasJe m'en occupe tout de suite.I will take care of it right away.
