livre numérique
The English phrase "ebook" is translated into French as livre numérique.
The term refers to a digital version of a book that can be read on a computer or an electronic device.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of livre (book) and numérique (digital).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, people commonly refer to "eBooks" as livres numériques.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because livre is a masculine noun, you use the masculine indefinite article un to say "a digital book" (un livre numérique). To make the phrase plural to mean "digital books", both the noun and the adjective must take an s, resulting in livres numériques.
Did you know?
- A French speaker using the word livre is using a linguistic homonym that could mean a 'book', a unit of weight, or a unit of currency depending on the context.
- The concept of a 'digital' device in French is expressed as numérique, whereas in English it is 'digital', which comes from 'digit' meaning finger.
- In French, the term numérique for 'digital' is a semantic loan from English, meaning the French adopted the English way of using a 'number' word to describe electronic technology.
Examples in context
- J'ai téléchargé un livre électronique pour continuer ma recherche.I downloaded an electronic book to continue my research.
- J'ai acheté un nouveau livre numérique.I bought a new ebook.
- Est-ce que tu préfères le livre papier ou le livre numérique ?Do you prefer a paper book or an ebook?
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are discussing their reading habits at a cafe.
- NathanTu lis souvent sur ta tablette ?Do you often read on your tablet?
- EmmaOui, j'adore lire un livre numérique en voyage.Yes, I love reading an ebook while traveling.
- NathanC'est plus pratique que d'emporter un vrai livre.It is more practical than carrying a real book.
- EmmaC'est vrai, c'est tellement plus simple.True, it is so much simpler.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries livre, numérique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
