Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| éducation | /e.dy.ka.sjɔ̃/ | feminine |
| enseignement | /ɑ̃.sɛ.ɲ(ə).mɑ̃/ |
Both words refer to the process of imparting knowledge, skill and judgment, but they have different nuances. éducation is a broad term that covers the development of a person's moral, social and intellectual qualities. In contrast, enseignement refers more specifically to the act of teaching or the formal system of instruction.
Which one should you use?
éducation is often used to refer to a person's upbringing or social manners. enseignement should be used when you are talking about the actual act of teaching or formal systems like higher education. For a formal context regarding the act of imparting knowledge, you may also see the term instruction.
How does it change in a sentence?
éducation is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/e.dy.ka.sjɔ̃/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes use éducation when they specifically mean "schooling" in a technical or academic sense. In these cases, using enseignement or scolarité is often more precise in French.
Did you know?
- The verb éduquer can be used for animals as well as humans, whereas 'to educate' in English is almost exclusively reserved for people and intellectual processes.
- In a formal French context, 'l'éducation nationale' refers specifically to the entire state-run system of public schooling.
- In French, if you say someone has 'une bonne éducation', you are praising their politeness and manners rather than their academic grades.
Examples in context
- Son éducation s'est faite tard.He acquired education late in his life.This sentence shows how someone might have acquired their éducation.Tatoeba #633036 by qdii, translation #302483 by CK
- Quel est le but de l'éducation ?What is the purpose of education?This sentence asks about the purpose of éducation.Tatoeba #1830944 by sacredceltic, translation #1829490 by Spamster
- L’éducation est très importante.Education is very important.This sentence emphasizes the importance of éducation.Tatoeba #12088172 by sacredceltic, translation #1488118 by arnxy20
- L'éducation est primordiale pour le développement d'une société équilibrée.Education is essential for the development of a balanced society.
- Les enseignants sont responsables de l'instruction des élèves.Teachers are responsible for the education of students.
- La formation professionnelle est essentielle pour réussir sur le marché du travail.Vocational training is essential to succeed in the job market.
- 107 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are discussing their future plans.
- EmmaJe veux travailler dans le domaine de l'éducation.I want to work in the field of education.
- GabrielC'est super, Gabriel admire ton ambition.That's great, Gabriel admires your ambition.
- EmmaL'éducation est la clé du succès.Education is the key to success.
- GabrielJe suis tout à fait d'accord avec toi.I completely agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “education” translations and entries éducation, enseignement, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
