éducatif
/e.dy.ka.tif/
The English phrase "educational" is translated into French as éducatif.
The adjective is used to describe something that is instructive.
Meaning: instructive (adj)
Which one should you use?
While éducatif refers to the process of instruction or development, the word pédagogique is often used specifically to describe teaching methods or pedagogical approaches.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes: éducatif is the masculine singular form, éducative is the feminine singular form, éducatifs is the masculine plural form and éducatives is the feminine plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/e.dy.ka.tif/
Did you know?
- In French, calling someone bien éduqué does not necessarily mean they have a university degree, but rather that they are polite and well-bred.
- The word éduquer can be used for animals, such as training a dog, whereas in English 'educate' is almost exclusively for humans.
- The term éducatif can be used in a legal context, such as peine éducative, where a judge focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Examples in context
- Notre objectif est avant tout éducatif.Our goal is primarily educational.This sentence shows how to describe a goal as being éducatif.Tatoeba #8063707 by Aiji, translation #4368251 by AlanF_US
- La force première d'une nation réside dans son système éducatif.The primary strength of a nation lies in its educational system.This sentence uses éducatif to describe a system.Tatoeba #8380501 by Aiji, translation #8406662 by marioo
- Le système éducatif japonais a été influencé par celui des États-Unis.The educational system in Japan was influenced by that in the USA.Tatoeba #8473239 by Aiji, translation #281372 by AlanF_US
- Les jeux éducatifs sont très populaires en France.Educational games are very popular in France.
- Le Musée d'Histoire Naturelle propose des activités pédagogiques pour les enfants.The Natural History Museum offers educational activities for children.
- Ces livres éducatifs aident les enfants à apprendre de manière ludique.These educational books help children learn in a playful way.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are discussing a new documentary at a café.
- LucasCe film est vraiment éducatif.This film is truly educational.
- ManonOui, j'ai appris beaucoup de choses.Yes, I learned many things.
- LucasIl est utile pour les enfants.It is useful for children.
- ManonC'est un contenu très éducatif.It is very educational content.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry éducatif, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
