réchauffement climatique
/ʁe.ʃof.mɑ̃ kli.ma.tik/masculine
Global warming in French is réchauffement climatique.
This term refers to the increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere to cause climate change.
Meaning: increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere to cause climate change (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word réchauffement is a noun meaning warming, which is derived from the verb réchauffer, meaning to warm up or to heat up.
Which one should you use?
While English uses 'global' (world-wide), the standard French term uses climatique (climatic) to specify the nature of the warming.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, le réchauffement climatique and le changement climatique are common formal expressions. In Quebec, Canada, le réchauffement global is a preferred term for global warming.
How does it change in a sentence?
réchauffement climatique is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
It consists of 5 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word climatique comes from the Ancient Greek word klĭ́mă, which originally meant a 'slope' or 'inclination'.
- French speakers often use le dérèglement climatique to describe the same phenomenon, shifting the focus from 'warming' to 'dysregulation'.
- The root verb réchauffer is used daily in French kitchens to describe the act of reheating a meal that has cooled down.
Examples in context
- Parlons du réchauffement climatique.Let's talk about global warming.This sentence is useful for starting a conversation about réchauffement climatique.Tatoeba #8976928 by Aiji, translation #5850171 by CK
- Il ne croit pas au réchauffement climatique.He doesn't believe in global warming.This sentence is useful for expressing a belief or lack thereof regarding réchauffement climatique.Tatoeba #5664276 by Batko, translation #2654607 by Hybrid
- Que pensez-vous du réchauffement climatique ?What do you think about global warming?This sentence is useful for asking for an opinion on réchauffement climatique.Tatoeba #7862764 by Aiji, translation #4135017 by CK
- Le réchauffement climatique est un défi mondial qui nécessite une action collective.Global warming is a global challenge that requires collective action.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are watching a news report about the environment.
- GabrielLe réchauffement climatique est un sujet sérieux.Global warming is a serious subject.
- LéaOui, il faut agir vite pour la planète.Yes, we must act quickly for the planet.
- GabrielTu as vu ce documentaire sur le réchauffement climatique ?Did you see that documentary about global warming?
- LéaNon, je le verrai ce soir.No, I will watch it tonight.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “global warming” translations and entries réchauffement climatique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries climatique, réchauffement, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
