touche dièse
The English phrase "hash key" is translated into French as touche dièse.
This phrase refers specifically to the key on a keyboard used to type the hash or pound symbol (#).
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of touche, which means key and dièse, which means sharp or hash symbol.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of this phrase is touches dièse.
Did you know?
- In French, the symbol # is officially called a croisillon, which means 'little cross'. While touche dièse is common in conversation, technical manuals and formal documents prefer this term to distinguish the symbol from a musical sharp.
- The word dièse used in this phrase traces back to the Ancient Greek word díesis, which originally described a 'quarter-tone' in musical scales.
- Using the word livre to refer to the # symbol can cause a major misunderstanding. In French, livre refers to the currency or a book, not the 'pound sign' used in English computing or telephony.
Examples in context
- Appuie sur la touche dièse pour valider.Press the hash key to validate.
- Où se trouve la touche dièse sur ce clavier ?Where is the hash key on this keyboard?
Example conversation
Lucas is helping Chloé set up a new digital device.
- LucasChloé, tape le code puis la touche dièse.Chloé, type the code and then the hash key.
- ChloéJe ne trouve pas la touche dièse ici.I can't find the hash key here.
- LucasElle est juste au-dessus du chiffre trois.It is right above the number three.
- ChloéAh, je l'ai vue, merci Lucas !Ah, I saw it, thanks Lucas!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dièse, touche, CC BY-SA 4.0.
