Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| information | /ɛ̃.fɔʁ.ma.sjɔ̃/ | feminine |
| renseignement | /ʁɑ̃.sɛɲ.mɑ̃/ | masculine |
| informations | /ɛ̃.fɔʁ.ma.sjɔ̃/ | feminine, plural |
The word refers to communicable knowledge. While information is used for general knowledge, informations is frequently used to refer to a collection of facts or news. In the context of media or journalism, les informations is the standard way to refer to 'the news'.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the type of knowledge being described. information or informations often refers to general knowledge or news, whereas renseignement is typically used for a specific piece of data, a clue or a factual detail provided to someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English word 'information' which is uncountable, the French information is frequently used in its plural form informations to refer to a collection of facts or news. Note that information and informations are feminine, while renseignement is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɛ̃.fɔʁ.ma.sjɔ̃/. It consists of 4 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistake the gender of renseignement as feminine because of the English word 'information'. However, it is a masculine noun.
Did you know?
- The word renseignement shares a root with seigneurs, the lords of the feudal era. It originally related to the act of seeking a sign or a signal from a superior.
- The French word information descends from the Latin īnfōrmātiōnem, which originally meant the act of giving a shape or form to something.
- In the world of espionage and intelligence, renseignement is the term used for 'intelligence'. This transforms the word from a simple 'piece of data' into a high-level strategic asset.
Examples in context
- Merci de l'information !Thanks for the information.This sentence is useful for expressing thanks for the information using information.Tatoeba #8672936 by Julien_PDC, translation #757406 by sctld
- Je veux des informations.I want some information.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire for some information using informations.Tatoeba #1684590 by sacredceltic, translation #1683804 by Spamster
- Ils ont des informations.They have information.This sentence is useful for stating that someone has information using informations.Tatoeba #7136115 by Micsmithel, translation #2252721 by CK
- Je voudrais des renseignements sur le volI would like information on the flight
- Je vous prie de me fournir les informations nécessairesPlease provide me with the necessary information
- As-tu des infos sur la soirée de demain?Do you have any information about tomorrow's party?
- Tu as des renseignements sur le nouvel album?Do you have any information about the new album?
- T'as-tu des nouvelles infos sur l'équipe?Do you have any new information about the team?
- Je peux avoir des renseignements?Can I have some information?
- Je vais vous donner des informationsI will give you some information
- 377 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are talking about a new project at work.
- ChloéAs-tu reçu l'information pour la réunion ?Did you receive the information for the meeting?
- LucasNon, je n'ai encore rien reçu.No, I haven't received anything yet.
- ChloéJe t'envoie l'information par courriel.I will send the information to you by email.
- LucasC'est gentil, merci Chloé !That's kind, thank you Chloé!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “information” translations and entries information, renseignement, informations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries information, renseignement, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
