informatique
/ɛ̃.fɔʁ.ma.tik/feminine
In French, information technology is said as informatique. Wiktionary also lists technologie de l'information.
Meaning: the practice of creating and/or studying computer systems and applications (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| informatique | /ɛ̃.fɔʁ.ma.tik/ | feminine |
| technologie de l'information | feminine |
This term refers to the practice of creating and/or studying computer systems and applications.
What does it mean word for word?
The word informatique is a portmanteau of information and automatique (automatic), which reflects the concept of automatic information processing.
Which one should you use?
While technologie de l'information is a literal translation of the English phrase 'information technology', informatique is the much more common and natural way to refer to the field of IT or computer science in French.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɛ̃.fɔʁ.ma.tik/. It consists of 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word informatique was coined in 1961 by Philippe Dreyfus, who wanted a single term to describe the intersection of information and automatic processing.
- Unlike in English, where 'information' is an uncountable noun, French allows informations to be plural when referring to specific pieces of data.
- While informatique refers to the field, the word for a computer itself is ordinateur, which literally means 'organizer'.
Examples in context
- La question de la sécurité informatique est un enjeu majeur.The question of information technology security has high stakes.This sentence shows how to use informatique regarding security stakes.Tatoeba #12256172 by Orange, translation #12256167 by Orange
- Je travaille dans la techno.I work in IT.
- Les technologies de l'information sont essentielles dans le monde moderne.Information technology is essential in the modern world.
- Je suis passionné(e) par l'IT et les nouvelles technologies.I'm passionate about IT and new technologies.
- Ce programme d'études se concentre sur l'informatique appliquée.This study program focuses on applied computer science.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing their career paths at a cafe.
- LéaTu étudies l'informatique à l'université ?Are you studying information technology at the university?
- GabrielOui, je commence un nouveau cours d'informatique demain.Yes, I am starting a new information technology course tomorrow.
- LéaC'est un domaine passionnant pour un jeune homme.It is an exciting field for a young man.
- GabrielMerci, j'espère trouver un bon emploi plus tard.Thanks, I hope to find a good job later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “information technology” translations and entries informatique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
