pointeur laser
masculine
The English phrase "laser pointer" is translated into French as pointeur laser.
A pointeur laser is a device that emits a highly concentrated beam of light.
Meaning: device that emits a highly concentrated beam of light (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a direct calque of the English "laser pointer", where pointeur means "pointer" and laser is the same.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the noun is masculine, you use the masculine indefinite article un to say "a laser pointer" (un pointeur laser). To make the phrase plural, add an s to pointeur, but laser remains invariable as it is an adjunct noun (des pointeurs laser).
Did you know?
- In France, using a pointeur laser to distract or harass drivers or pilots is a serious criminal offense that can lead to heavy fines and imprisonment.
- The word laser shares a distant ancestor with the word 'lichen' through the Latin 'laser', which was a medicinal resin used in antiquity.
- The French word pointeur is used in hunting to describe a specific type of dog, like a Pointer, that indicates where game is hidden.
Examples in context
- Pendant la présentation, j'utiliserai un pointeur laser pour mettre en évidence les principaux points.During the presentation, I will use a laser pointer to highlight the key points.
- Je cherche un pointeur laser rouge.I am looking for a red laser pointer.
- Le pointeur laser est sur la table.The laser pointer is on the table.
- Utilise ce pointeur laser pour la présentation.Use this laser pointer for the presentation.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are preparing for a business presentation.
- NathanLéa, as-tu vu mon pointeur laser ?Léa, have you seen my laser pointer?
- LéaIl est dans ton sac, Nathan.It is in your bag, Nathan.
- NathanAh oui, merci beaucoup !Ah yes, thank you very much!
- LéaDe rien, on commence bientôt.You're welcome, we are starting soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “laser pointer” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries laser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
