spécialités
The English phrase "majors" is translated into French as spécialités.
In a university or college context, spécialités refers to the main subjects a student chooses to study for their degree. For example, if you are discussing your specific field of study, such as biology, you would use the term la biologie, which is a feminine noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is spécialité. Use the plural form spécialités when you are referring to multiple subjects of study.
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'I am a biology major', you would not say 'Je suis un majeur de biologie', as majeur refers to someone who is of legal age.
- Outside of university, spécialité is most commonly used to describe a chef's signature dish or a region's famous local food. A visitor might see a 'spécialité du terroir' on a menu, referring to a traditional local delicacy.
- French students rarely use a single word for 'major' because the university system is often structured around licences and mentions. They are more likely to say they are 'in' a field, such as je suis en droit for 'I am a law major'.
Examples in context
- Ma spécialité est l'ingénierie.My major is engineering.
- Je suis spécialisé(e) en commerce.I am specialized in business.
- Je fais de la psychologie.I do psychology.
- Quelle est ta spécialité?What is your major?
- Je suis spécialisé(e) en sociologie.I am specialized in sociology.
- Tu fais quoi comme études?What are you studying?
- J'étudie l'architecture.I am studying architecture.
- Tu te spécialises en quoi?What are you specializing in?
- Je me spécialise en géologie.I am specializing in geology.
- Quelles sont vos spécialités ?What are your majors?
- Quelles sont vos spécialités à l'université ?What are your majors at university?
- Il a choisi deux spécialités différentes.He chose two different majors.
- Ses spécialités sont l'histoire et l'art.Her majors are history and art.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are chatting at a university orientation.
- HugoSalut Chloé, quelles sont tes spécialités ?Hi Chloé, what are your majors?
- ChloéJe me concentre sur les spécialités en biologie.I am focusing on majors in biology.
- HugoC'est super, moi je préfère les langues.That's great, I prefer languages.
- ChloéC'est un bon choix pour ton diplôme.That's a good choice for your degree.
