maîtrise
/mɛ.tʁiz/feminine
The English word 'mastery' is translated into French as maîtrise.
maîtrise refers to the act or process of mastering, expertise (noun).
Meaning: act or process of mastering, expertise (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, maîtrise can refer to a master's degree.
How does it change in a sentence?
maîtrise is a feminine noun, so any accompanying adjectives must agree in gender. The verb form of the noun maîtrise is maîtriser.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of maîtrise is /mɛ.tʁiz/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The spelling of maîtrise includes a circumflex accent over the 'i', a historical relic that marks the presence of a former 's' in the word's evolution.
- In the context of historical guilds, maîtrise referred to the formal status of becoming a master craftsman after completing an apprenticeship.
- The word maîtrise can describe the 'control' of one's emotions, such as maîtrise de soi for self-control.
Examples in context
- Beaucoup de gens disent que l'apprentissage d'une langue étrangère nécessite une maîtrise du vocabulaire et de la grammaire.Many people say that learning a foreign language requires mastery of vocabulary and grammar.This sentence is useful for discussing the mastery of vocabulary and grammar in language learning.Tatoeba #8487378 by Aiji, translation #4430290 by AlanF_US
- Ce fut l'innovation dans les communautés musulmanes qui développa l'ordre de l'algèbre, notre compas magnétique et instruments de navigation, notre maîtrise des crayons et de l'imprimerie, notre compréhension de la dissémination de la maladie et de comment elle peut être soignée.It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra, our magnetic compass and tools of navigation, our mastery of pens and printing, our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed.This sentence illustrates the use of maîtrise when referring to the mastery of tools like pens and printing.Tatoeba #481700 by sacredceltic, translation #376891 by saeb
- La bonne maîtrise d'une langue étrangère demande du temps.Good mastery of a foreign language requires time.This sentence shows how to express that mastering a foreign language requires time.Tatoeba #1170654 by rene1596, translation #9694338 by Objectivesea
- Il a une maîtrise parfaite de la langue française.He has a perfect mastery of the French language.
- Elle a acquis une maîtrise exceptionnelle des compétences techniques.She has acquired exceptional mastery of technical skills.
- La maîtrise du sujet est nécessaire pour réussir cet examen.Mastery of the subject is necessary to pass this exam.
- Il a une expertise impressionnante dans le domaine de la médecine.He has impressive expertise in the field of medicine.
- Elle a démontré son expertise en résolvant rapidement les problèmes techniques.She demonstrated her expertise by quickly solving technical problems.
- Elle maîtrise les règles du jeu.She knows the rules of the game inside out.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a presentation at work.
- LéaTu as une excellente maîtrise de l'anglais.You have an excellent mastery of English.
- NathanMerci, je travaille dur pour cela.Thank you, I am working hard for it.
- LéaTa présentation était vraiment très fluide.Your presentation was really very smooth.
- NathanC'est gentil de ta part, Léa.That is kind of you, Léa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mastery” translations and entries maîtrise, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maîtrise, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
