livre de maths
The English phrase math book is translated into French as livre de maths.
This phrase refers to a book used for studying or teaching mathematics.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of livre (book) and de maths (of math).
Which one should you use?
While livre de maths is the common, shortened version, livre de mathématiques is the full, formal version of the phrase. For a math textbook, you may use manuel de mathématiques and for a math workbook, use cahier de mathématiques.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Livre de mathématiques is a formal way to say math book, whereas livre de maths is the common version. In colloquial settings, you might hear bouquin de maths.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget to add the 's' to 'maths' in French. In French, the abbreviation for mathématiques is almost always used in the plural form maths. Avoid saying livre de math.
Did you know?
- The word livre is a doublet, meaning it shares the same form but comes from two different Latin sources: librum for a book and lībra for a weight.
- The casual term bouquin was originally used as a derogatory or slang word for a 'book'.
- In French school culture, a cahier is not just a workbook but a specific requirement for daily class notes, making it distinct from a livre.
Examples in context
- J'ai besoin d'un livre de mathématiques pour mon cours.I need a math book for my class.
- Mon ami m'a prêté son manuel de mathématiques.My friend lent me his math textbook.
- Où est mon cahier de maths?Where is my math workbook?
- Où est mon livre de maths ?Where is my math book?
- Le livre de maths est sur la table.The math book is on the table.
- J'ai oublié mon livre de maths à l'école.I forgot my math book at school.
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are in the classroom before the lesson starts.
- ManonHugo, as-tu vu mon livre de maths ?Hugo, have you seen my math book?
- HugoNon, je ne l'ai pas vu.No, I haven't seen it.
- ManonC'est étrange, il était dans mon sac.That's strange, it was in my bag.
- HugoRegarde sous ta chaise, Manon.Look under your chair, Manon.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, livre, maths, CC BY-SA 4.0.
