maths
/mat/feminine, plural
The English word "math" is translated into French as maths.
maths is a short form of the noun for mathematics.
Meaning: short form of mathematics (noun)
Which one should you use?
maths is the common short form, whereas mathématiques is the full, formal term used in academic or official contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
maths is the colloquial and informal way to say "math" in French. The formal term for "math" in French is mathématiques.
How does it change in a sentence?
maths is a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/mat/
Did you know?
- In some traditional French grading systems, a 'perfect' score in maths is 20, making a 15 or 16 a very high achievement compared to the 100-point scale.
- The full term mathématiques is derived from the Greek word 'mathēmatikós', which originally described anything 'relating to learning' rather than just numbers.
- In French schools, a student who is exceptionally gifted at maths might be called a matheux or matheuse.
Examples in context
- Il étudie les maths.He studies math.This sentence shows the use of the verb to study with maths.Tatoeba #8679935 by Micsmithel, translation #7493434 by deniko
- Je suis bon en maths.I am good at math.This sentence shows how to express being good at the subject using maths.Tatoeba #1031848 by sacredceltic, translation #270988 by CC
- Les maths, ça craint.Math sucks.This sentence shows an informal way to express a dislike for maths.Tatoeba #3669634 by sacredceltic, translation #670492 by Thanuir
- J'étudie les mathématiques depuis plusieurs années.I have been studying mathematics for several years.
- Les mathématiques sont une discipline fascinante.Mathematics is a fascinating discipline.
- J'ai toujours aimé les cours de mathématiques à l'école.I have always liked math classes at school.
- Les maths, c'est pas mon truc.Math is not my thing.
- Tu as fait tes devoirs de maths ?Did you do your math homework?
- On se retrouve à la pause pour faire les maths ensemble ?Shall we meet during the break to do math together?
- Les mathématiques sont importantes pour comprendre le monde.Mathematics is important for understanding the world.
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are talking about their school schedule.
- EmmaTu as cours de maths demain ?Do you have math class tomorrow?
- HugoOui, et je n'ai pas fini mes devoirs.Yes, and I haven't finished my homework.
- EmmaJe peux t'aider avec les maths si tu veux.I can help you with math if you want.
- HugoC'est gentil, merci Emma !That's kind, thanks Emma!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “math” translations and entries maths, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maths, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
