maths
/mat/feminine, plural
The English phrase 'maths' is translated into French as maths.
maths is the short form of mathematics.
Meaning: short form of mathematics (noun)
Which one should you use?
While maths is the standard colloquial shortening used in everyday speech, the full word mathématiques is used in formal academic contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing proficiency in the subject, the preposition en is used with maths, as seen in the phrase être bon en maths.
How do you pronounce it?
/mat/
Did you know?
- Because maths is short for mathématiques, which comes from the Greek 'mathema', the word originally meant 'that which is learned' or 'knowledge' rather than just numbers.
- In French, the word mathématiques is a feminine plural noun. This means any adjective modifying maths must be both feminine and plural, such as maths difficiles.
- Unlike the English 'math' or 'maths', the French abbreviation maths is always treated as a plural noun. Even when referring to the subject as a single field of study, you must use plural verbs and adjectives.
Examples in context
- Il étudie les maths.He studies maths.This sentence shows the use of maths when talking about studying the subject.Tatoeba #8679935 by Micsmithel, translation #7493433 by deniko
- Je suis bon en maths.I'm good at maths.This sentence demonstrates how to express being good at maths.Tatoeba #1031848 by sacredceltic, translation #10683530 by sundown
- Tom est nul en maths.Tom is hopeless at maths.This sentence shows how to describe someone being hopeless at maths.Tatoeba #10459954 by felix63, translation #10465125 by sundown
- J'ai étudié les mathématiques pendant cinq ans à l'université.I studied maths for five years at university.
- Tu comprends les maths ou tu as besoin d'aide ?Do you understand maths, or do you need help?
- Les mathématiques, c'est vraiment pas mon truc.Maths is really not my thing.
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are discussing their school subjects.
- ChloéTu aimes les maths ?Do you like maths?
- GabrielNon, je préfère l'histoire.No, I prefer history.
- ChloéMoi, je trouve les maths très difficiles.Me, I find maths very difficult.
- GabrielC'est vrai, c'est complexe pour tout le monde.It's true, it's complex for everyone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “maths” 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.
