ma spécialisation
In French, "my major" is translated as ma spécialisation.
In an academic context, ma spécialisation refers to the main subject a student studies at a college or university. You can state your subject by saying ma spécialisation est… followed by the name of the field. In formal administrative or academic settings, you might also see the term ma filière used to refer to one's specific academic track or field of study.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using mon majeur to mean your college major. While "major" is an English word, majeur in French functions as an adjective or a military rank and it is not used as a noun to describe a field of study.
Did you know?
- Unlike the US system, French universities often use a 'licence' degree where students study several related subjects rather than one single spécialisation.
- The term filière evokes the image of a 'thread' or 'wire', suggesting a linear path that a student follows through their education.
- The word spécialisation is built from the Latin root 'species', which means 'kind' or 'type', meaning your major is essentially the 'type' of knowledge you focus on.
Examples in context
- Ma spécialisation est l'économie.My major is economics.
- Je me spécialise en chimie organique.I specialize in organic chemistry.
- Je suis étudiant en biologie marine.I am a student of marine biology.
- Je suis en train de faire de la psychologie.I'm currently doing psychology.
- Ma spécialisation est la biologie.My major is biology.
- Est-ce que ma spécialisation est difficile ?Is my major difficult?
- Je dois changer ma spécialisation.I need to change my major.
Example conversation
Two students meet for the first time at a university orientation.
- HugoBonjour Emma, quelle est ta spécialisation ?Hello Emma, what is your major?
- EmmaC'est le droit. Et toi, Hugo ?It's law. And you, Hugo?
- HugoMa spécialisation est l'histoire de l'art.My major is art history.
- EmmaC'est vraiment passionnant !That is really exciting!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ma, spécialisation, CC BY-SA 4.0.
