chaîne d'information
The English phrase 'news channel' is translated into French as chaîne d'information.
The term refers to a television channel dedicated specifically to news. You might use the phrase syntoniser la chaîne d'information to say 'tune in to the news channel' or zapper entre les chaînes d'information to say 'switch between news channels'.
Meaning: a television channel dedicated to news (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase chaîne d'information is composed of chaîne (channel), d' (a contraction of 'de' meaning 'of') and information (information/news).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, it is common to use réseau d'information or réseau de nouvelles instead of the standard French terms.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural 'news channels', add an 's' to the word chaîne to get chaînes d'information. Note that information remains in the singular form.
Did you know?
- The word chaîne comes from the Latin 'catēna' meaning 'chain'. This reflects how television networks are seen as a series of linked stations.
- The term zapper for switching channels is a loanword from the English 'to zap' that has become a standard part of the French media vocabulary.
- In France, you might hear the term information continue used to describe a news channel that broadcasts 24 hours a day.
Examples in context
- Je regarde une chaîne d'information ce soirI'm watching a news channel tonight.
- J'ai l'habitude de regarder cette chaîne d'infosI'm used to watching this news channel.
- Je zappe entre quelques chaînes d'actuI switch between a few news channels.
- Je zappe entre les chaînes d'information pour voir différentes perspectivesI switch between news channels to see different perspectives.
- Je regarde souvent une chaîne d'information.I often watch a news channel.
- Cette chaîne d'information est très sérieuse.This news channel is very serious.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are talking about the television in the living room.
- EmmaGabriel, on peut mettre une chaîne d'information ?Gabriel, can we put on a news channel?
- GabrielOui, je vais changer de chaîne.Yes, I am going to change the channel.
- EmmaMerci, je veux voir les dernières nouvelles.Thanks, I want to see the latest news.
- GabrielC'est fait, regarde l'écran maintenant.It's done, look at the screen now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chaîne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
