journal
/ʒuʁ.nal/masculine
The French word for newspaper is journal.
journal is a masculine noun used to refer to a newspaper. Depending on the context, it can also mean a diary or a journal in a broader sense. If you want to talk specifically about the front page of a newspaper, the phrase la une is used.
Meaning: publication (noun)
Which one should you use?
While journal is the general word for a newspaper, quotidien is often used specifically to refer to a daily publication. The term canard can also be used to mean newspaper.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of journal is irregular. To say 'the newspapers', use les journaux.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʒuʁ.nal/ (2 syllables)
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use journal to mean a glossy magazine. In French, a magazine is called un magazine.
Did you know?
- The word journal is the root of the English word 'journey'. Both come from the idea of a 'day', as a journey was originally a day's travel.
- The slang term canard for a newspaper literally means 'duck'. In the 18th century it referred to false news stories, which were called 'duck' stories.
- The phrase faire les gros titres is used when a story makes the headlines. It emphasizes the 'large titles' rather than the newspaper itself.
Examples in context
- Il lit le journal.He reads the newspaper.This sentence shows the use of journal in the context of reading.Tatoeba #4706280 by sacredceltic, translation #3927260 by Lindoula
- As-tu le journal ?Do you have the newspaper?This sentence demonstrates a question asking for the journal.Tatoeba #13274374 by felix63, translation #13275762 by rul
- Tom lit le journal.Tom is reading the newspaper.This sentence provides another example of someone reading the journal.Tatoeba #5254233 by martin9, translation #3023610 by CK
- Avez-vous lu le journal ce matin?Have you read the newspaper this morning?
- Je suis abonné à un quotidien depuis des années.I have been subscribed to a daily newspaper for years.
- Qu'est-ce que tu penses du journal d'aujourd'hui?What do you think of today's newspaper?
- J'ai acheté un journal papier pour changer.I bought a print newspaper for a change.
- 211 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are at a cafe.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu as un journal ?Do you have a newspaper?
- HugoOui, j'ai le journal local.Yes, I have the local newspaper.
- ChloéPeux-tu me le donner, Hugo ?Can you give it to me, Hugo?
- HugoBien sûr, le voici.Of course, here it is.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “newspaper” translations and entries journal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries journal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
