notation
/nɔ.ta.sjɔ̃/
The English word "notation" is translated into French as notation.
The word refers to a system of characters, symbols or abbreviated expressions used to express technical facts or quantities.
Meaning: system of characters, symbols or abbreviated expressions used to express technical facts or quantities (noun)
Which one should you use?
While notation is the standard term, you may encounter L'écriture symbolique specifically when referring to symbolic notation used in mathematical or scientific fields. In different contexts, other terms are used: le système de notation refers to a grading system and la partition refers to sheet music.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔ.ta.sjɔ̃/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The French word noter can mean both 'to write down' and 'to notice'. Because of this, une notation can sometimes refer to a specific observation or a remark made about someone's behavior.
- In the context of a French 'grading scale', the notation is almost always based on 20 points. Scoring a 20 is extremely rare, as it represents absolute perfection.
- The word notation is a learned borrowing from the Latin notātiō.
Examples in context
- La notation musicale est importante dans l'apprentissage de la musiqueMusical notation is important in learning music
- L'écriture symbolique est utilisée pour représenter les équations mathématiquesSymbolic notation is used to represent mathematical equations
- Je prends des notes dans un cahierI am taking notes in a notebook
- La notation est un outil essentiel pour les musiciens du monde entier.Notation is an essential tool for musicians worldwide.
- La notation musicale est très précise.Musical notation is very precise.
- Il faut apprendre cette nouvelle notation scientifique.You must learn this new scientific notation.
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are studying for a chemistry exam.
- LucasManon, regarde cette notation chimique ici.Manon, look at this chemical notation here.
- ManonC'est étrange, je ne l'ai jamais vue.It's strange, I've never seen it.
- LucasLe professeur a expliqué la notation hier.The teacher explained the notation yesterday.
- ManonAh oui, je me rappelle maintenant.Ah yes, I remember now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry notation, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries notation, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
