note
/nɔt/
The English phrase "note" is translated into French as note.
The word note refers to a short piece of writing used as a reminder or to record information.
Which one should you use?
While note is the standard term, you may encounter L'avis for official notifications or Le petit mot for informal messages. L'avis (masculine) can refer to an official note or a formal notification, whereas Le petit mot is an informal expression for a note.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of note is notes.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔt/
Did you know?
- When a French person refers to 'une note' in a restaurant, they are not talking about a written memo, but rather the bill or the check. This can lead to confusion if you are expecting a written note instead of your total cost.
- In a French classroom, a 'note' refers to the grade or mark a student receives on an exam. While an English speaker might use 'note' for a written observation, a student must ask for their 'note' to know their score.
- French uses note to describe a musical pitch. If a singer hits a wrong note, they are making a mistake in melody rather than writing a reminder.
Examples in context
- J'ai reçu ta note.I got your note.This sentence shows how to use note when receiving a message.Tatoeba #2392452 by sacredceltic, translation #2329669 by CK
- Tom relut la note.Tom read the note again.This sentence shows how to use note when someone is rereading a message.Tatoeba #12681473 by Olcyx, translation #3734871 by CK
- J'ai écrit la note.I wrote the note.This sentence shows how to use note when the act of writing the message is described.Tatoeba #2397679 by sacredceltic, translation #2396169 by CK
- J'ai reçu la note de mon examen aujourd'hui.I received the grade for my exam today.
- Je vais te laisser un mot sur la table.I'm going to leave you a note on the table.
- Il m'a laissé un petit mot très doux sur mon oreiller.He left me a very sweet note on my pillow.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas is looking for a message left by Léa on the kitchen table.
- LucasLéa, où est ta note ?Léa, where is your note?
- LéaElle est sur la table, Lucas.It is on the table, Lucas.
- LucasJe ne vois aucune note ici.I don't see any note here.
- LéaRegarde sous le journal !Look under the newspaper!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry note, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
