en ligne
/ɑ̃ liɲ/
The English phrase "online" is translated into French as en ligne.
The phrase en ligne is used to describe being connected to the Internet.
Meaning: connected to the Internet (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverbial phrase, en ligne is invariable. It does not change its form to match the gender or number of the subject.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɑ̃ liɲ/
Did you know?
- The French word ligne comes from the Latin līnea, which originally referred to a linen thread, linking the digital 'line' back to ancient textile weaving.
- In many French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, there is a strong preference for using native French terms, but for this specific digital concept, the calque en ligne is widely accepted and used.
- In a queue or waiting line, French speakers use faire la queue rather than en ligne, because en ligne specifically implies a straight geometric line or a digital connection.
Examples in context
- Es-tu en ligne ?Are you online?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is currently connected to the Internet.Tatoeba #2173187 by Amastan, translation #2423005 by _undertoad
- Tom est en ligne.Tom is online.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is online.Tatoeba #9129444 by Julien_PDC, translation #8469748 by CK
- Puis-je payer en ligne ?Can I pay online?This sentence is useful for asking if a payment can be made via the Internet.Tatoeba #5558974 by sacredceltic, translation #5336535 by mailohilohi
- Je fais des achats en ligne.I shop online.
- L'inscription en ligne est obligatoire.Online registration is mandatory.
- Nous communiquons via des plateformes en ligne.We communicate through online platforms.
- Nous trouvons beaucoup d'informations sur internet.We find a lot of information online.
- Il recherche des emplois sur le web.He searches for jobs online.
- Je suis en ligne sur Facebook.I'm online on Facebook.
- Elle est en ligne en train de jouer.She's online playing.
- Ils sont en direct en train de streamer leur jeu.They're live streaming their game online.
- 93 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are talking about a video game.
- LéaEst-ce que tu es en ligne ?Are you online?
- HugoOui, je suis en ligne maintenant.Yes, I am online now.
- LéaSuper, on peut jouer ensemble !Great, we can play together!
- HugoD'accord, je t'attends.Okay, I'm waiting for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “online” translations and entries en ligne, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, en ligne, ligne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
