Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| externalisation | /ɛk.stɛʁ.na.li.za.sjɔ̃/ | feminine |
| sous-traitance | /su.tʁɛ.tɑ̃s/ /su.tʁe.tɑ̃s/ |
feminine |
| impartition | Quebec, feminine | |
| outsourcing | masculine |
All these terms refer to the transfer of business functions to an external party.
Which one should you use?
While externalisation refers to the general process of moving functions outside of a company, sous-traitance specifically refers to subcontracting a specific task or part of a project to a third party. Additionally, the English word outsourcing is frequently used in French as a loanword.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
externalisation is the formal French equivalent. In contrast, the English loanword outsourcing is common in business circles but is often considered less formal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term impartition is frequently used in business contexts as a preferred French equivalent for outsourcing.
How does it change in a sentence?
externalisation is a feminine noun. When using the definite article, it becomes l'externalisation because of the initial vowel. The English loanword outsourcing is treated as a masculine noun in French, appearing as l'outsourcing.
How do you pronounce it?
externalisation is pronounced /ɛk.stɛʁ.na.li.za.sjɔ̃/ and has 6 syllables.
Did you know?
- French speakers often distinguish between externalisation and délocalisation, where the latter specifically implies moving a business function to another country to reduce costs.
- In Quebec, the word impartition was specifically promoted by the government to replace English loanwords like 'outsourcing' and keep the French language distinct in North America.
- While externalisation is the formal term, the English word outsourcing is so common in French business that it is often used as a stylistic marker to signal a modern or international corporate identity.
Examples in context
- Dans le but d'optimiser notre efficacité, nous envisageons l'externalisation de notre service client.In order to enhance our efficiency, we are considering outsourcing our customer service.
- L'entreprise a délocalisé sa production en Asie pour réduire les coûts.The company outsourced its production to Asia to reduce costs.
- Nous avons décidé d'externaliser la gestion de notre marketing digital.We have decided to outsource the management of our digital marketing.
- Nous devrions envisager l'outsourcing de notre support technique pour améliorer notre réactivité.We should consider outsourcing our technical support to enhance our responsiveness.
- L'externalisation des services est devenue courante.The outsourcing of services has become common.
- Elle conseille l'externalisation pour réduire les coûts.She advises outsourcing to reduce costs.
- Cette stratégie repose sur l'externalisation de la logistique.This strategy relies on the outsourcing of logistics.
Example conversation
A professional discussion about company strategy in an office.
- NathanQue penses-tu de l'externalisation de la comptabilité ?What do you think about outsourcing the accounting?
- LéaJe pense que c'est une bonne idée pour nous.I think it is a good idea for us.
- NathanLéa, est-ce que l'externalisation est rentable ?Léa, is outsourcing profitable?
- LéaOui, cela va nous faire gagner du temps.Yes, it is going to save us time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “outsourcing” translations and entries externalisation, sous-traitance, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
