mot de passe
/mo d(ə) pas/masculine
The English phrase 'password' is translated into French as mot de passe.
In computing, a password is a string of characters known only to a user. In French, this is expressed as mot de passe.
Meaning: computing: string of characters known only to a user (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mot de passe literally translates to 'word of pass'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the plural form for 'passwords', the form is mots de passe, where only the word mot takes an 's'.
How do you pronounce it?
/mo d(ə) pas/
Did you know?
- The word mot in mot de passe comes from the Late Latin word muttum, which was an onomatopoeic term for a humming or muttering sound.
- If a French speaker mentions a mot d'ordre, they are referring to a watchword or a slogan, which is a distinct social or military concept from a digital mot de passe.
- To 'log in' with a mot de passe, a French speaker often uses the verb s'identifier, which literally means 'to identify oneself'.
Examples in context
- Mot de passe ?Password?Tatoeba #4627889 by sacredceltic, translation #1172670 by marcelostockle
- Donne le mot de passe.Give the password.Tatoeba #633270 by U2FS, translation #241311 by Dejo
- Oublié le mot de passe ?Forgot password?Tatoeba #8739149 by Micsmithel, translation #6478498 by nickyeow
- 83 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel is trying to log into his computer while Emma watches.
- EmmaTu as fini de taper ton mot de passe ?Have you finished typing your password?
- GabrielNon, mon mot de passe est refusé.No, my password is being rejected.
- EmmaEst-ce que c'est le bon mot de passe ?Is it the right password?
- GabrielJe crois que j'ai fait une erreur.I think I made a mistake.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “password” translations and entries mot de passe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, mot, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
