philosophie
/fi.lɔ.zɔ.fi/feminine
The word for philosophy in French is philosophie.
philosophie refers to the academic discipline of philosophy.
Meaning: academic discipline (noun)
Which one should you use?
While philosophie is the standard term for the discipline, la philo is an informal way to refer to it.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so it is preceded by the feminine article la when referring to the discipline as la philosophie.
How do you pronounce it?
/fi.lɔ.zɔ.fi/
Did you know?
- In France, philosophie is a mandatory subject for all students in their final year of lycée, regardless of their chosen specialty.
- The French term philosophie is closely linked to the 18th-century Philosophes who drove the Enlightenment, making the word carry a historical weight of political rebellion and reason that exceeds the modern English meaning.
- In common French conversation, ma philosophie is often used to describe a personal life motto or a general approach to living rather than a system of academic thought.
Examples in context
- Qu'est-ce que la philosophie ?What is philosophy?This sentence is useful for asking for a definition of philosophie.Tatoeba #1926041 by Rovo, translation #3216774 by _undertoad
- Il a étudié la philosophie islamique.He studied Islamic philosophy.This sentence is useful for describing the study of Islamic philosophie.Tatoeba #11837929 by Amastan, translation #8247272 by Amastan
- Il est diplômé en philosophie islamique.His major is Islamic philosophy.This sentence is useful for stating that someone's major is Islamic philosophie.Tatoeba #11837930 by Amastan, translation #8246541 by Amastan
- La philosophie est un domaine intéressant qui explore la nature de l'existence humaine.Philosophy is an interesting field that explores the nature of human existence.
- J'adore la philo, ça me fait réfléchir sur la vie.I love philosophy, it makes me reflect on life.
- Tu t'y connais en philosophie ?Do you know about philosophy?
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking in a university library.
- GabrielEmma, est-ce que tu aimes la philosophie ?Emma, do you like philosophy?
- EmmaOui, c'est ma matière préférée à l'université.Yes, it is my favorite subject at university.
- GabrielMoi, je préfère les sciences.As for me, I prefer science.
- EmmaChacun ses goûts, Gabriel !To each their own, Gabriel!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “philosophy” translations and entries philosophie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
