playlist
/plɛ.list/feminine
The English phrase 'playlist' is translated into French as playlist or liste de lecture.
Meaning: computing (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| playlist | /plɛ.list/ /ple.list/ |
feminine |
| liste de lecture | /lis.t(ə) də lɛk.tyʁ/ | feminine |
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase liste de lecture is composed of liste (list) and de lecture (of reading/playing), where lecture in a digital context refers to the act of playing media.
Which one should you use?
playlist is an anglicism used in informal speech and digital interfaces, whereas liste de lecture is the standard French term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term liste de lecture is often replaced by liste d'écoute.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both playlist and liste de lecture are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word playlist is pronounced /plɛ.list/ and consists of 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In a digital interface, a French speaker might see the command Lire to start their liste de lecture, which means 'to read' but functions as 'to play'.
- The term lecture comes from the Late Latin lēctūra, which is the same root used for the English word 'lecture'.
- In a French library or bookstore, a liste de lecture refers to a reading list of books, not a digital music collection.
Examples in context
- Sa liste de lecture comprenait toutes les chansons qu'on adorait au lycée.Her playlist included all the songs we loved from high school.This sentence shows how to use liste de lecture to describe a collection of songs.Tatoeba #13164018 by Myrano_, translation #13164016 by Myrano_
- Il existe une fonctionnalité « Lire ensuite » qui lit automatiquement la piste suivante d'une liste de lecture.There's a "Play Next" feature that automatically plays the next track in a playlist.This sentence uses liste de lecture to explain a feature that plays the next track in a sequence.Tatoeba #13164043 by Myrano_, translation #13164042 by Myrano_
- J'ai créé une nouvelle liste de lecture pour ma fête.I've created a new playlist for my party.
- J'ai ajouté quelques chansons à ma playlist.I added some songs to my playlist.
- Ta playlist est vraiment géniale.Your playlist is really great.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are in a car during a road trip.
- HugoTu peux lancer ta playlist pour le voyage ?Can you start your playlist for the trip?
- ManonOui, j'ai une playlist spéciale pour conduire.Yes, I have a special playlist for driving.
- HugoSuper, j'adore tes goûts musicaux, Manon.Super, I love your musical tastes, Manon.
- ManonMerci, elle est parfaite pour l'ambiance.Thanks, it's perfect for the mood.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “playlist” translations and entries playlist, liste de lecture, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, lecture, liste, playlist, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
