rapporteur
/ʁa.pɔʁ.tœʁ/masculine
The English word protractor is translated into French as rapporteur.
A rapporteur is a masculine noun referring to a circular or semicircular tool for measuring angles.
Meaning: a circular or semicircular tool for measuring angles (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /ʁa.pɔʁ.tœʁ/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers may mistakenly use the word protracteur due to its similarity to the English word, but the correct term is rapporteur.
Did you know?
- In a school context, calling a classmate a rapporteur can be an insult, as it refers to someone who tells the teacher about others' misbehavior.
- In French, a rapporteur is not just a tool for geometry, but also a person appointed to investigate and report on a specific matter, such as in a parliamentary committee.
- The word rapporteur shares the same root as the English word 'report', both originating from the idea of carrying or bringing something back.
Examples in context
- Monsieur, où est-ce que je peux trouver un rapporteur d'angle ?Sir, where can I find a protractor?
- J'ai besoin d'un rapporteur pour mon cours de géométrie.I need a protractor for my geometry class.
- Où est le rapporteur dans la trousse ?Where is the protractor in the pencil case?
- Le rapporteur est posé sur la table.The protractor is lying on the table.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are studying geometry together at a desk.
- NathanChloé, tu as un rapporteur ?Chloé, do you have a protractor?
- ChloéOui, je le cherche dans mon sac.Yes, I am looking for it in my bag.
- NathanEst-ce que ton rapporteur est en plastique ?Is your protractor made of plastic?
- ChloéNon, le mien est en métal.No, mine is metal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “protractor” translations and entries rapporteur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rapporteur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
