élève
/e.lɛv/feminine, masculine
The English word pupil is élève in French.
élève is used to mean a learner.
Meaning: learner (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of élève is élèves, formed by adding an s. The word élève is used for both masculine and feminine pupils, with the gender indicated by the article un or une.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /e.lɛv/.
Did you know?
- The word élève shares a root with the English word 'elevate', as both come from the Latin 'elevare' meaning 'to lift up'.
- Unlike the English word 'pupil', which can refer to the center of the eye, élève is never used in an anatomical context.
- In a French school setting, an élève is often distinguished from an étudiant, the latter of which is reserved specifically for those in higher education or university.
Examples in context
- L'élève lut un texte.The pupil read a text.This sentence shows how to use élève to describe someone reading a text.Tatoeba #12397024 by Rovo, translation #12409079 by sundown
- L'élève a onze crayons.The pupil has eleven pencils.This sentence uses élève to describe someone who has eleven pencils.Tatoeba #13374229 by Rovo, translation #12709070 by Barend
- Je ne suis pas un élève.I'm not a pupil.This sentence shows a negative statement using élève.Tatoeba #1995311 by sacredceltic, translation #741262 by Eldad
- L'élève a réussi son examen.The pupil passed his/her exam.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are talking about a new student in their class.
- EmmaEst-ce que tu connais le nouvel élève ?Do you know the new pupil?
- GabrielOui, c'est un élève très sympathique.Yes, he is a very friendly pupil.
- EmmaIl est dans notre classe ?Is he in our class?
- GabrielOui, il est dans notre classe.Yes, he is in our class.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pupil” translations and entries élève, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries élève, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
