compréhension écrite
In French, reading comprehension is translated as compréhension écrite. Wiktionary also lists compréhension à la lecture.
Meaning: reading comprehension (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| compréhension écrite | ||
| compréhension à la lecture | /kɔ̃.pʁe.ɑ̃.sjɔ̃ a la lɛk.tyʁ/ | feminine |
In the context of language proficiency and academic testing, compréhension écrite is the direct counterpart to compréhension orale, which refers to listening comprehension.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase compréhension écrite literally translates to written comprehension.
Which one should you use?
Compréhension écrite is the standard term used in academic and testing contexts. Compréhension à la lecture is another way to express the concept, and it is a feminine phrase.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun compréhension is feminine. Consequently, it is preceded by the feminine article la (la compréhension écrite) and the adjective écrite ends with an e.
Did you know?
- The verb to grasp or understand, 'comprendre', is built from Latin roots meaning 'to seize together', suggesting that reading comprehension is a physical act of mentally seizing information.
- In French, the word lecture can refer to a reading of a script or a reading of a meter, such as for electricity or water.
- The French word lecture describes the act of reading, yet it is a direct relative of the English word 'lecture', which describes a spoken presentation.
Examples in context
- La compréhension de lecture est une compétence essentielle pour réussir dans toutes les matières.Reading comprehension is an essential skill to succeed in all subjects.
- Ma capacité à lire et comprendre des textes en français s'est grandement améliorée.My ability to read and understand French texts has greatly improved.
- L'examen porte sur la compréhension écrite.The exam focuses on reading comprehension.
- Elle a de bonnes capacités de compréhension écrite.She has good reading comprehension skills.
- Il faut travailler la compréhension écrite en classe.We need to work on reading comprehension in class.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their recent language test results in a library.
- ChloéLucas, comment as-tu trouvé l'épreuve de compréhension écrite ?Lucas, how did you find the reading comprehension test?
- LucasC'était difficile, mais j'ai réussi.It was difficult, but I succeeded.
- ChloéMoi aussi, j'ai eu de bons résultats.Me too, I had good results.
- LucasC'est une excellente nouvelle pour nous !That's excellent news for us!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reading comprehension” translations and entries compréhension à la lecture, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compréhension, la, lecture, à, CC BY-SA 4.0.
