Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| rapport | /ʁa.pɔʁ/ | masculine |
| bulletin | /byl.tɛ̃/ | masculine |
In French, several words can translate to "report" depending on the specific type of information being shared. You use rapport for a written document or a formal account of facts. If the report is a periodic news release or an official update, such as a weather or news bulletin, use bulletin. Other specialized terms include compte rendu for a detailed summary of a meeting or event, bilan for a professional report involving an assessment or evaluation and procès-verbal when referring to official minutes or a record of proceedings.
Which one should you use?
Use rapport when you mean a written document or a formal account of facts. In contrast, use bulletin when referring to periodic news reports or official bulletins, like a news or weather bulletin.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of rapport, simply add an s to get rapports.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁa.pɔʁ/. It has 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful with rapport, as it is a false friend. While it can mean "report", it also means "relationship" or "connection" between people or things.
Did you know?
- The word bulletin likely comes from the Old French bullette, meaning a small ball or round object. This refers to the small balls of paper used for secret voting in old assemblies.
- The French word rapport describes both a formal document and the emotional harmony between two people. This dual meaning is why English borrowed the word 'rapport' to describe a positive connection.
- The term procès-verbal is used for an official report of proceedings, but its literal translation is 'verbal process'.
Examples in context
- J'ai lu ton rapport.I read your report.This sentence shows the use of rapport to indicate having read a report.Tatoeba #4686197 by sacredceltic, translation #1887614 by CK
- As-tu lu le rapport ?Have you read the report?This sentence demonstrates a question about having read a specific rapport.Tatoeba #9706238 by lbdx, translation #6787787 by CK
- Il écrivit le rapport.He wrote the report.This sentence shows the action of writing a rapport.Tatoeba #1410563 by sacredceltic, translation #520064 by CK
- J'ai rédigé un rapport sur les résultats de notre projet.I wrote a report on the results of our project.
- Le compte rendu de la réunion sera distribué à tous les participants.The report of the meeting will be distributed to all participants.
- J'ai lu le compte-rendu de la dernière réunion. C'était instructif !I read the report of the last meeting. It was informative!
- Un procès-verbal détaillé de l'incident sera envoyé aux autorités compétentes.A detailed report of the incident will be sent to the appropriate authorities.
- 258 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are discussing work in an office.
- NathanEmma, est-ce que tu as fini ton rapport ?Emma, have you finished your report?
- EmmaPas encore, Nathan, c'est un peu long.Not yet, Nathan, it is a bit long.
- NathanEst-ce que le rapport est prêt pour le patron ?Is the report ready for the boss?
- EmmaIl le sera d'ici demain matin.It will be ready by tomorrow morning.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “report” translations and entries rapport, bulletin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bulletin, rapport, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
