recherche
/ʁə.ʃɛʁʃ/feminine
The English phrase 'research' is translated into French as recherche.
The noun recherche refers to an inquiry or examination. When you want to specify 'scientific research', you use the phrase recherche scientifique. To express the idea of 'to do research', the most natural expression is to use the verb faire with the plural form recherches, resulting in faire des recherches.
Meaning: inquiry or examination (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun recherche is very frequently used in its plural form, recherches, when referring to the act of conducting research or an investigation.
How do you pronounce it?
The word recherche is pronounced /ʁə.ʃɛʁʃ/ and has two syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the verb rechercher to mean 'to research' in a scientific context. In French, rechercher often carries a connotation of 'to look for' or 'to seek out' something specific. Instead, use faire des recherches for academic or investigative research.
Did you know?
- In French, rechercher can sometimes imply that something is 'refined' or 'high-class', such as an 'attitude recherchée'.
- While recherche is used for scientific study, it is also the standard term used by French police to describe a 'wanted' person or a missing person search.
- In French, if you are 'en recherche' of something, it can imply a spiritual or philosophical quest rather than a factual inquiry.
Examples in context
- Merci pour la recherche.Thanks for the research.This sentence is useful for thanking someone for the recherche.Tatoeba #9420457 by Micsmithel, translation #8427797 by Ergulis
- J'ai effectué des recherches.I did some research.This sentence shows how to say you performed some recherche (plural).Tatoeba #4223277 by sacredceltic, translation #2314851 by CK
- Je dois faire des recherches.I need to do some research.This sentence demonstrates the need to do some recherche (plural).Tatoeba #10868590 by Aiji, translation #2952363 by CK
- 77 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are discussing a university project in the library.
- ManonMa recherche sur ce sujet avance bien.My research on this subject is progressing well.
- HugoC'est super, Manon ! Tu as trouvé quoi ?That's great, Manon! What did you find?
- ManonCette recherche demande beaucoup de patience.This research requires a lot of patience.
- HugoJe suis d'accord, c'est un travail difficile.I agree, it's difficult work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “research” translations and entries recherche, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
