CV
/se.ve/
The English phrase "resume" is translated into French as CV.
In French, CV is used to refer to a curriculum vitae or a professional resume.
Meaning: curriculum vitae (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun CV is masculine and is used with the definite article le (le CV).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /se.ve/ and consists of 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the French word résumé to mean a CV. However, in French, un résumé actually means a summary or an abstract.
When do people say it?
When writing a resume in France, it is common practice to include a professional-looking photograph.
Did you know?
- In France, it is socially acceptable and often expected to include your date of birth and marital status on a CV, details that are strictly avoided on resumes in the US or UK for legal reasons.
- The term CV is an abbreviation of curriculum vitae, which is Latin for 'course of life'. While English uses 'resume' more often, French sticks to the Latin root.
- When a French speaker says they are gonfler le CV, they are not talking about inflating a balloon, but rather 'padding' their experience with exaggerated achievements.
Examples in context
- Il a gonflé son CV.He padded his resume.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe padding a CV.Tatoeba #10627415 by lbdx, translation #7385719 by CH
- Je pensais que tu avais lu mon CV.I thought you read my resume.This sentence is useful for seeing how to mention someone reading a CV.Tatoeba #2137697 by sacredceltic, translation #1887813 by CK
- Je pensais que vous aviez lu mon CV.I thought that you read my resume.Tatoeba #2137696 by sacredceltic, translation #7171597 by CK
- J'ai joint mon curriculum vitae à ma demande d'emploi.I have attached my resume to my job application.
- Voici un résumé de mon expérience professionnelle.Here's a summary of my work experience.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé is asking Gabriel for advice on a job application.
- GabrielTu as fini ton CV ?Have you finished your CV?
- ChloéPresque, mais je dois le modifier.Almost, but I need to modify it.
- GabrielEst-ce que ton CV est prêt ?Is your CV ready?
- ChloéOui, je l'envoie demain.Yes, I am sending it tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry CV, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
