Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| critique | /kʁi.tik/ | feminine |
| compte rendu | /kɔ̃t ʁɑ̃.dy/ | masculine |
In French, the term for a review depends on whether you are providing an analytical judgment or a factual summary. Use critique when you are providing an analytical or critical evaluation of a work of art, literature or theory. For a factual report or a summary of an event, meeting or book, use compte rendu. Related to this concept is the verb réviser, which means to look back over something in order to correct, edit or revise it.
Which one should you use?
critique refers to a critical evaluation or review of a work, while compte rendu is used for a report, summary or account of an event or meeting.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
critique is a feminine noun, appearing as une critique. compte rendu is a masculine noun, appearing as un compte rendu.
How do you pronounce it?
/kʁi.tik/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the noun critique (the review) with the person performing the review. In French, the person performing the review is le critique.
Did you know?
- In French, a 'critical condition' for a patient in a hospital is described as état critique, using the same root as the word for a professional review.
- The spelling of compte includes a 'p' that was added back in Middle French to reflect the Latin word computus, though it is not pronounced.
- In French, the word critique can refer to a 'turning point' or a crisis, such as un moment critique.
Examples in context
- Le critique a écrit un article au vitriol sur le livre.The critic wrote a searing review of the book.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use critique to describe a review of a book.Tatoeba #8982112 by lbdx, translation #8982111 by shekitten
- J'ai écrit un examen approfondi du livre.I wrote a thorough review of the book.
- Sa critique était très constructive.Her review was very constructive.
- J'ai lu une critique positive de ce film.I read a positive review of this movie.
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are talking about a new book.
- NathanAs-tu vu la critique de ce roman ?Did you see the review of this novel?
- ManonNon, elle était bonne ?No, was it good?
- NathanOui, la critique vante le style de l'auteur.Yes, the review praises the author's style.
- ManonAlors, je vais l'acheter demain.Then, I will buy it tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “review” translations and entries critique, compte rendu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compte, compte rendu, critique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
