langue des signes
/lɑ̃ɡ de siɲ/feminine
The English phrase "sign language" is langue des signes in French. Wiktionary also lists langage des signes.
Meaning: sign language (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| langue des signes | /lɑ̃ɡ de siɲ/ | feminine |
| langage des signes | masculine |
The most common and widely used way to say "sign language" in French is langue des signes. If you want to explicitly refer to French sign language, you can use Langue des signes française.
What does it mean word for word?
The term langue des signes literally translates to "language of the signs".
Which one should you use?
While both terms refer to sign language, langage des signes is often used colloquially or by non-experts, but it is technically less accurate than langue des signes when referring to the language itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
langue des signes is a feminine noun phrase and is typically preceded by the feminine article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/lɑ̃ɡ de siɲ/
Did you know?
- The Langue des signes française is historically significant as the foundation for American Sign Language. It was brought to the United States by Thomas Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc in the 19th century.
- French sign language is not a signed version of spoken French. It has its own distinct grammar and vocabulary that differ entirely from the spoken language.
- The word langue in langue des signes shares a common ancestor with the English word 'tongue'. They both trace back to the Latin 'lingua', which refers to the physical organ in the mouth as well as the faculty of speech.
Examples in context
- Je connais la langue des signes.I know sign language.This sentence is useful for saying that you know langue des signes.Tatoeba #5490113 by pititnatole, translation #2376103 by CK
- Tom a appris le langage des signes.Tom learned sign language.This sentence is useful for saying that Tom learned langage des signes.Tatoeba #5441360 by Aiji, translation #4500563 by CK
- Ziri comprend le langage des signes.Ziri understands the sign language.This sentence is useful for saying that Ziri understands langage des signes.Tatoeba #12143353 by always, translation #11449906 by Amastan
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are talking about a new hobby.
- LucasEst-ce que tu apprends la langue des signes ?Are you learning sign language?
- ManonOui, j'adore la langue des signes.Yes, I love sign language.
- LucasC'est super pour communiquer avec tout le monde.That is great for communicating with everyone.
- ManonC'est vrai, c'est une langue magnifique.It's true, it is a magnificent language.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sign language” translations and entries langue des signes, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries des, langage, langue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
