barre oblique
/baʁ ɔ.blik/feminine
The English word slash is translated into French as barre oblique. Wiktionary also lists barre.
Meaning: typography: / symbol (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| barre oblique | /baʁ ɔ.blik/ /bɑʁ ɔ.blik/ |
feminine |
| barre | /baʁ/ /bɑʁ/ |
feminine |
In typography, this refers to the / symbol. While barre oblique is the standard typographic term, many French speakers, particularly in technical or web-related contexts, often use the English loanword slash when speaking.
What does it mean word for word?
The term barre oblique literally means oblique bar.
Which one should you use?
In casual conversation, speakers often shorten it to just barre. Additionally, Le caractère oblique is another formal way to refer to the slash symbol.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The term barre oblique is a feminine noun.
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, the word barre might even be linked to the Greek word for a 'lighthouse' or 'beacon', depending on which ancient linguistic path one follows.
- French speakers use barre for the slash symbol, but the same word also describes a 'bar' of soap or a 'bar' of chocolate.
- In French gym and athletics, la barre refers to the horizontal bar, mirroring the literal meaning of 'bar' in the typographic sense.
Examples in context
- Je vais utiliser la barre oblique pour séparer ces motsI will use the slash to separate these words
- Assurez-vous d'inclure le caractère oblique dans l'URLMake sure to include the slash in the URL
- Rendez-vous au restaurant demain, à 19h/20hMeet me at the restaurant tomorrow, at 7pm/8pm
- Utilisez la barre oblique pour séparer les options.Use the oblique bar to separate the options.
- Il y a une barre oblique dans l'adresse.There is a slash in the address.
- Tapez une barre oblique pour séparer les mots.Type a slash to separate the words.
- N'oubliez pas la barre oblique après le domaine.Don't forget the slash after the domain.
Example conversation
Hugo is helping Chloé type a URL into a browser.
- ChloéEst-ce qu'il faut une barre oblique ici ?Do I need a slash here?
- HugoOui, juste après le nom du site.Yes, just after the name of the site.
- ChloéD'accord, j'ai mis la barre oblique.Okay, I put the slash.
- HugoParfait, le lien fonctionne maintenant.Perfect, the link works now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slash” translations and entries barre oblique, barre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barre, oblique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
