diaporama
/dja.pɔ.ʁa.ma/masculine
The English phrase 'slideshow' is translated into French as diaporama. If unsure, use diaporama. Wiktionary also lists slideshow.
Meaning: presentation with a sequence of images (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| diaporama | /dja.pɔ.ʁa.ma/ | masculine |
| slideshow | masculine |
The term refers to a presentation consisting of a sequence of images.
What does it mean word for word?
diaporama is a compound formed from diapositif (slide) and the suffix -rama, which denotes a spectacle or a sequence, similar to the English word 'panorama'.
Which one should you use?
diaporama is the standard French term, while slideshow is an anglicism used more informally.
How does it change in a sentence?
diaporama is a masculine noun, so it is preceded by the masculine indefinite article un (e.g., un diaporama).
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /dja.pɔ.ʁa.ma/ and consists of 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, the word diaporama can describe a sentimental sequence of photos set to music at weddings or funerals, moving beyond the professional context of a 'slideshow'.
- French speakers distinguish between a diaporama and a présentation, where the latter refers to the act of speaking and the former refers specifically to the visual support.
- While diaporama is the formal term, the shortened version diapo is used ubiquitously in casual speech to refer to either a single slide or the entire deck.
Examples in context
- Nous avons fait un diaporama sur l'histoire de ParisWe made a slideshow about the history of Paris
- Je vais préparer un diaporama pour la réunion.I am going to prepare a slideshow for the meeting.
- Le diaporama est magnifique.The slideshow is magnificent.
- Elle a préparé un diaporama pour le mariage.She prepared a slideshow for the wedding.
- Tu peux lancer le diaporama ?Can you start the slideshow?
Example conversation
At a birthday party, a friend is showing photos.
- ManonRegarde ce beau diaporama de ses vacances.Look at this beautiful slideshow of her vacation.
- NathanIl est vraiment très réussi.It is really very well done.
- ManonNathan, tu veux voir la suite ?Nathan, do you want to see the rest?
- NathanOui, avec plaisir !Yes, with pleasure!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slideshow” translations and entries diaporama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
