orthophoniste
/ɔʁ.to.fo.nist/
The English phrase "speech pathologist" is translated into French as orthophoniste.
The term refers to a speech pathologist. Among French speakers, the abbreviation Ortho is often used colloquially.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is derived from the Greek roots orthos (correct) and phone (sound/voice).
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is epicene, meaning it has the same form for both masculine and feminine subjects. To specify a male speech pathologist, use the masculine article un orthophoniste. To specify a female speech pathologist, use the feminine article une orthophoniste.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɔʁ.to.fo.nist/
Did you know?
- In some French-speaking regions, an orthophoniste may be referred to as a logopède or logopédiste, a term more common in Belgium and Switzerland.
- In France, orthophonistes are among the most competitive professions to enter because there are strict national quotas on the number of students allowed into training each year.
- In a medical setting, if you are looking for a specialist in swallowing disorders, you would still look for an orthophoniste, as their scope covers much more than just speech.
Examples in context
- J'ai besoin de consulter mon ortho.I need to consult my speech pathologist.
- Elle est orthophoniste depuis cinq ans.She has been a speech pathologist for five years.
- Je dois prendre rendez-vous chez l'orthophoniste.I need to make an appointment with the speech pathologist.
- Mon fils voit une orthophoniste tous les mardis.My son sees a speech pathologist every Tuesday.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are discussing a child's development.
- GabrielEmma, ton fils a encore des difficultés d'élocution ?Emma, does your son still have speaking difficulties?
- EmmaOui, c'est pour ça qu'il voit une orthophoniste.Yes, that is why he is seeing a speech pathologist.
- GabrielEst-ce que les séances l'aident beaucoup ?Are the sessions helping him a lot?
- EmmaOui, il fait des progrès rapides.Yes, he is making rapid progress.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry orthophoniste, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
