épeler
/e.ple/
To spell in French is épeler.
The verb épeler is used when you want to name or write the individual letters that make up a word.
Meaning: to write or say the letters that form a word (verb)
Which one should you use?
While épeler is the standard way to say spell, orthographier is a more formal expression used generally in written communication.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/e.ple/. The word has two syllables.
Did you know?
- Despite the modern French spelling of épeler, it is a distant relative of the English word 'spell' and the Dutch 'spellen'.
- While 'spell' in English can mean a magical incantation, the French épeler has no connection to magic or witchcraft.
- The formal verb orthographier comes from the Greek words for 'correct' and 'writing', linking the act of spelling to the concept of truth.
Examples in context
- Peux-tu l'épeler pour moi ?Can you spell it for me?This sentence is useful for asking someone to spell something for you using épeler.Tatoeba #7124805 by Micsmithel, translation #6576132 by Eccles17
- Dis-moi comment épeler ton nom.Tell me how to spell your name.This sentence is useful for asking how to spell a name using épeler.Tatoeba #7124821 by Micsmithel, translation #6688070 by CK
- Pouvez-vous m'épeler votre nom ?Can you spell your name for me?This sentence is useful for asking someone to spell their name for you using épeler.Tatoeba #11527104 by Aiji, translation #4997283 by 3040403
- Veuillez m'épeler votre nom de famille, s'il vous plaît.Please spell your last name for me.
- Pouvez-vous m'orthographier votre adresse e-mail ? Je dois m'assurer de la noter correctement.Can you please spell your email address? I need to make sure I write it down correctly.
- Est-ce que tu peux m'épeler ton adresse à voix haute ? J'ai besoin de la mettre dans mon GPS.Could you spell your address out loud for me? I need to put it in my GPS.
- Est-ce que tu peux m'épeler en détail le nom de famille de ton nouveau collègue ? Je veux m'assurer de ne pas me tromper.Can you please spell your new colleague's last name in detail? I want to make sure I get it right.
- Est-ce que tu peux me speller ton numéro de téléphone, s'il te plaît?Can you please spell your phone number for me?
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student asks a teacher for help with a word during class.
- NathanComment doit-on épeler ce mot ?How should we spell this word?
- EmmaTu dois l'épeler lettre par lettre.You must spell it letter by letter.
- NathanD'accord, je vais essayer.Okay, I will try.
- EmmaVas-y, Nathan, je t'écoute.Go ahead, Nathan, I am listening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spell” translations and entries épeler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries épeler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
