Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| de pointe | /də pwɛ̃t/ |
| dernier cri | /dɛʁ.nje kʁi/ |
The phrase is used to describe something that is at the highest level of development. Depending on whether you are talking about technical advancements or the latest trends, different forms are used.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase de pointe literally translates to "of the tip" or "of the point", which implies being at the very edge of progress.
Which one should you use?
Use de pointe when referring to technical, scientific or industrial advancements. In contrast, use dernier cri when referring to the latest fashions, trends or consumer gadgets.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective de pointe is invariable, meaning it does not change its form to agree with gender or number.
How do you pronounce it?
/də pwɛ̃t/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using état de l'art as an adjective to describe a product. While it is a noun phrase meaning "the state of the art", it is used primarily in academic or technical contexts to refer to the current state of knowledge.
Did you know?
- The phrase dernier cri translates literally to 'last shout'.
Examples in context
- La collection d'antiquités est entreposée dans un garde-meuble dernier cri.The antiquities collection is housed in a state-of-the-art facility.This sentence shows how to use dernier cri to describe a modern facility.Tatoeba #1669387 by sacredceltic, translation #1660408 by darinmex
- La nouvelle machine est à la pointe de la technologie.The new machine is state of the art.
- Cette application est vraiment hyper moderne !This app is really state of the art!
- Ce laboratoire utilise un matériel de pointe.This laboratory uses state-of-the-art equipment.
- C'est une technologie de pointe.It is state-of-the-art technology.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan is showing Manon his new computer setup.
- ManonTon nouvel ordinateur est impressionnant !Your new computer is impressive!
- NathanMerci, c'est un modèle de pointe.Thanks, it is a state-of-the-art model.
- ManonIl doit être très rapide.It must be very fast.
- NathanOui, il est vraiment performant.Yes, it is really high-performing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “state of the art” translations and entries de pointe, dernier cri, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cri, de, dernier, dernier cri, pointe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
