soustraction
/sus.tʁak.sjɔ̃/
The French word for subtraction is soustraction.
soustraction refers to the mathematical calculation of subtraction. In a mathematical context, it is the counterpart to addition. If you want to use the verb form, use soustraire (to subtract) or refer to the outcome as the résultat (result).
Meaning: calculation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word soustraction is a cognate of the English word 'subtraction', as both share the same Latin root subtrahere.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun soustraction is feminine and is typically used with the definite article la, as in la soustraction.
How do you pronounce it?
/sus.tʁak.sjɔ̃/ (3 syllables)
Did you know?
- The verb soustraire has a dramatic figurative use where it can mean to rescue or withdraw someone from a threat, such as in the phrase soustraire quelqu'un au danger.
- The phrase soustraction frauduleuse is a specific legal term in France used to define the act of theft.
- While soustraction is the mathematical term, when talking about a reduction in price or a discount, a French speaker is much more likely to use the word réduction.
Examples in context
- J'aime les additions mais pas les soustractions.I like addition but not subtraction.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference between soustraction and addition.Tatoeba #6221 by hortusdei, translation #259238 by shekitten
- La soustraction est plus difficile que l'addition.Subtraction is harder than addition.This sentence compares the difficulty of soustraction to addition.Tatoeba #11559495 by carlosalberto, translation #11559486 by carlosalberto
- En première année du primaire, les enfants apprennent l'addition et la soustraction.In the first grade of primary school, children learn addition and subtraction.This sentence describes when children learn both addition and soustraction in school.Tatoeba #11562624 by carlosalberto, translation #11562616 by carlosalberto
- J'ai utilisé la soustraction pour résoudre ce problème mathématiqueI used subtraction to solve this mathematical problem
- Nous avons étudié les différentes opérations mathématiques, y compris l'opération de retranchementWe studied various mathematical operations, including the operation of subtraction
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are studying math together at a cafe.
- HugoEst-ce que tu as compris cette soustraction ?Did you understand this subtraction?
- ManonNon, la soustraction est un peu complexe pour moi.No, the subtraction is a bit complex for me.
- HugoJe peux t'aider avec cette soustraction si tu veux.I can help you with this subtraction if you want.
- ManonMerci, Hugo, c'est très gentil de ta part.Thanks, Hugo, that is very kind of you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry soustraction, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
