interrupteur
/ɛ̃.tɛ.ʁyp.tœʁ/masculine
The English phrase 'switch' is translated into French as interrupteur.
interrupteur is a masculine noun referring to a device used to turn an electric current on and off, such as a light switch.
Meaning: device to turn electric current on and off (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'switch' can refer to general mechanical toggles or levers, interrupteur is used specifically for devices that break or complete an electrical circuit.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of interrupteur, add an s to the end: interrupteurs.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and is pronounced /ɛ̃.tɛ.ʁyp.tœʁ/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly use commutateur when referring to a simple light switch. Instead, use interrupteur, as commutateur refers to more complex components like a commutator or a selector switch.
Did you know?
- While an interrupteur controls a light, French uses the word va-et-vient to describe a specific type of three-way switch where two different switches control the same light.
- French speakers use the expression éteindre la lumière to say they are flipping the interrupteur off, meaning 'to extinguish the light'.
- The word interrupteur shares its root with the English word 'interrupt'. In French, the switch is literally a device that 'interrupts' the flow of electricity.
Examples in context
- Où est l'interrupteur ?Where is the light switch?This sentence is useful for asking the location of the interrupteur.Tatoeba #11708289 by Aiji, translation #6161879 by jayrod84
- Où se trouve l'interrupteur ?Where's the light switch?Tatoeba #3245372 by sacredceltic, translation #2270191 by _undertoad
- Tom a installé un nouvel interrupteur.Tom installed a new light switch.This sentence is useful for describing how someone installed a new interrupteur.Tatoeba #11962549 by calypsow, translation #10969056 by CK
- Il faut changer de méthode.We need to switch our method.
- Elle a changé de sujet.She switched her topic.
- Il a modifié sa réponse.He switched/amended his answer.
- Il a modifié son emploi du temps pour demain.He switched/modified his schedule for tomorrow.
- Je vais basculer en mode avion.I'm going to switch to airplane mode.
- Il a basculé vers une nouvelle application.He switched to a new application.
- Je passe à autre chose.I'm switching to something else.
- Je dois changer le canal de la télévision.I need to switch the TV channel.
- Elle passe souvent d'un sujet à l'autre.She often switches from one topic to another.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas is trying to fix a broken light in the living room.
- ChloéL'interrupteur ne fonctionne plus.The switch doesn't work anymore.
- LucasTu veux que je le remplace ?Do you want me to replace it?
- ChloéOui, s'il te plaît, Lucas.Yes, please, Lucas.
- LucasJe vais chercher un nouvel interrupteur.I am going to look for a new switch.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “switch” translations and entries interrupteur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries interrupteur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
