talk-show
masculine
The English phrase "talk show" can be translated into French as talk-show or débat télévisé.
Meaning: TV or radio programme in which a host converses with guests (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| talk-show | masculine |
| débat télévisé | masculine |
Both terms refer to a TV or radio programme where a host converses with guests.
Which one should you use?
talk-show is a general term for this type of programme. In contrast, use débat télévisé when the program is specifically focused on a structured discussion or a political debate.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
talk-show is an informal anglicism commonly used in media contexts and casual conversation in France. débat télévisé is the more formal option.
How does it change in a sentence?
talk-show is a masculine noun. For example, you would say un talk-show to mean "a talk show".
Did you know?
- The French word débat comes from the verb débattre, which historically meant to 'beat' or 'strike' something, like a piece of metal, before it meant a verbal argument.
- In Quebec, the use of anglicisms like talk-show is often much more scrutinized or discouraged by linguistic authorities compared to the more casual usage found in France.
- In France, a popular variation of the talk show is the plateau, referring to the physical set and the collective group of guests discussing a topic.
Examples in context
- Hier soir, j'ai regardé une excellente émission de débat à la télévision.Yesterday evening, I watched an excellent talk show on television.
- Hier, j'ai assisté à un super talk-show avec des invités intéressants.Yesterday, I attended a great talk show with interesting guests.
- Ce talk-show est très populaire.This talk-show is very popular.
- Elle présente un nouveau talk-show.She hosts a new talk-show.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing their favorite TV programs.
- ChloéTu as vu le dernier talk-show hier ?Did you see the last talk show yesterday?
- HugoNon, je n'ai pas eu le temps.No, I didn't have time.
- ChloéC'était vraiment drôle et intéressant.It was really funny and interesting.
- HugoJe vais regarder le replay alors.I will watch the replay then.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “talk show” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries débat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
