SMS
/ɛ.sɛ.mɛs/masculine
The English phrase "text message" is translated into French as SMS or texto.
Meaning: a brief electronic message (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| SMS | /ɛ.sɛ.mɛs/ /e.se.mɛs/ |
masculine |
| texto | /tɛk.sto/ | masculine |
Both terms refer to a brief electronic message. Note that in French, you use the verb envoyer (to send) to describe the action, such as in the phrase envoyer un SMS, rather than using a single verb to mean "to text" someone.
Which one should you use?
SMS and texto are both masculine nouns. SMS is the more technical and formal option.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
SMS is considered more formal or technical.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛ.sɛ.mɛs/ (3 syllables)
Did you know?
- In early French digital culture, the constraint of character limits led to a distinct style of 'SMS language' involving phonetic shortcuts like using 2 for de.
- In France, you might hear people say they are texting someone by using the English verb as a French one, pronounced texter.
- In Quebec, you are more likely to encounter the term message texte rather than the European texto.
Examples in context
- Il reçut un SMS.He got a text message.This sentence shows how to use the form SMS to indicate receiving a message.Tatoeba #11837474 by Amastan, translation #8303260 by Amastan
- Tom a reçu un texto.Tom received a text message.This sentence demonstrates using the form texto to describe receiving a message.Tatoeba #4604697 by franlexcois, translation #4603796 by Hybrid
- Je lui ai envoyé un SMS.I sent her a text message.This sentence shows how to use the form SMS to describe sending a message.Tatoeba #6142400 by sabotage987, translation #6141994 by Barra
- J'ai envoyé un SMS professionnel à mon collègue.I sent a professional text message to my colleague.
- On s'envoie des textos pour organiser notre soirée.We are sending each other text messages to organize our evening.
- Je t'ai envoyé un texto, mais je n'ai pas eu de réponse.I sent you a text message, but I didn't get a reply.
- Je te propose d'envoyer un SMS à notre professeur.I suggest sending a text message to our teacher.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are talking about a missing piece of information.
- LucasTu as vu mon SMS ?Did you see my text message?
- ManonNon, je n'ai pas regardé mon téléphone.No, I haven't looked at my phone.
- LucasJe t'ai envoyé l'adresse par SMS.I sent you the address by text.
- ManonD'accord, je le lis tout de suite.Okay, I'll read it right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “text message” translations and entries SMS, texto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
