manuel
/ma.nɥɛl/masculine
The English phrase "textbook" can be translated into French as manuel. Wiktionary also lists livre de classe.
Meaning: formal manual of instruction (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| manuel | /ma.nɥɛl/ | masculine |
| livre de classe | masculine |
In French, these terms refer to a formal manual of instruction.
Which one should you use?
The term manuel is more formal and often refers to a technical or academic manual, whereas livre de classe is more common in a primary or secondary school context.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both manuel and livre de classe are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word manuel is pronounced /ma.nɥɛl/ and consists of two syllables.
Did you know?
- Historically, livre can refer to a book or a pound because both the Roman book and the Roman pound were roughly the same weight.
- In France, the government often strictly regulates which manuels are approved for use in national curricula to ensure educational uniformity.
- The word manuel comes from the Latin word for 'hand', reflecting the idea of a book small enough to be held in one hand.
Examples in context
- Ce manuel est bon.This textbook is good.This sentence is useful for describing the quality of a manuel.Tatoeba #1328776 by sacredceltic, translation #59677 by CK
- C’est un bon manuel.This is a good textbook.This sentence is useful for identifying a manuel as being good.Tatoeba #374031 by zmoo, translation #55820 by CK
- Ce manuel est obsolète.That textbook is out of date.This sentence is useful for noting that a manuel is out of date.Tatoeba #1628742 by sacredceltic, translation #68458 by CK
- Je dois acheter un nouveau manuel scolaire pour ma classe de français.I have to buy a new textbook for my French class.
- Les élèves doivent apporter leurs livres scolaires tous les jours.The students have to bring their textbooks every day.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are in a university library.
- EmmaGabriel, as-tu vu mon manuel ?Gabriel, have you seen my textbook?
- GabrielNon, Emma, je ne l'ai pas vu.No, Emma, I haven't seen it.
- EmmaJe cherche mon manuel de maths.I am looking for my math textbook.
- GabrielIl est peut-être dans ton sac.It might be in your bag.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “textbook” translations and entries manuel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries classe, de, livre, manuel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
