éducation physique
/e.dy.ka.sjɔ̃ fi.zik/feminine
The English phrase "physical education" is éducation physique in French.
éducation physique refers to the academic subject or curriculum component. It is distinct from sport, which refers to general activities or organized athletic competition.
Meaning: curriculum component (noun)
Which one should you use?
While éducation physique is the standard term for the subject, the full formal name is Éducation Physique et Sportive (EPS). In school settings, people almost always use the acronym EPS instead of the full phrase. In a less formal context, you may see the shorthand version Éducation Physique.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, you may use Éducation physique et à la santé as a substitute for the standard French term.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because éducation begins with a vowel, the definite article la elides to l' in the phrase l'éducation physique.
How do you pronounce it?
/e.dy.ka.sjɔ̃ fi.zik/
Did you know?
- The word éducation in French is much broader than the English 'education', encompassing the development of a person's character and manners, not just schooling.
- In France, EPS is treated as a formal academic subject with a written grade, meaning students may be tested on the theory of movement and health rather than just their athletic performance.
- The word physique is a polysemy in French, acting as both the adjective for 'physical' and the noun for the scientific study of 'physics'.
Examples in context
- Est-ce que l'éducation physique est un cours obligatoire ?Is physical education a required course?This sentence is useful for asking if éducation physique is a required course.Tatoeba #1328366 by Scott, translation #275240 by CK
- Je suis professeur d'Éducation Physique et Sportive.I am a Physical Education teacher.
- Les élèves ont cours de gym à l'école aujourd'hui.The students have Physical Education class at school today.
- L'éducation physique est très importante pour les enfants.Physical education is very important for children.
- Elle a un cours d'éducation physique cet après-midi.She has a physical education class this afternoon.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are talking about their school schedule.
- LéaTu as éducation physique maintenant ?Do you have physical education now?
- HugoOui, je dois aller au gymnase.Yes, I have to go to the gym.
- LéaL'éducation physique est mon cours préféré.Physical education is my favorite class.
- HugoMoi aussi, j'adore faire du sport.Me too, I love playing sports.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “physical education” translations and entries éducation physique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
