texte
/tɛkst/
To text in French is texte.
In the context of sending a written message, texte is used as a verb. However, when referring to the message itself as a noun, there are several options. You can use SMS or the colloquial texto to refer to a brief written message transmitted between mobile phones.
Meaning: to send a text message to (verb)
Which one should you use?
While texte functions as the verb to text, the noun forms vary by context. SMS and texto specifically refer to the short messages sent via mobile phone, whereas texte can also refer to a book, tome or any other set of writings.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/tɛkst/
When do people say it?
In digital communication, French speakers use the abbreviation LOL for 'Laughing Out Loud' and frequently use A+ or à+ as shorthand for À plus tard, which means 'See you later'.
Did you know?
- The word texte shares its root with the English word 'textile' because both come from the Latin word for 'weave'.
- French texting culture often involves 'le langage SMS', a style of writing that replaces whole syllables with numbers to save space.
- French speakers often use LOL in texts, but they may also use MDR, which stands for mort de rire or 'dying of laughter'.
Examples in context
- Ziri lut le texte.Ziri read the text.This sentence shows the use of texte.Tatoeba #11837464 by Amastan, translation #10802910 by Amastan
- Lis le texte amazigh.Read the Berber text.Tatoeba #11837402 by Amastan, translation #8297256 by Amastan
- L'élève lut un texte.The student read a text.Tatoeba #12397024 by Rovo, translation #8120652 by Talwit
- Je vais sortir, à+ !I'm going out, see you later!
- 102 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are planning to meet up later.
- ChloéJe te texte quand je pars.I will text you when I leave.
- HugoD'accord, je surveille mon téléphone.Okay, I'll keep an eye on my phone.
- ChloéTu me textes pour confirmer l'heure ?Will you text me to confirm the time?
- HugoOui, je te texte tout à l'heure.Yes, I'll text you in a little while.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry texte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries texte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
