VPN
masculine
The English term 'vpn' is translated into French as VPN. Wiktionary also lists RPV and vépéenne.
Meaning: virtual private network (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| VPN | masculine |
| RPV | Canada, masculine |
| vépéenne | masculine |
A VPN refers to a virtual private network. In informal contexts, people might use the phrase Navigation anonyme (anonymous browsing) to describe the purpose of using such a service.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec and other parts of Canada, the French acronym RPV is often used instead of the English acronym VPN.
How does it change in a sentence?
The acronym VPN is masculine in French, so you should use it with the masculine indefinite article un, as in un VPN.
Did you know?
- In very informal or playful speech, some people use the phonetic spelling vépéenne to mimic the sound of the letters 'V-P-N' in French.
- In France, the English acronym VPN is so dominant that using the official French term RPV can sometimes confuse native speakers.
- The acronym RPV stands for réseau privé virtuel, which is a direct mirror of the English structure.
Examples in context
- L'usage d'un VPN réseau privé virtuel avec votre ordiphone ajoute une couche de sécurité supplémentaire à la protection de votre vie privée en ligne.Using a VPN Virtual Private Network with your smartphone adds one more layer of security to protect your privacy online.This sentence demonstrates the use of VPN and provides its full definition in French.Tatoeba #9552607 by marioo, translation #9552609 by marioo
- Pour accéder au réseau d'entreprise depuis l'extérieur, vous devez utiliser un Réseau Virtuel Privé (VPN).To access the company's network from outside, you need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
- Je dois installer un VPN sur mon ordinateur.I need to install a VPN on my computer.
- Est-ce que ce VPN fonctionne bien ?Does this VPN work well?
Example conversation
Hugo is helping Chloé with her computer setup at home.
- ChloéHugo, est-ce que tu peux m'aider avec mon VPN ?Hugo, can you help me with my VPN?
- HugoBien sûr, Chloé, il y a un problème ?Of course, Chloé, is there a problem?
- ChloéJe n'arrive pas à me connecter au VPN.I can't seem to connect to the VPN.
- HugoRegarde, je vais configurer ton VPN pour toi.Look, I will configure your VPN for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vpn” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
