livre blanc
/li.vʁə blɑ̃/masculine
The English phrase "white paper" is translated into French as livre blanc.
livre blanc is used in both business and government contexts to refer to an authoritative report or guide.
Meaning: marketing document (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "white book", where livre means book and blanc means white.
How does it change in a sentence?
livre blanc is a masculine noun, so any accompanying adjectives or articles must also be in the masculine form. To make the phrase plural, add an 's' to both the noun and the adjective to get livres blancs.
How do you pronounce it?
/li.vʁə blɑ̃/
Did you know?
- The word livre is a homonym in French, meaning both 'book' and 'pound' as in the unit of weight or currency.
- The word blanc shares an ancestor with the English word 'blink', as both trace back to an ancient root meaning 'to shine' or 'to be bright'.
- In French politics, a livre blanc often signals the start of a major structural reform rather than just being a simple guide.
Examples in context
- Les données citées dans l'enquête de King proviennent du livre blanc de l'UNESCO de 1970 sur la population mondiale.The data cited in King's research is taken from UNESCO's 1970 white paper on world population.This sentence shows how to use livre blanc when referencing a specific report from an organization.Tatoeba #236254 by hortusdei, translation #63071 by Eldad
- Le département marketing est en train de préparer un rapport technique sur le comportement des consommateurs.The marketing department is preparing a white paper on consumer behavior.
- Nous devons terminer ce livre blanc pour le client.We must finish this white paper for the client.
- Le livre blanc explique notre nouvelle stratégie de vente.The white paper explains our new sales strategy.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are discussing a marketing project at the office.
- HugoAs-tu lu le nouveau livre blanc ?Have you read the new white paper?
- ManonOui, Hugo, il est très convaincant.Yes, Hugo, it is very convincing.
- HugoJe pense qu'on peut l'envoyer demain.I think we can send it tomorrow.
- ManonD'accord, je vais le relire une dernière fois.Okay, I will read it over one last time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “white paper” translations and entries livre blanc, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries blanc, livre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
