When you think of 'math,' you probably just think of one word. But in French, the world of numbers and equations has a few different names.

As you dive deeper into your French studies, you'll find that context matters. Whether you're a student hitting the books, a professional in a technical field, or just trying to calculate a tip at a Parisian café, knowing the right term is key.

Let's explore the nine most common ways to talk about 'math' in French, from the classroom to everyday life!

The formal 'mathematics' – les mathématiques

The standard and formal term for 'mathematics' in French is les mathématiques. This is the word you'll find in academic contexts, on official documents, and in formal discussions about the scientific discipline.

In everyday conversation, especially among students or in any informal setting, you will almost always hear the shortened, more common version: les maths. It's the direct equivalent of saying 'math' or 'maths' in English.

A crucial grammatical point is that both les mathématiques and les maths are always plural in French. Unlike English where 'mathematics' is treated as a singular noun, in French, you must use the plural article les. For example, you say, Les maths, c'est ma matière préférée (Math is my favorite subject).

Use les mathématiques for formal or academic titles (e.g., un diplôme en mathématiques). Use les maths when talking about your math class, homework, or your general ability in the subject (e.g., J'ai un contrôle de maths demain).

While the singular form la mathématique does exist, it is very rare and used in a philosophical or abstract sense to refer to the concept of mathematical science as a whole. For everyday learning and communication, you should always stick to the plural forms.

💡 * J'ai toujours détesté les maths à l'école.

Elle est professeure de mathématiques à l'université.

Mon fils a besoin d'aide pour ses devoirs de maths.

Les mathématiques sont essentielles pour comprendre la physique.

On a un examen de maths lundi matin.

The common 'maths' – les maths

When talking about the subject of mathematics in everyday French, the most common and natural term you'll hear is les maths. It's the direct equivalent of 'math' (US English) or 'maths' (UK English).

Technically, les maths is the shortened, informal version of the full word, les mathématiques. While les mathématiques is grammatically correct, it sounds much more formal and is typically reserved for academic papers, official course titles, or very formal speech.

An important point to remember is that the word is always plural in French, hence les maths. You will never hear a native speaker say le math. This is a common mistake for English speakers, particularly from the US where 'math' is singular.

You'll use les maths when discussing homework, classes, or your skill level in the subject. For instance, you would talk about your prof de maths (math teacher) or an exercice de maths (math exercise).

For daily conversation, sticking with les maths is your best bet. It's the standard, universally understood term that will make you sound like a native speaker.

💡 * J'ai toujours été bon en maths. (I've always been good at math.)

Mon devoir de maths est très difficile ce soir. (My math homework is very difficult tonight.)

Tu as cours de maths à quelle heure ? (What time do you have math class?)

Les maths, c'est ma matière préférée ! (Math is my favorite subject!)

The singular 'mathematics' (as a discipline) – la mathématique

While the plural form les mathématiques is far more common for the school subject, French also uses a singular form: la mathématique. This version refers to mathematics as a single, unified discipline or an abstract field of thought.

You will typically encounter la mathématique in more formal, academic, or philosophical contexts. It's used when discussing the science or the nature of mathematics as a whole, rather than specific calculations or lessons.

In contrast, les mathématiques (often shortened to les maths) is the everyday term for the subject you study in school. If you're talking about homework, a test, or your math class, you will always use the plural form.

Here's an easy way to distinguish them:

La mathématique = The abstract science or philosophy of mathematics.
Les mathématiques = The practical school subject, problems, and classes.

💡 * La mathématique est souvent appelée la reine des sciences. (Mathematics is often called the queen of the sciences.)

Son livre explore l'histoire de la mathématique. (His book explores the history of mathematics.)

En revanche, on dirait : J'ai toujours été bon en mathématiques (les maths). (On the other hand, one would say: I have always been good at math.)

C'est un traité sur la logique et la mathématique. (It is a treatise on logic and mathematics.)

The 'calculation' or 'calculus' – le calcul

The 'calculation' or 'calculus' – le calcul

Le calcul is a masculine noun in French that directly translates to 'calculation,' 'computation,' or 'arithmetic.' It encompasses the act of determining something mathematically.

While its primary meaning is 'calculation,' the context determines its specific sense. For example, le calcul mental refers to 'mental math.' In a university setting, it can refer to the advanced mathematical subject of 'calculus.'

The verb form is calculer, meaning 'to calculate' or 'to work out.' It is used when describing the action of performing a calculation.

💡 * J'ai besoin d'une calculatrice pour faire ce calcul.

Le professeur nous a donné un exercice de calcul.

Le calcul des probabilités est une branche des mathématiques.

Son calcul était faux, alors il a dû recommencer.

The 'algebra' – l'algèbre

The French term for the mathematical subject 'algebra' is l'algèbre.

Similar to English, l'algèbre is the branch of mathematics that deals with symbols and the rules for manipulating those symbols. It's a core subject in school, often taught alongside la géométrie (geometry).

It's important to note that algèbre is a feminine noun. The l' in l'algèbre is a contraction of the feminine article la because the noun begins with a vowel. You would say l'algèbre est compliquée (algebra is complicated), using the feminine adjective form.

When talking about studying or taking a class, you'll often hear phrases like cours d'algèbre (algebra class) or professeur d'algèbre (algebra professor).

💡 * J'ai toujours eu des difficultés avec l'algèbre au lycée. (I always had difficulty with algebra in high school.)

Pourriez-vous m'aider avec ce problème d'algèbre ? (Could you help me with this algebra problem?)

Les concepts de l'algèbre sont essentiels pour les études d'ingénieur. (The concepts of algebra are essential for engineering studies.)

Mon petit frère commence à apprendre l'algèbre cette année. (My little brother is starting to learn algebra this year.)

The 'geometry' – la géométrie

The French equivalent for 'geometry' is la géométrie. As a direct cognate, it's easy to recognize. It's important to remember that it is a feminine noun, so you will use articles like la or une with it.

The pronunciation is approximately la jhay-oh-meh-TREE. The term la géométrie is used in exactly the same contexts as in English, primarily in mathematics, engineering, art, and design. It refers to the study of shapes, sizes, positions of figures, and properties of space.

The related adjective is géométrique, meaning 'geometric'. It modifies nouns to describe something related to geometry. For example, you would talk about des formes géométriques (geometric shapes) or un dessin géométrique (a geometric drawing).

A person who specializes in geometry is known as a géomètre. While this can mean 'geometer' in a mathematical sense, it more commonly refers to a 'surveyor' in everyday French, someone who measures land.

💡 * J'ai un cours de géométrie ce matin. (I have a geometry class this morning.)

L'architecture de ce bâtiment est basée sur une géométrie complexe. (The architecture of this building is based on complex geometry.)

Elle adore les motifs géométriques dans la mode. (She loves geometric patterns in fashion.)

Le géomètre est venu mesurer le terrain. (The surveyor came to measure the land.)

1. The 'arithmetic' – l'arithmétique

The French word for 'arithmetic' is l'arithmétique. It's a fundamental term in mathematics and education.

L'arithmétique refers to the branch of mathematics that deals with the properties and manipulation of numbers through basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It forms the foundation for more complex mathematical concepts.

The word arithmétique is a feminine noun. Because it starts with a vowel, it uses the elided article l' instead of la, becoming l'arithmétique. This is a common rule in French for singular nouns beginning with a vowel or a silent 'h'.

💡 * L'arithmétique est la base de toutes les mathématiques. (Arithmetic is the basis of all mathematics.)

Mon fils a des difficultés avec les problèmes d'arithmétique. (My son has difficulties with arithmetic problems.)

L'addition et la soustraction sont des opérations d'arithmétique simples. (Addition and subtraction are simple arithmetic operations.)

The 'analysis' – l'analyse

The French word for 'analysis' is l'analyse. It is a feminine noun, which is crucial for correct grammar. You would say une analyse or l'analyse.

Just like in English, l'analyse refers to the detailed examination of something's structure or elements. It's a versatile word used in scientific, financial, literary, and medical contexts.

The related verb is analyser, which means 'to analyze.' It's a regular '-er' verb, making it straightforward to conjugate. For example, J'analyse les données means 'I am analyzing the data.'

A very common phrase is faire une analyse, which translates to 'to do an analysis' or 'to run a test.' For example, a doctor might order une analyse de sang (a blood analysis/test).

💡 * Le rapport présente une analyse détaillée du marché. (The report presents a detailed analysis of the market.)

J'ai besoin de faire une analyse de la situation avant de prendre une décision. (I need to do an analysis of the situation before making a decision.)

Les résultats de l'analyse d'eau seront disponibles demain. (The results of the water analysis will be available tomorrow.)

Il faut bien analyser le problème pour trouver la meilleure solution. (One must analyze the problem well to find the best solution.)

1. Understanding 'La Science des Nombres'

The French phrase for 'the science of numbers' is a direct translation: la science des nombres. This expression is straightforward and captures the essence of studying numbers, whether from a mathematical or mystical perspective.

Let's break down the phrase:

la science: This means 'the science'. Science is a feminine noun in French.
des nombres: This translates to 'of the numbers'. The word des is a mandatory contraction of de (of) + les (the, plural). Nombre ('number') is a masculine noun.

You will typically encounter la science des nombres in academic, philosophical, or esoteric contexts. It can refer to the mathematical field of number theory (la théorie des nombres) or, more commonly in general conversation, to the practice of numerology (la numérologie).

💡 * La numérologie est souvent appelée la science des nombres.

Le livre traite de la science des nombres dans les civilisations anciennes.

Pythagore était un maître de la science des nombres.

Elle croit que la science des nombres peut prédire l'avenir.

Are there other ways to say 'math' in French?

Our list features the most common ways to discuss 'math' in French, from the standard les maths to the more formal les mathématiques. But as you dive deeper into academic or technical fields, you'll discover even more specialized vocabulary.

You can expand your knowledge by doing an online search for 'vocabulaire mathématique' or by looking up specific fields like 'la géométrie' (geometry) or 'le calcul' (calculus).

When you learn a new term, always check its context. A word used in a primary school textbook will differ from one in a university research paper. Understanding this distinction is key to using the vocabulary correctly.

Pay attention when you watch French documentaries, read scientific articles, or browse educational websites. You’ll begin to notice the specific language used to explain complex ideas, which is a fantastic way to learn.

For exploring the rich vocabulary surrounding mathematics, the online French dictionaries Larousse and Le Robert are invaluable tools. They provide definitions, examples, and related terms.

I hope this article has helped you solve the problem of how to talk about math in French. To end, here’s a perfect quote from the French mathematician Sophie Germain: L'algèbre n'est qu'une géométrie écrite; la géométrie n'est qu'une algèbre figurée. (Algebra is but written geometry; geometry is but figured algebra.)

'9 ways to say "math" in French'