French · Real conversations
How to say “Is this the right word?” in French
Check whether your choice of vocabulary fits a particular situation.
Est-ce le bon mot ?
Is this the right word?
Show the word, then give the sentence or context where you want to use it.
Use it in three situations
Choosing an adjective
Est-ce le bon mot ?
Is this the right word?
Checking a work term
Est-ce le bon mot pour un message formel ?
Is this the right word for a formal message?
Learning a useful expression
Est-ce le bon mot dans cette phrase ?
Is this the right word in this sentence?
What to watch for
A dictionary meaning alone cannot tell you whether a word suits every context.
Read the whole expression before replacing a detail. The natural wording may use a different order or construction from the English sentence.
Your turn
Imagine repairing a conversation. Say this in French: Is this the right word for a formal message?
Reveal a sample reply
Est-ce le bon mot pour un message formel ?
Is this the right word for a formal message?
Build a useful exchange
Check a meaning and leave with something you can use.
This expression in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
