I'm learning français

département — meaning in English: department

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for department
seuls
patrimoine
département
réalisé
parti
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn French for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
The word 'département' is commonly used in France when discussing administrative regions, such as addressing local government issues or navigating public services. For example, a resident might mention their 'département' when asking about local taxes or public transportation options.
Synonyms & nuances
While 'bureau' can refer to an office or agency, 'département' specifically denotes an administrative division of a country. You would use 'département' when discussing governmental matters, whereas 'bureau' would be more appropriate in a workplace context.
Culture
'Département' has its roots in the French Revolution when the country was divided into administrative divisions for better governance and representation. Today, there are 101 'départements' in France, each with unique identities and local customs, reflecting the rich regional diversity of the country.
FAQ
Q.What does 'département' mean in English?
'Département' translates to 'department' in English, referring to a distinct administrative division within a country, especially in France.
Q.How is 'département' used in everyday French?
In everyday French, 'département' is often used in conversations about where someone lives or works, such as 'Je vis dans le département de la Seine-et-Marne.' (I live in the Seine-et-Marne department.)
Q.Are there common mistakes with 'département'?
A common mistake is confusing 'département' with 'secteur' (sector) or 'division.' Remember, 'département' specifically refers to an administrative area, while 'secteur' is used in business or industry contexts.
Learn french with Maspeak →
2000 French Words