English to French translation
Move your ideas from English to French, with room for the details that matter.
AI translation can make mistakes. Review important content. How your text is processed ↗
Getting English to French right
Use clear subjects and avoid ambiguous idioms. In the translated result, review grammatical gender, accents, and tu versus vous.
English to French: review address, agreement and context
English can leave gender, number and the relationship between speakers implicit. French may require those choices in pronouns, adjectives or other wording. Give the translator a complete message and enough context to identify who is being described. Review the result for the intended reader, not only word by word.
Choose tu or vous consistently
English “you” can become tu or vous. Vous also addresses several people, so it is not simply a marker of formality. For example, “Can you help me?” may be “Peux-tu m’aider ?” or “Pouvez-vous m’aider ?” Check that the selected address matches the relationship and stays consistent in later requests and references.
Check agreement without guessing identities
French adjectives can change according to what they describe: a masculine singular document may be prêt, while a feminine singular lettre is prête. Identify the actual noun rather than applying a rule to the nearest English word. If the source does not specify a person’s gender and it matters to the wording, clarify the context or choose suitable neutral phrasing.
Review vocabulary and regional presentation
A familiar-looking word may not carry the intended meaning. English “actually” often needs en fait rather than actuellement, which refers to the present time. Review dates, decimal separators and currency placement for the audience. French typographic spacing conventions can also differ by region and medium; use the receiving organization’s style for publication.
Questions about this language pair
Is vous always the right choice for an email?
It is common in formal correspondence, but an established relationship may use tu. Follow the recipient’s usage and the purpose of the message.
Can I remove accents to simplify French text?
Keep accents. They are part of correct spelling and can distinguish words. Check that copying or exporting the translation preserves them.
Practical guides for your next translation
A simple review workflow
- Paste a complete thought in English; avoid isolated words when context matters.
- Translate to French and check that names, figures, dates, and links remain accurate.
- Read the result for your intended audience. Keep terminology and tone consistent.
Common questions
Can I translate French back to English?
Yes. Use the swap control or visit the reverse translation page. Back-translation can reveal issues but does not prove accuracy.
Does this provide certified French translation?
No. This is machine translation for understanding and drafting. Official documents may need a qualified translator and specific certification.
Can I translate a English document?
Select the file tab to extract text from TXT, DOCX or text-based PDF, then translate it into French. Layout is not preserved.