At the A1 level, the word 'micro' is introduced as a simple noun for a common object. Students learn that it is masculine ('un micro', 'le micro'). The focus is on basic identification and survival phrases. You will use 'micro' when talking about your computer or when you see someone singing. It is one of the many 'short' words in French that makes the language feel modern. You might learn it alongside words for other electronic devices like 'télé' or 'ordi'. The most important thing for an A1 learner is to remember that it is 'le' micro, not 'la' micro. You will use it in simple sentences like 'C'est un micro' or 'J'ai un micro'. It is a very useful word because it sounds almost like the English 'mic', making it easy to remember. In a classroom, your teacher might ask you to speak into the micro if you are using a computer. You don't need to know technical details yet, just that it's the thing you talk into so people can hear you better. This word is part of the basic vocabulary of the 21st century.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'micro' in more functional contexts, particularly in the workplace or during hobbies. You learn to combine it with common verbs like 'allumer' (to turn on) and 'éteindre' (to turn off). You also start to use the preposition 'au' to say 'speaking on the mic' (parler au micro). At this level, you might describe your daily routine, which could include 'ouvrir mon micro pour une réunion' (opening my mic for a meeting). You are also introduced to the idea of 'le micro-trottoir', a popular French media format. You should be able to ask someone to turn their mic on or off: 'Est-ce que tu peux allumer ton micro ?'. You also learn that 'micro' can be part of compound words like 'micro-ondes', though that refers to a microwave. The focus is on communication and solving simple technical problems. You might also hear 'micro' in the context of a 'karaoké' or a small party. Understanding the gender remains crucial, as does the ability to use possessive adjectives like 'mon micro' or 'votre micro'.
By B1, you are expected to use 'micro' in more complex sentence structures and understand its role in media and public speaking. You should be able to talk about the quality of a 'micro'—for example, if it is 'bon' or 'mauvais'. You learn terms like 'un micro-casque' (a headset) which is essential for discussing gaming or office work. You might also encounter the word in news reports, where 'passer au micro' means to be interviewed. At this level, you can describe experiences, such as 'J'ai dû parler au micro devant cent personnes, j'étais très stressé' (I had to speak on the mic in front of a hundred people, I was very stressed). You also start to notice the difference between 'micro' and 'microphone', using the latter in more formal writing. You should be familiar with the phrase 'couper le micro' in the context of digital etiquette. Your vocabulary expands to include 'le pied de micro' (mic stand) and 'brancher le micro' (to plug in the mic). You can now participate in discussions about technology and how it affects our communication.
At the B2 level, you use 'micro' with a high degree of fluency and understand its metaphorical implications. You might discuss the 'pouvoir du micro' (power of the mic) in the context of journalism and freedom of speech. You are comfortable with technical variations like 'micro-cravate' or 'micro-directionnel'. You understand that 'être au micro' can mean being a radio host as a profession. In debates, you might use the word to manage the flow of conversation: 'Je vous rends le micro' (I'm giving the floor back to you). You also understand the nuances of sound engineering terms in French, such as 'le gain du micro' or 'la saturation'. You can write a detailed review of a product, comparing different 'micros' for podcasting. Your understanding of the word is now linked to cultural practices, such as the 'micro-trottoir' as a tool for social commentary. You also recognize 'micro' in academic contexts, such as 'micro-histoire' or 'micro-économie', and can distinguish these from the noun 'le micro'. Your grammar is flawless, and you naturally use the correct prepositions and articles.
At the C1 level, your use of 'micro' is sophisticated and context-aware. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its role in the 'apocope' trend in French linguistics. You can analyze the impact of the 'micro' on political communication—how the intimacy of the microphone changed the way leaders speak to the public compared to the era of unamplified oratory. You are familiar with idiomatic and professional expressions like 'tendre le micro' (to offer someone a chance to speak/to interview) or 'faire un appel au micro'. You can participate in complex technical discussions about audio fidelity, 'la directivité des micros', and 'le rapport signal-bruit'. In literary or cinematic analysis, you might discuss the 'micro-climat' of a scene or the use of 'micro-mouvements' captured by technology. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'micro' as a starting point for deep cultural reflections on the nature of voice and recording in the digital age. You can handle any technical glitch during a presentation with a witty remark about the 'micro', showing native-like command of the language's social nuances.
At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'micro' in all its forms—technical, social, and metaphorical. You can engage in high-level discourse about the semiotics of the 'micro' in French media. You understand the subtle differences in register between 'micro', 'microphone', and 'transducteur'. You can write professional-grade technical documentation or eloquent essays involving the concept of the 'micro' as a bridge between the private and public spheres. You are aware of rare or archaic uses and can navigate the most complex 'Franglais' environments without losing your linguistic integrity. Whether you are discussing the 'micro-trottoir' as a sociological tool or the 'micro-ajustements' in a soprano's performance, your usage is precise and evocative. You can play with the word in puns or creative writing, and you have a deep understanding of how the 'micro' has shaped French 'chanson' and 'éloquence' over the last century. You are essentially indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker in your ability to deploy this word and its related concepts across any imaginable domain.

micro 30초 만에

  • A masculine noun (le micro) which is the standard French abbreviation for 'microphone', used universally in casual and professional speech.
  • Essential for modern communication, appearing in contexts like 'télétravail' (remote work), journalism (micro-trottoir), and the music industry.
  • Commonly paired with verbs like 'allumer' (turn on), 'éteindre' (turn off), and 'couper' (mute), and used with the preposition 'au'.
  • Distinguished from the prefix 'micro-' (meaning small) and the 'micro-ondes' (microwave), requiring careful attention to grammatical gender.
The word micro is a masculine noun in French, serving as the standard, everyday abbreviation for the more formal term microphone. In the landscape of modern French communication, the full word is rarely used in casual conversation, much like how English speakers almost exclusively say 'mic'. At its core, a micro is a transducer that converts sound into an electrical signal, but in a linguistic and cultural sense, it represents the power of voice, the bridge of telecommunications, and the tool of the performer. Whether you are a student in a classroom, a professional on a Zoom call, or a singer on a stage, the micro is your primary instrument for amplification and recording.
Grammatical Gender
The word is strictly masculine (un micro, le micro). It is vital not to confuse it with the prefix 'micro-' used in science, though they share the same Greek root. When referring to the device, always use masculine articles.

Pendant la réunion, n'oublie pas d'allumer ton micro pour parler.

The usage of 'micro' spans several domains. In the world of journalism, the 'micro-trottoir' is a quintessential French media format where a reporter takes a microphone to the streets to gather the opinions of random passersby. This cultural staple has made the physical object of the micro a symbol of public opinion and democratic expression. Furthermore, in the era of 'télétravail' (teleworking), the phrase 'Ton micro est coupé' (Your mic is muted) has become perhaps one of the most uttered sentences in the French corporate world. Historically, the adoption of the word 'micro' followed the rapid technological advancements of the 20th century. As radio and television became central to French life, the technical jargon of the studio leaked into the public lexicon. By the 1960s, 'micro' was firmly established as the preferred term over the longer 'microphone'. In music, the 'micro' is often personified. A singer might have a 'micro fétiche' (favorite mic), and the act of 'lâcher le micro' (dropping the mic) has been adopted into French slang from American hip-hop culture. Understanding this word requires recognizing it not just as a piece of hardware, but as a social gatekeeper. To have the micro is to have the floor; to lose the micro is to be silenced. Its brevity reflects the French linguistic tendency toward 'apocope' (shortening words), similar to 'télé' for 'télévision' or 'vélo' for 'vélocipède'. This makes the word feel accessible and integrated.
Technical Context
In a studio, you might distinguish between a 'micro à condensateur' (condenser mic) and a 'micro dynamique' (dynamic mic). Despite the technicality, the short form 'micro' persists.

Le chanteur s'approche du micro et commence à murmurer les premières paroles.

Social Context
In French schools, during presentations, a 'micro sans fil' (wireless mic) is often passed around, emphasizing its role as a tool for participation.
Using 'micro' correctly in French involves mastering its masculine gender and its relationship with verbs of action. Because it is a physical object, it is frequently used with verbs like 'allumer' (to turn on), 'éteindre' (to turn off), 'brancher' (to plug in), and 'régler' (to adjust). When you are speaking into a microphone, the preposition 'au' is used: 'parler au micro'. This is a common pitfall for English speakers who might want to say 'parler dans le micro', which, while understood, sounds more like you are literally speaking inside the device rather than using it as a medium.
Action Verbs
Allumer le micro (Turn on), Couper le micro (Mute), Tester le micro (Test), Tapoter le micro (Tap).

Est-ce que tu peux couper ton micro ? On entend un bruit de fond.

In the context of performance, the micro is often paired with 'pied' (stand). 'Un pied de micro' is a microphone stand. If you are describing the quality of the sound, you would use adjectives like 'sensible' (sensitive) or 'directionnel' (directional). For example, 'Ce micro est très sensible aux bruits ambiants.' (This mic is very sensitive to ambient noise). When discussing technology, 'micro' often appears in compound nouns or phrases. 'Un micro-cravate' (a lapel mic) is a specific type of microphone used in television, named after the 'cravate' (necktie) it is often clipped to. 'Un micro-casque' is a headset with a built-in microphone, ubiquitous in gaming and call centers. The plural form is 'les micros', and it follows standard pluralization rules. Sentence structures often involve the partitive article when the specific mic isn't identified: 'Il nous faut du matériel, notamment des micros.' (We need equipment, notably some mics). In digital contexts, software buttons are often labeled 'Micro' rather than the full word. This has led to the verb 'muter' (to mute) becoming common in French slang, though purists prefer 'couper le son' or 'mettre en sourdine'. However, 'couper le micro' remains the most natural way to express the action.
Common Adjectives
Un micro intégré (integrated/built-in), un micro externe (external), un micro professionnel (professional).

Le journaliste tend son micro vers la foule pour capter l'ambiance de la manifestation.

Possession
Mon micro, ton micro, son micro. Note that even if the owner is female, 'son micro' is used because 'micro' is masculine.
The word 'micro' is omnipresent in French daily life, but its resonance varies across different environments. In the world of French media, particularly radio stations like France Inter or RTL, the 'micro' is the central tool of the trade. You will hear hosts say, 'Nous accueillons notre invité au micro de France Inter,' which translates to 'We welcome our guest to the France Inter microphone.' This phrasing elevates the micro from a simple tool to a prestigious platform. It signifies that the guest has the attention of the nation. In the streets of Paris or Lyon, you might encounter a 'micro-trottoir'. This is a specific journalistic technique where a reporter asks the same question to many people. If you see someone with a large foam-covered 'micro' approaching you, they are likely conducting a 'micro-trottoir'.
Professional Media
Radio, TV News, Podcasts, Voice-over studios. The phrase 'passer au micro' means to take one's turn to speak publicly.

C'est maintenant au tour de la ministre de s'exprimer au micro.

Another common setting is the 'conférence' or 'colloque'. In these academic or business settings, a moderator will often ask, 'Est-ce qu'il y a un micro dans la salle ?' (Is there a mic in the room?) to facilitate the Q&A session. This highlights the practical necessity of the 'micro' for large-scale communication. In the entertainment industry, particularly in 'spectacles' (shows) and 'concerts', the 'micro' is a prop as much as a tool. Stand-up comedians in French 'comedy clubs' (like the Jamel Comedy Club) often talk about their relationship with the 'micro', sometimes using it to create sound effects or physical comedy. Furthermore, the rise of 'podcasting' in France (often called 'les podcasts natifs') has brought the word 'micro' into the homes of many. Hobbyists discuss 'quel micro acheter pour débuter' (which mic to buy to start), making the word part of the DIY (Do It Yourself) culture. In the corporate world, the 'micro' is the bane and boon of the modern worker. In virtual meetings on Teams or Zoom, the most common technical issue is related to the 'micro'. Phrases like 'On ne t'entend pas, ton micro est fermé' (We can't hear you, your mic is closed) are heard daily. This has given 'micro' a new, slightly frustrating connotation associated with the friction of remote technology. Finally, in schools and universities, the 'micro' is used by 'conférenciers' (lecturers) in large 'amphis' (amphitheaters). The phrase 'parler sans micro' (to speak without a mic) is often used as a testament to someone's powerful natural voice.
Public Spaces
Train stations (SNCF announcements), Airports, Supermarket announcements ('Appel au micro').

Une annonce a été faite au micro pour retrouver les parents du petit Lucas.

Artistic Use
Recording studios ('cabine de micro'), stage performances, and street busking.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using 'micro' in French is related to its grammatical gender. Because 'micro' is an abbreviation of 'microphone', which is masculine, 'micro' is also masculine. However, many learners mistakenly associate the ending '-o' with feminine nouns in other Romance languages, or they confuse it with 'la micro-onde' (the microwave oven). Note that 'un micro-ondes' (microwave) is actually masculine in most formal contexts (short for 'un four à micro-ondes'), but in casual speech, some people mistakenly use 'la'. Regardless, for the recording device, it is always 'le micro'.
Gender Error
Saying 'la micro' instead of 'le micro'. This is a major error that immediately marks a speaker as a beginner.

Incorrect: J'ai besoin de la micro. Correct: J'ai besoin du micro.

Another common error is the preposition used with 'micro'. English speakers often translate 'into the mic' literally as 'dans le micro'. While this is physically possible (e.g., 'Il a soufflé dans le micro' - He blew into the mic), the standard way to say someone is speaking using a microphone is 'au micro'. For example, 'Il parle au micro' means he is addressing an audience via the microphone. Using 'dans' can imply a level of physical intimacy with the device that sounds slightly off in a professional or standard context. A third mistake involves the confusion between 'micro' as a noun and 'micro' as a prefix. In French, 'micro-' as a prefix means 'small' (e.g., 'micro-organisme', 'micro-économie'). Learners sometimes try to use 'micro' as a standalone adjective to mean 'small', but the correct adjective is 'petit'. You cannot say 'C'est une micro maison' to mean 'It's a small house' in standard French; you would say 'C'est une minuscule maison' or 'C'est une toute petite maison'. Confusion also arises with 'micro-ordinateur'. While 'micro' was once used to refer to a PC in the 80s and 90s, this is now extremely dated. If you use 'micro' today, everyone will assume you mean the audio device. Finally, the verb 'muter' is a 'false friend' or rather a 'Franglais' term. While widely used in gaming and tech, in a formal French exam, you should use 'couper le micro' or 'mettre en sourdine'. Using 'muter' might be seen as an English-induced error in formal writing.
Preposition Pitfall
Using 'sur le micro' (on the mic) instead of 'au micro'. 'Sur' would mean physically sitting on top of the device.

L'animateur est au micro depuis deux heures (The host has been on the mic for two hours).

Spelling Note
Learners sometimes add an 'e' at the end (microe) thinking it looks more French. It does not; it is just 'micro'.
While 'micro' is the most common term, several other words can be used depending on the context and the level of formality required. The most obvious alternative is the full form, microphone. This is used in technical manuals, formal specifications, or when a speaker wants to sound particularly precise. In recording studios, you might hear the term transducteur, though this is a purely technical term for the component that converts sound to energy. If you are talking about the whole setup, you might use équipement audio or matériel de sonorisation.
Micro vs Microphone
'Micro' is for daily life, 'Microphone' is for technical or very formal writing. They are interchangeable in meaning but differ in register.

Veuillez vérifier que votre microphone est correctement branché (Formal instruction).

In specific industries, more precise terms are used. A micro-cravate (lapel mic) is often just called 'une cravate' by TV crews. A micro-perche (boom mic) is common on film sets, and the person operating it is 'le perchman'. For headsets, micro-casque or simply casque (if the mic is implied) is used. In the context of older technology or specific types of radio, you might encounter combiné, which refers to a telephone handset that includes both a speaker and a micro. There are also figurative alternatives. When someone is 'au micro', they might also be described as having la parole (the floor/the word). For example, 'Il a la parole' is a more abstract way of saying 'Il est au micro'. In terms of verbs, 'enregistrer' (to record) is the primary action associated with a micro. If you are looking for an antonym or a contrasting device, le haut-parleur (the loudspeaker) is the opposite; while the micro takes sound in, the haut-parleur puts sound out.
Comparison: Micro vs Haut-parleur
Micro: Entrée sonore (Sound input). Haut-parleur: Sortie sonore (Sound output).

Le son entre par le micro et ressort par les enceintes.

Specific Types
Micro directionnel (shotgun mic), micro d'ambiance (room mic), micro de studio (studio mic).

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'microphone' was originally used in the 17th century to describe a tool for hearing small sounds, like a stethoscope, before it became the electrical device we know today.

발음 가이드

UK /mi.kʁo/
US /mi.kʁo/
French has even stress, but a slight emphasis often falls on the last syllable: mi-KRO.
라임이 맞는 단어
bistro pro frigo dodo solo vidéo photo auto
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing it like the English 'micro' (my-kro) instead of 'mee-kro'.
  • Making the 'r' too soft or English-like.
  • Adding an 'n' sound at the end by mistake.

난이도

독해 1/5

Very easy as it resembles the English 'mic' and 'microphone'.

쓰기 2/5

Easy, but remember it is masculine and ends in 'o'.

말하기 2/5

Requires the French 'r' and a pure 'o' sound.

듣기 1/5

Distinct sound, usually clear in context.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

parler écouter ordinateur musique le/un

다음에 배울 것

enregistrer haut-parleur sonore téléphone réunion

고급

transducteur fréquence acoustique amplificateur directivité

알아야 할 문법

Apocope

Micro (Microphone), Télé (Télévision), Ordi (Ordinateur).

Masculine Nouns ending in -o

Le micro, le vélo, le piano, le studio.

Preposition 'AU' for devices

Parler au micro, être au téléphone, être au piano.

Negation with verbs

Le micro ne fonctionne pas.

Possessive adjectives (masculine)

Mon micro, ton micro, son micro.

수준별 예문

1

C'est un petit micro.

It is a small mic.

'Un' is the masculine singular indefinite article.

2

Le micro est noir.

The mic is black.

'Le' is the masculine singular definite article.

3

Où est le micro ?

Where is the mic?

A simple question using 'où' (where).

4

J'ai un micro pour l'ordinateur.

I have a mic for the computer.

'Pour' is the preposition meaning 'for'.

5

Il parle dans le micro.

He is speaking into the mic.

'Dans' means 'in' or 'into'.

6

Le micro ne marche pas.

The mic is not working.

'Ne... pas' is the standard negation.

7

Voici mon micro.

Here is my mic.

'Mon' is the masculine singular possessive adjective.

8

Tu as un micro ?

Do you have a mic?

Informal question using 'tu'.

1

N'oublie pas d'allumer ton micro.

Don't forget to turn on your mic.

Imperative mood with negation 'n'oublie pas'.

2

Il y a un problème avec le micro.

There is a problem with the mic.

'Il y a' means 'there is'.

3

Elle chante avec un micro sans fil.

She sings with a wireless mic.

'Sans fil' means 'wireless' (literally 'without wire').

4

Je branche le micro sur mon PC.

I am plugging the mic into my PC.

'Brancher' is a regular -er verb.

5

On t'entend mal au micro.

We hear you poorly on the mic.

'Au micro' is the standard way to describe being on a call.

6

Le journaliste utilise un micro-cravate.

The journalist uses a lapel mic.

'Micro-cravate' is a compound noun.

7

Puis-je utiliser ce micro ?

Can I use this mic?

Inversion of 'je peux' for a formal question.

8

Il a coupé son micro par erreur.

He muted his mic by mistake.

'Couper' means 'to cut' but also 'to mute'.

1

Le pied de micro est trop bas pour moi.

The mic stand is too low for me.

'Pied de micro' is the term for a mic stand.

2

L'animateur a passé le micro au public.

The host passed the mic to the audience.

'Passer' followed by the indirect object 'au public'.

3

Il faut régler la sensibilité du micro.

The mic sensitivity needs to be adjusted.

'Il faut' expresses necessity.

4

J'ai acheté un micro-casque pour le télétravail.

I bought a headset for teleworking.

'Micro-casque' is a very common B1 workplace term.

5

Sa voix est très claire grâce à ce micro.

Her voice is very clear thanks to this mic.

'Grâce à' means 'thanks to'.

6

On a fait un micro-trottoir sur le climat.

We did a man-on-the-street interview about the climate.

'Micro-trottoir' is a key cultural term.

7

Le micro a capté tous les bruits de fond.

The mic picked up all the background noises.

'Capter' means 'to capture' or 'to pick up'.

8

Elle a l'habitude de parler au micro.

She is used to speaking on the mic.

'Avoir l'habitude de' means 'to be used to'.

1

Le technicien vérifie les branchements des micros.

The technician is checking the mic connections.

'Branchement' refers to the electrical connection.

2

Il est resté muet malgré le micro tendu.

He remained silent despite the microphone being held out.

'Tendre le micro' is a common journalistic idiom.

3

La qualité de ce micro à condensateur est bluffante.

The quality of this condenser mic is stunning.

'Bluffant' is a common B2 adjective for 'impressive'.

4

Le son sature car le micro est trop près.

The sound is clipping because the mic is too close.

'Saturer' in audio means to distort or clip.

5

L'invité s'est exprimé longuement au micro de Radio France.

The guest spoke at length on the Radio France microphone.

'S'exprimer' is a more formal version of 'parler'.

6

Il a fallu changer la pile du micro sans fil.

The battery of the wireless mic had to be changed.

'Il a fallu' is the passé composé of 'il faut'.

7

Ce micro directionnel élimine les échos indésirables.

This directional mic eliminates unwanted echoes.

'Indésirable' is a formal B2 adjective.

8

Elle a fait un appel au micro pour retrouver son sac.

She made an announcement over the PA system to find her bag.

'Appel au micro' is a specific phrase for public announcements.

1

La directivité du micro est essentielle pour ce type d'enregistrement.

The mic's polar pattern is essential for this type of recording.

'Directivité' is a specialized technical term.

2

Il a l'art de captiver son auditoire dès qu'il prend le micro.

He has the art of captivating his audience as soon as he takes the mic.

'Prendre le micro' here means starting to speak/taking the floor.

3

Le micro-trottoir révèle souvent des opinions divergentes.

The man-on-the-street interview often reveals diverging opinions.

'Divergent' is an advanced C1 adjective.

4

L'intimité créée par le micro a révolutionné la chanson française.

The intimacy created by the microphone revolutionized French song.

Abstract noun 'intimité' as the subject.

5

Malgré le brouhaha, le micro a restitué une voix limpide.

Despite the hubbub, the mic reproduced a crystal-clear voice.

'Restituer' is a formal verb for reproducing sound.

6

Le conférencier a dû se passer de micro suite à une panne.

The lecturer had to do without a mic following a breakdown.

'Se passer de' means 'to do without'.

7

L'utilisation d'un micro-perche nécessite une grande précision physique.

Using a boom mic requires great physical precision.

'Nécessiter' is more formal than 'avoir besoin de'.

8

On sent une certaine appréhension chez lui avant de passer au micro.

One senses a certain apprehension in him before he goes on air.

'Appréhension' is a nuanced C1 word for anxiety.

1

L'ubiquité du micro dans l'espace public soulève des questions d'éthique.

The ubiquity of the microphone in public space raises ethical questions.

'Ubiquité' is a high-level academic term.

2

Le grain de sa voix est sublimé par ce micro à ruban d'époque.

The texture of her voice is sublimated by this vintage ribbon mic.

'Sublimer' and 'ruban' (ribbon) are advanced vocabulary.

3

Il s'est emparé du micro pour dénoncer l'injustice sociale.

He seized the mic to denounce social injustice.

'S'emparer de' is a strong, literary verb for 'to seize'.

4

La restitution sonore du micro est d'une fidélité chirurgicale.

The sound reproduction of the mic is of surgical fidelity.

'Chirurgical' used metaphorically for extreme precision.

5

Le micro n'est plus un simple outil, mais un prolongement de l'ego.

The microphone is no longer a simple tool, but an extension of the ego.

Philosophical construction 'n'est plus... mais...'.

6

Les aléas du direct ont été accentués par un micro défaillant.

The hazards of live broadcasting were accentuated by a failing mic.

'Aléas' and 'défaillant' are sophisticated C2 terms.

7

Il a su apprivoiser le micro pour masquer ses lacunes oratoires.

He knew how to tame the mic to mask his oratory shortcomings.

'Apprivoiser' (to tame) used metaphorically.

8

L'omniprésence du micro-cravate a modifié la gestuelle des acteurs.

The omnipresence of the lapel mic has modified the gestures of actors.

'Gestuelle' is a specialized term for body language.

자주 쓰는 조합

allumer le micro
couper le micro
parler au micro
tester le micro
micro sans fil
pied de micro
micro intégré
tendre le micro
prise micro
son du micro

자주 쓰는 구문

Micro-trottoir

— A street interview format.

Nous allons faire un micro-trottoir sur ce sujet.

Ouvrir le micro

— To start broadcasting or to unmute.

L'animateur ouvre le micro à 8 heures.

Fermer le micro

— To stop broadcasting or to mute.

N'oubliez pas de fermer votre micro après l'appel.

Passer au micro

— To take one's turn to speak publicly.

C'est à votre tour de passer au micro.

Être au micro

— To be currently speaking or hosting.

Elle est au micro de la radio nationale.

Appel au micro

— A public announcement.

Il y a eu un appel au micro dans le magasin.

Micro ouvert

— An open mic event or a live mic.

C'est une soirée micro ouvert ce soir.

Couper le sifflet (au micro)

— To interrupt someone speaking.

On lui a coupé le sifflet au micro.

Le micro est à vous

— The floor is yours.

Monsieur le Maire, le micro est à vous.

Lâcher le micro

— To stop speaking or 'drop the mic'.

Il a fini son discours et a lâché le micro.

자주 혼동되는 단어

micro vs Micro-ondes

This is a microwave. While 'micro' is part of the name, 'le micro' alone never means microwave.

micro vs Microbe

Means a germ or microbe. It starts with the same letters but is a different word family.

micro vs Micro-ordinateur

An old term for a PC. Today, just say 'ordinateur' or 'ordi'.

관용어 및 표현

"Tendre le micro à quelqu'un"

— To give someone the opportunity to express their opinion.

La chaîne a tendu le micro aux manifestants.

neutral
"Vivre au micro"

— To spend one's life working in radio or public speaking.

Il a passé quarante ans à vivre au micro.

literary
"Un micro-événement"

— A very small, insignificant event (using micro as a prefix, but related).

Ce n'est qu'un micro-événement dans l'histoire.

neutral
"Être né un micro à la main"

— To be a natural-born performer or speaker.

Elle est née un micro à la main, elle n'a pas peur.

informal
"Le micro est chaud"

— The mic is live and ready.

Attention, le micro est chaud, on commence !

professional
"Faire chauffer le micro"

— To speak for a long time or with great energy.

Il a fait chauffer le micro pendant deux heures.

informal
"Avoir le micro"

— To be the one currently in power or speaking.

C'est lui qui a le micro, il décide.

figurative
"Prendre le micro"

— To take charge of a situation by speaking.

Elle a pris le micro pour calmer la foule.

neutral
"Cacher le micro"

— To record someone secretly.

Ils ont caché un micro dans la pièce.

neutral
"Le micro ne ment pas"

— The recording reveals the truth.

On a écouté la bande, le micro ne ment pas.

informal

혼동하기 쉬운

micro vs La micro

Learners think -o nouns are feminine or confuse it with 'la micro-informatique'.

'Le micro' is the device. 'La micro' is almost never used today.

Il a acheté un nouveau micro (He bought a new mic).

micro vs Micro-

Used as a prefix.

As a noun, it's a device. As a prefix, it means 'small'.

C'est un micro-organisme.

micro vs Petit

Both mean 'small' in some contexts.

'Micro' is a noun (the device). 'Petit' is the adjective for 'small'.

C'est un petit micro.

micro vs Haut-parleur

Both are audio devices.

One captures sound (micro), the other emits sound (haut-parleur).

Le son sort par le haut-parleur.

micro vs Casque

Both are used on the head/ears.

'Casque' is headphones. 'Micro-casque' is both.

Mets ton micro-casque.

문장 패턴

A1

C'est [article] micro.

C'est un micro.

A2

Allume/Coupe [possessive] micro.

Coupe ton micro.

B1

Il est difficile de [verb] au micro.

Il est difficile de parler au micro.

B1

J'utilise un micro pour [verb].

J'utilise un micro pour enregistrer.

B2

Le micro permet de [verb].

Le micro permet de mieux s'entendre.

C1

Dès qu'il prend le micro, [clause].

Dès qu'il prend le micro, tout le monde se tait.

C2

L'usage du micro a entraîné [noun].

L'usage du micro a entraîné une nouvelle éloquence.

B2

Il a tendu le micro à [personne].

Il a tendu le micro à l'artiste.

어휘 가족

명사

microphone
microphonie
microsillon

동사

microphoniser (rare)

형용사

microphonique

관련

micro-ondes
microbe
microscope
micro-informatique
micro-film

사용법

frequency

Extremely frequent in both spoken and digital written French.

자주 하는 실수
  • La micro Le micro

    The word is masculine because it comes from 'le microphone'.

  • Parler dans le micro Parler au micro

    While 'dans' is okay, 'au' is the standard preposition for using a microphone.

  • Le micro-onde Le micro-ondes

    The device for heating food always has an 's' and is different from 'le micro'.

  • My-kro Mee-kro

    The 'i' in French is always pronounced like 'ee' in 'see'.

  • Muter le micro Couper le micro

    'Muter' is anglicized slang; 'couper' is the correct French verb.

Gender Check

Always pair 'micro' with masculine articles like 'le' or 'un'. Practice saying 'le micro' until it becomes natural.

Media Literacy

Watch French news to see a 'micro-trottoir' in action. It's great for hearing different accents and casual speech.

Zoom Etiquette

In a French meeting, if you hear 'Ton micro est coupé', it means you are muted. Say 'Pardon, j'avais mon micro coupé'.

The 'O' Sound

Make sure your 'o' is a pure, round sound. Don't let it become a diphthong like in the English word 'go'.

Compound Words

Learn 'micro-cravate' and 'micro-casque' together. They are very common in professional environments.

Tendre le micro

Use this phrase when you want to say someone is giving a voice to a specific group of people.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'microphone' in your French essays and 'micro' in your emails or texts.

Radio Phrasing

Listen for 'au micro de...'. It tells you which journalist is conducting the interview.

Karaoke Fun

If you're at a party, ask 'C'est à qui le micro ?' to find out whose turn it is to sing.

Not a Microwave

If you want to heat food, ask for 'le micro-ondes', not 'le micro'.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'Small (Micro) Voice (Phone)'. In French, we just keep the 'Small' part: Le Micro.

시각적 연상

Imagine a tiny ('micro') mouse holding a giant microphone.

Word Web

radio musique son voix parler enregistrer studio scène

챌린지

Try to say 'Allume le micro' five times fast without making the 'o' sound like 'oh-oo'.

어원

The word 'micro' is an apocope of 'microphone', which was coined in the 19th century.

원래 의미: Derived from the Greek 'mikros' (small) and 'phōnē' (voice/sound).

Indo-European (via Greek and Modern French).

문화적 맥락

Be aware that 'micro' is also used in 'micro-agression' in modern sociological French, though the context is very different from the audio device.

In English, we say 'mic', but in French, 'micro' is the only way to shorten it. 'Mike' is a name, not a device in French.

'Le micro est à vous' (A famous catchphrase from TV games) The 'Micro-Noir' (The iconic silver/black mics of early French radio) Edith Piaf's iconic use of the microphone to create an intimate singing style.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Digital Meetings

  • Ton micro est coupé.
  • Active ton micro.
  • Il y a un écho dans ton micro.
  • Mon micro ne marche pas.

Music/Karaoke

  • C'est à qui le micro ?
  • Baisse le son du micro.
  • Le micro est trop loin.
  • Prends le micro !

Journalism

  • Répondre au micro.
  • Un micro-trottoir.
  • Tendre le micro à quelqu'un.
  • Micro de reportage.

Public Speaking

  • Parler au micro.
  • Régler le pied de micro.
  • S'approcher du micro.
  • Demander un micro.

Technical/Electronics

  • La prise micro.
  • Brancher le micro.
  • Un micro intégré.
  • Un micro externe.

대화 시작하기

"Est-ce que tu préfères utiliser un micro-casque ou le micro de ton ordinateur ?"

"As-tu déjà parlé au micro devant une grande foule ?"

"Quel genre de micro est le meilleur pour enregistrer un podcast ?"

"Est-ce que tu penses que les micro-trottoirs sont représentatifs de l'opinion publique ?"

"Que fais-tu si ton micro tombe en panne pendant une réunion importante ?"

일기 주제

Décris une situation où tu as dû parler au micro. Étais-tu nerveux ? Pourquoi ?

Imagine que tu es un journaliste. Quelles questions poserais-tu lors d'un micro-trottoir sur le bonheur ?

L'importance de la technologie audio dans notre vie quotidienne : le rôle du micro.

Si tu pouvais avoir le micro et parler au monde entier pendant une minute, que dirais-tu ?

Compare l'utilisation du micro dans la musique et dans le travail de bureau.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It is masculine: 'le micro'. Even though it ends in 'o', which can be feminine in other languages, in French, it follows the gender of 'microphone', which is masculine.

Yes, you can, but 'au micro' is more common when describing someone speaking or broadcasting. 'Dans' is more literal, like 'speaking into the physical hole'.

It is a street interview where a journalist asks random people for their opinions. It is a very common term in French media.

No. A microwave is 'un micro-ondes' or 'un four à micro-ondes'. If you just say 'le micro', people will think you are talking about a microphone.

The most common way is 'couper le micro'. In gaming, you might hear 'muter', but it's not standard French.

Yes, but mainly in formal, technical, or literary contexts. In daily life, 'micro' is much more common.

It is a small microphone that clips onto your clothing, often used by TV presenters. 'Cravate' means necktie.

You simply add an 's': 'les micros'.

It is a pair of headphones with a microphone attached, commonly used for gaming or office work.

Only as a prefix in compound words like 'micro-économique'. It is not used as a standalone adjective for 'small'.

셀프 테스트 180 질문

writing

Write a sentence asking someone to turn on their microphone.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe what a 'micro-trottoir' is in one sentence in French.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain why you might need a 'micro-casque' for work.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The singer is speaking on the mic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'micro-cravate' in a sentence about a TV show.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a short dialogue where one person is muted on a call.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain the difference between a micro and a haut-parleur.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using the plural form 'micros'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I need a new microphone stand.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a formal sentence using the word 'microphone'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe a 'micro-perche' and its use in cinema.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Create a slogan for a brand of professional micros.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence with 'tendre le micro' in a metaphorical sense.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe the sound of a 'micro qui sature'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The announcement was made over the mic.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about a 'micro sans fil' failing during a concert.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

How would you ask a technician to adjust the mic?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'au micro de' followed by a radio station name.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe the feeling of 'prendre le micro' for the first time.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Don't forget to unmute your mic before speaking.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Le micro est allumé' clearly.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask 'Est-ce que tu peux couper ton micro ?'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Un, deux, un, deux, test micro.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explain that you have a problem with your mic.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Je parle au micro de Radio France.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask where the mic stand is.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Le micro-cravate est très pratique.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Tell someone their mic is muted.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Il faut brancher le micro ici.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Describe a microphone in three adjectives.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Le son du micro est trop fort.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explain what a micro-trottoir is.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'N'oublie pas de tester le micro avant le début.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask for a wireless microphone.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Le technicien règle les micros.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Express that the mic quality is excellent.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Il a lâché le micro après son discours.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Le micro a capté un bruit étrange.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Ask if there is a mic in the room.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say 'Le micro-casque est confortable.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Le micro est sur la table.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Éteins ton micro.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Il parle au micro.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the item: 'C'est un objet pour enregistrer la voix.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Le micro-cravate est tombé.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'C'est un appel au micro.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Le micro est trop sensible.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Branche le micro, s'il te plaît.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'On fait un micro-trottoir.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Le pied de micro est en fer.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Le micro sans fil est chargé.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Sa voix sature au micro.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Ouvre le micro à huit heures.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Le micro est intégré à l'écran.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Il a tendu le micro vers la foule.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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