Learning a new word in another language can be exciting. It’s like opening a window to a different way of thinking and communicating. If you are curious about science or studying the natural world, you may want to know how to say “biology” in French. French is a beautiful language with words that often sound elegant and expressive.
In this article, you will learn how to say “biology” in French, discover other ways to use and understand the term, and explore some responses and exercises to practice. By the end, you’ll feel ready to use this word confidently in your conversations or studies. Let’s begin!
Ways to Say “Biology” in French
French provides specific words and phrases for discussing biology, depending on the context. Below are various ways to say “biology” in French, along with their pronunciations, meanings, and example sentences. These examples will help you use the word naturally in conversations or writing.
1. Biologie
Pronunciation: bee-oh-loh-zhee
Meaning: The direct translation of “biology,” referring to the study of living organisms.
In a Sentence:
- J’étudie la biologie à l’université. (I study biology at the university.)
- La biologie est une science fascinante. (Biology is a fascinating science.)
2. Sciences de la vie
Pronunciation: see-ahns duh lah vee
Meaning: Life sciences, a broader term that includes biology.
In a Sentence:
- Les sciences de la vie incluent la biologie, la botanique et la zoologie. (Life sciences include biology, botany, and zoology.)
- Il travaille dans le domaine des sciences de la vie. (He works in the field of life sciences.)
3. Biologiste
Pronunciation: bee-oh-loh-zheest
Meaning: Biologist, someone who studies biology.
In a Sentence:
- Elle veut devenir biologiste marine. (She wants to become a marine biologist.)
- Le biologiste a découvert une nouvelle espèce. (The biologist discovered a new species.)
4. Écologie
Pronunciation: ay-koh-loh-zhee
Meaning: Ecology, closely related to biology, focusing on organisms and their environment.
In a Sentence:
- L’écologie est une branche importante de la biologie. (Ecology is an important branch of biology.)
- Il étudie l’écologie pour protéger la planète. (He studies ecology to protect the planet.)
5. Étude des organismes vivants
Pronunciation: ay-tewd dayz or-gah-neesm vee-vahnts
Meaning: Study of living organisms, another way to refer to biology.
In a Sentence:
- L’étude des organismes vivants est essentielle à la compréhension de la nature. (The study of living organisms is essential for understanding nature.)
- Elle aime l’étude des organismes vivants depuis son enfance. (She has loved studying living organisms since childhood.)
6. Botanique
Pronunciation: boh-tah-neek
Meaning: Botany, a specialized field of biology studying plants.
In a Sentence:
- La botanique est une discipline fascinante en biologie. (Botany is a fascinating discipline in biology.)
- Il écrit un livre sur la botanique tropicale. (He is writing a book about tropical botany.)
7. Zoologie
Pronunciation: zoh-oh-loh-zhee
Meaning: Zoology, a branch of biology focusing on animals.
In a Sentence:
- La zoologie explore le comportement des animaux. (Zoology explores the behavior of animals.)
- Elle adore la zoologie depuis qu’elle est enfant. (She has loved zoology since she was a child.)
8. Microbiologie
Pronunciation: mee-kroh-bee-oh-loh-zhee
Meaning: Microbiology, studying microorganisms within biology.
In a Sentence:
- La microbiologie aide à développer des médicaments. (Microbiology helps develop medicines.)
- Mon frère étudie la microbiologie pour devenir chercheur. (My brother studies microbiology to become a researcher.)
9. Génétique
Pronunciation: zhay-nay-teek
Meaning: Genetics, a specialized area of biology studying genes and heredity.
In a Sentence:
- La génétique joue un rôle crucial en biologie moderne. (Genetics plays a crucial role in modern biology.)
- Elle a un intérêt particulier pour la génétique des plantes. (She has a special interest in plant genetics.)
10. Biotechnologie
Pronunciation: bee-oh-teck-noh-loh-zhee
Meaning: Biotechnology, the application of biology in technology and engineering.
In a Sentence:
- La biotechnologie transforme l’industrie médicale. (Biotechnology is transforming the medical industry.)
- Nous avons étudié la biotechnologie à l’école. (We studied biotechnology in school.)
11. Biophysique
Pronunciation: bee-oh-fee-zeek
Meaning: Biophysics, the use of physics to study biological processes.
In a Sentence:
- La biophysique est un domaine émergent de la biologie. (Biophysics is an emerging field of biology.)
- Il s’intéresse à la biophysique des cellules. (He is interested in the biophysics of cells.)
12. Biologie marine
Pronunciation: bee-oh-loh-zhee mah-reen
Meaning: Marine biology, focusing on ocean life.
In a Sentence:
- La biologie marine étudie les écosystèmes sous-marins. (Marine biology studies underwater ecosystems.)
- Elle est passionnée par la biologie marine et les dauphins. (She is passionate about marine biology and dolphins.)
13. Biologie cellulaire
Pronunciation: bee-oh-loh-zhee sell-ew-lehr
Meaning: Cellular biology, studying cells as the basic unit of life.
In a Sentence:
- La biologie cellulaire est essentielle pour comprendre les maladies. (Cellular biology is essential for understanding diseases.)
- Le professeur donne un cours sur la biologie cellulaire. (The professor is giving a lecture on cellular biology.)
14. Science naturelle
Pronunciation: see-ahns nah-tew-rehl
Meaning: Natural science, which encompasses biology.
In a Sentence:
- Les sciences naturelles incluent la biologie et la chimie. (Natural sciences include biology and chemistry.)
- Elle adore les sciences naturelles depuis qu’elle est petite. (She has loved natural sciences since she was little.)
15. Paléontologie
Pronunciation: pah-lay-ohn-toh-loh-zhee
Meaning: Paleontology, studying fossils and ancient life forms.
In a Sentence:
- La paléontologie est liée à la biologie et à la géologie. (Paleontology is related to biology and geology.)
- Les enfants adorent apprendre la paléontologie grâce aux dinosaures. (Children love learning paleontology through dinosaurs.)
16. Anatomie
Pronunciation: ah-nah-toh-mee
Meaning: Anatomy, the study of the structure of living beings.
In a Sentence:
- L’anatomie humaine est fascinante à étudier. (Human anatomy is fascinating to study.)
- Le cours d’anatomie commence à 10 heures. (The anatomy class starts at 10 a.m.)
17. Biologie humaine
Pronunciation: bee-oh-loh-zhee ew-mahn
Meaning: Human biology, the study of the human body.
In a Sentence:
- La biologie humaine aide à comprendre notre santé. (Human biology helps us understand our health.)
- Elle enseigne la biologie humaine à l’université. (She teaches human biology at the university.)
18. Biochimie
Pronunciation: bee-oh-shee-mee
Meaning: Biochemistry, studying chemical processes in living organisms.
In a Sentence:
- La biochimie est essentielle pour la recherche médicale. (Biochemistry is essential for medical research.)
- Il étudie la biochimie pour devenir pharmacien. (He studies biochemistry to become a pharmacist.)
19. Physiologie
Pronunciation: fee-zee-oh-loh-zhee
Meaning: Physiology, studying biological functions and processes.
In a Sentence:
- La physiologie étudie le fonctionnement des organes. (Physiology studies how organs function.)
- Ce livre explique la physiologie humaine en détail. (This book explains human physiology in detail.)
20. Biologie moléculaire
Pronunciation: bee-oh-loh-zhee moh-lek-ew-lehr
Meaning: Molecular biology, focusing on molecules in living organisms.
In a Sentence:
- La biologie moléculaire est utilisée dans la recherche sur l’ADN. (Molecular biology is used in DNA research.)
- Les étudiants étudient la biologie moléculaire au laboratoire. (Students study molecular biology in the lab.)
21. Génomique
Pronunciation: zhay-noh-meek
Meaning: Genomics, a branch of biology studying genomes.
In a Sentence:
- La génomique explore l’ensemble des gènes d’un organisme. (Genomics explores the entire set of genes in an organism.)
- Elle travaille dans le domaine de la génomique végétale. (She works in the field of plant genomics.)
22. Évolution
Pronunciation: ay-voh-lew-syohn
Meaning: Evolution, the study of changes in species over time.
In a Sentence:
- L’évolution est un concept fondamental en biologie. (Evolution is a fundamental concept in biology.)
- Nous avons discuté de l’évolution des espèces en classe. (We discussed the evolution of species in class.)
23. Biotechnologie médicale
Pronunciation: bee-oh-teck-noh-loh-zhee meh-dee-kahl
Meaning: Medical biotechnology, applying biology to medicine.
In a Sentence:
- La biotechnologie médicale crée des vaccins innovants. (Medical biotechnology creates innovative vaccines.)
- Ce laboratoire est spécialisé en biotechnologie médicale. (This lab specializes in medical biotechnology.)
24. Biologie environnementale
Pronunciation: bee-oh-loh-zhee ahn-vee-rohn-mahn-tahl
Meaning: Environmental biology, studying the environment and ecosystems.
In a Sentence:
- La biologie environnementale aide à protéger la planète. (Environmental biology helps protect the planet.)
- Elle étudie la biologie environnementale pour préserver les forêts. (She studies environmental biology to preserve forests.)
25. Biologie de la conservation
Pronunciation: bee-oh-loh-zhee duh lah kon-ser-vah-syohn
Meaning: Conservation biology, focusing on protecting species and habitats.
In a Sentence:
- La biologie de la conservation est cruciale pour les espèces en danger. (Conservation biology is crucial for endangered species.)
- Ils travaillent sur un projet de biologie de la conservation dans cette région. (They are working on a conservation biology project in this region.)
26. Taxonomie
Pronunciation: tak-soh-noh-mee
Meaning: Taxonomy, classifying organisms in biology.
In a Sentence:
- La taxonomie organise les espèces en groupes logiques. (Taxonomy organizes species into logical groups.)
- Ce biologiste est expert en taxonomie des oiseaux. (This biologist is an expert in bird taxonomy.)
27. Immunologie
Pronunciation: ee-myoo-noh-loh-zhee
Meaning: Immunology, studying the immune system.
In a Sentence:
- L’immunologie explique comment le corps combat les maladies. (Immunology explains how the body fights diseases.)
- Elle suit un cours d’immunologie ce semestre. (She is taking an immunology course this semester.)
28. Biologie des populations
Pronunciation: bee-oh-loh-zhee day poh-pyoo-lah-syohn
Meaning: Population biology, studying groups of organisms.
In a Sentence:
- La biologie des populations analyse la croissance des espèces. (Population biology analyzes species growth.)
- Il a fait une étude sur la biologie des populations d’oiseaux. (He conducted a study on population biology of birds.)
29. Biogéographie
Pronunciation: bee-oh-zhey-oh-grah-fee
Meaning: Biogeography, studying the distribution of species.
In a Sentence:
- La biogéographie montre comment les espèces se déplacent. (Biogeography shows how species move.)
- Ce sujet en biogéographie est très intéressant. (This topic in biogeography is very interesting.)
30. Neurosciences
Pronunciation: neuh-roh-syahn-suh
Meaning: Neuroscience, a field of biology studying the nervous system.
In a Sentence:
- Les neurosciences explorent le cerveau humain. (Neurosciences explore the human brain.)
- Elle travaille dans un laboratoire de neurosciences. (She works in a neuroscience lab.)
Other Ways to Say “Biology” in French
Here is a table of alternative phrases for “biology” in French. These options provide more variety depending on the specific context of the conversation or study.
| Other Ways to Say | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentences |
| Science de la vie | see-ahns duh lah vee | Life science | Les sciences de la vie sont fascinantes. (Life sciences are fascinating.) |
| Étude des systèmes vivants | ay-tewd day see-stehm vee-vahnts | Study of living systems | L’étude des systèmes vivants est complexe. (The study of living systems is complex.) |
| Sciences biologiques | see-ahns bee-oh-loh-zheek | Biological sciences | Elle enseigne les sciences biologiques au lycée. (She teaches biological sciences in high school.) |
| Système biologique | see-stehm bee-oh-loh-zheek | Biological system | Le système biologique est étudié dans ce laboratoire. (The biological system is studied in this lab.) |
| Sciences naturelles | see-ahns nah-tew-rehl | Natural sciences | Les sciences naturelles incluent la biologie. (Natural sciences include biology.) |
| Recherche biologique | reh-shehrsh bee-oh-loh-zheek | Biological research | La recherche biologique est essentielle pour les avancées médicales. (Biological research is essential for medical advances.) |
| Domaine des êtres vivants | doh-mehn dayz eht-ruh vee-vahnts | Field of living beings | Le domaine des êtres vivants couvre la biologie et l’écologie. (The field of living beings covers biology and ecology.) |
| Bioinformatique | bee-oh-an-fohr-mah-teek | Bioinformatics | La bioinformatique aide à analyser les données biologiques. (Bioinformatics helps analyze biological data.) |
| Génétique évolutive | zhay-nay-teek ay-voh-loo-teev | Evolutionary genetics | La génétique évolutive explique l’adaptation des espèces. (Evolutionary genetics explains species adaptation.) |
| Étude de l’ADN | ay-tewd duh lah-deh-enn | Study of DNA | L’étude de l’ADN est une partie importante de la biologie moléculaire. (The study of DNA is an important part of molecular biology.) |
| Écologie des populations | ay-koh-loh-zhee day poh-pyoo-lah-syohn | Population ecology | L’écologie des populations analyse les interactions des espèces. (Population ecology analyzes species interactions.) |
| Science médicale | see-ahns meh-dee-kahl | Medical science | La science médicale dépend des découvertes en biologie. (Medical science depends on discoveries in biology.) |
| Biologie structurale | bee-oh-loh-zhee struk-tew-rahl | Structural biology | La biologie structurale étudie la structure des molécules. (Structural biology studies molecule structure.) |
| Biologie terrestre | bee-oh-loh-zhee teh-rehs-treh | Terrestrial biology | La biologie terrestre explore la vie sur terre. (Terrestrial biology explores life on land.) |
| Écologie comportementale | ay-koh-loh-zhee kohm-pohr-teh-mahn-tahl | Behavioral ecology | L’écologie comportementale analyse les habitudes des animaux. (Behavioral ecology analyzes animal habits.) |
Responses to “Biology” in French
When discussing “biology” in French, knowing how to respond appropriately can make conversations more engaging and accurate. Here are some common responses you can use when someone talks about biology or related topics in French.
1. C’est fascinant!
Pronunciation: say fah-see-nahnt
Meaning: That’s fascinating!
In a Sentence:
- La biologie marine est incroyable. (Marine biology is amazing.)
- C’est fascinant! Je voudrais en savoir plus. (That’s fascinating! I’d like to learn more.)
2. Je m’y intéresse aussi.
Pronunciation: zhuh mee an-teh-ress oh-see
Meaning: I’m interested in it too.
In a Sentence:
- La biologie est ma matière préférée. (Biology is my favorite subject.)
- Je m’y intéresse aussi, surtout la génétique. (I’m interested in it too, especially genetics.)
3. Vous travaillez dans ce domaine?
Pronunciation: voo trah-vah-yeh dahn suh doh-mehn
Meaning: Do you work in this field?
In a Sentence:
- J’adore la recherche en biologie. (I love biology research.)
- Vous travaillez dans ce domaine? (Do you work in this field?)
4. C’est important pour comprendre la vie.
Pronunciation: say ahn-pohr-tahn poor kohm-prahn-druh lah vee
Meaning: It’s important for understanding life.
In a Sentence:
- La biologie explique comment les organismes fonctionnent. (Biology explains how organisms function.)
- Oui, c’est important pour comprendre la vie. (Yes, it’s important for understanding life.)
5. Quelle partie préférez-vous?
Pronunciation: kel par-tee pray-fay-ray voo
Meaning: Which part do you prefer?
In a Sentence:
- J’aime la biologie moléculaire. (I like molecular biology.)
- Intéressant! Quelle partie préférez-vous? (Interesting! Which part do you prefer?)
6. J’ai étudié ça à l’université.
Pronunciation: zhay ay-tew-dyay sah ah lew-nee-vehr-see-tay
Meaning: I studied that at university.
In a Sentence:
- La biologie est un sujet passionnant. (Biology is a fascinating subject.)
- Oui, j’ai étudié ça à l’université. (Yes, I studied that at university.)
7. C’est une science essentielle.
Pronunciation: say tewn see-ahns ess-ahn-syehl
Meaning: It’s an essential science.
In a Sentence:
- La biologie est essentielle pour la médecine. (Biology is essential for medicine.)
- Exactement, c’est une science essentielle. (Exactly, it’s an essential science.)
8. Laquelle trouvez-vous la plus intéressante?
Pronunciation: lah-kehl troo-vay voo lah plewz an-teh-reh-sahn-tuh
Meaning: Which one do you find the most interesting?
In a Sentence:
- J’aime la biologie marine. (I like marine biology.)
- Laquelle trouvez-vous la plus intéressante? (Which one do you find the most interesting?)
9. Avez-vous déjà travaillé dans un laboratoire?
Pronunciation: ah-vay voo day-zhah trah-vah-yay dahn-zuh lah-boh-rah-twahr
Meaning: Have you ever worked in a lab?
In a Sentence:
- La biologie nécessite souvent du travail en laboratoire. (Biology often requires lab work.)
- Avez-vous déjà travaillé dans un laboratoire? (Have you ever worked in a lab?)
10. Cela me rappelle mes études.
Pronunciation: suh-lah muh rah-pell mehz ay-tewd
Meaning: It reminds me of my studies.
In a Sentence:
- On a parlé de la biologie animale aujourd’hui. (We talked about animal biology today.)
- Cela me rappelle mes études à l’école. (It reminds me of my studies at school.)
11. J’aimerais apprendre davantage.
Pronunciation: zhay-meh-ray ah-pran-druh dah-vahn-tahzh
Meaning: I would like to learn more.
In a Sentence:
- La génétique est fascinante. (Genetics is fascinating.)
- Oui, j’aimerais apprendre davantage. (Yes, I would like to learn more.)
12. Est-ce que vous avez des livres à recommander?
Pronunciation: ess kuh voo zah-vay day lee-vruh ah reh-koh-mahn-day
Meaning: Do you have any books to recommend?
In a Sentence:
- J’adore lire sur la biologie moléculaire. (I love reading about molecular biology.)
- Est-ce que vous avez des livres à recommander? (Do you have any books to recommend?)
13. C’est une science en plein développement.
Pronunciation: say tewn see-ahns ahn plehn day-veh-lohp-mahn
Meaning: It’s a rapidly developing science.
In a Sentence:
- La biologie évolue très rapidement. (Biology is evolving very quickly.)
- Oui, c’est une science en plein développement. (Yes, it’s a rapidly developing science.)
14. J’ai toujours aimé la biologie.
Pronunciation: zhay too-zhoor ay-may lah bee-oh-loh-zhee
Meaning: I’ve always loved biology.
In a Sentence:
- La biologie était ma matière préférée à l’école. (Biology was my favorite subject in school.)
- Moi aussi, j’ai toujours aimé la biologie. (Me too, I’ve always loved biology.)
15. Quel est votre domaine préféré?
Pronunciation: kel ay voh-truh doh-mehn pray-fay-ray
Meaning: What is your favorite field?
In a Sentence:
- J’adore la biologie environnementale. (I love environmental biology.)
- Intéressant! Quel est votre domaine préféré? (Interesting! What is your favorite field?)
Exercise to Practice “Biology” in French
Below is a list of fill-in-the-blank exercises to help you practice the vocabulary and phrases related to “biology” in French. Each sentence is provided in French, along with its meaning in English. After the exercises, the answers are provided.
Fill-in-the-Blank Exercises
- J’étudie la _______ à l’université.
(I study _______ at the university.) - La _______ marine explore les écosystèmes sous-marins.
(_______ biology explores underwater ecosystems.) - La _______ moléculaire est fascinante.
(_______ biology is fascinating.) - Mon ami travaille en _______ des populations d’oiseaux.
(My friend works in _______ of bird populations.) - La _______ aide à comprendre l’évolution des espèces.
(_______ helps understand species evolution.) - L’étude des _______ vivants est cruciale pour la science.
(The study of _______ organisms is crucial for science.) - J’ai lu un livre sur la _______ des plantes.
(I read a book about plant _______.) - La _______ médicale contribue à la création de vaccins.
(_______ medical contributes to vaccine creation.) - Mon professeur adore enseigner la _______ humaine.
(My teacher loves teaching human _______.) - L’écologie et la _______ sont étroitement liées.
(Ecology and _______ are closely connected.) - La _______ structurale explore les molécules.
(_______ biology explores molecules.) - La _______ des systèmes vivants est un domaine passionnant.
(The study of living systems is an exciting field.)
Answers
- J’étudie la biologie à l’université. (I study biology at the university.)
- La biologie marine explore les écosystèmes sous-marins. (Marine biology explores underwater ecosystems.)
- La biologie moléculaire est fascinante. (Molecular biology is fascinating.)
- Mon ami travaille en biologie des populations d’oiseaux. (My friend works in population biology of birds.)
- La génétique aide à comprendre l’évolution des espèces. (Genetics helps understand species evolution.)
- L’étude des organismes vivants est cruciale pour la science. (The study of living organisms is crucial for science.)
- J’ai lu un livre sur la génétique des plantes. (I read a book about plant genetics.)
- La biotechnologie médicale contribue à la création de vaccins. (Medical biotechnology contributes to vaccine creation.)
- Mon professeur adore enseigner la biologie humaine. (My teacher loves teaching human biology.)
- L’écologie et la biologie sont étroitement liées. (Ecology and biology are closely connected.)
- La biologie structurale explore les molécules. (Structural biology explores molecules.)
- La biologie des systèmes vivants est un domaine passionnant. (The study of living systems is an exciting field.)
Conclusion
Learning how to say “biology” in French opens up a world of opportunities for communication, especially when talking about science or education. Whether you use the simple term “biologie” or explore related fields like “écologie” or “génétique,” these words help you engage in meaningful conversations.
By practicing the phrases, responses, and exercises shared in this article, you can grow more confident in using these terms in your studies or discussions. Keep practicing, and soon, speaking about biology in French will feel natural and easy!