French Phrase
La bande passante, c'est la capacité à transmettre des données.
Meaning
This phrase defines "bandwidth" as the capacity to transfer information. It's a fundamental concept in computing and telecommunications, referring to the maximum amount of data that can be moved from one point to another in a given time period. Think of it like the width of a pipe: a wider pipe (more bandwidth) allows more water (data) to flow through simultaneously.
When to use
You would use this phrase when explaining technical concepts related to internet speed, network performance, or data transfer to someone. It's common in IT discussions, when troubleshooting connectivity issues, or when comparing different internet service plans. It serves as a clear and concise definition for a key technical term.
✦Grammar Breakdown
La bande passante,c'estla capacitéàtransmettredes données
La bande passante
This is the direct translation for "bandwidth". "Bande" means "band" or "strip", and "passante" means "passing" or "transmitting". It's a common technical term.
C'est
"C'est" (contraction of "ce est") is commonly used for definitions and identifications in French, especially in spoken language. It translates to "it is" or "this is".
La capacité à + infinitif
The construction "la capacité à" followed by an infinitive verb means "the ability to do something". It's important to use "à" and not "de" in this context.
Transmettre des données
"Transmettre" means "to transmit" or "to transfer". "Des données" means "data". Note that "données" is always plural in French when referring to data.
🗨In Conversation
Mon internet est vraiment lent aujourd'hui.
My internet is really slow today.
Peut-être que ta bande passante est limitée. La bande passante, c'est la capacité à transmettre des données.
Maybe your bandwidth is limited. Bandwidth is the ability to transmit data.
✕Common Mistakes
La bande passante est la capacité à transmettre des données.
While grammatically correct, "c'est" is more natural and common for definitions in spoken French, especially when introducing a concept. "Est" can sound a bit more formal or academic in this context.
La bande passante, c'est la capacité de transmettre des données.
The correct preposition after "capacité" when followed by an infinitive verb is "à", not "de". "Capacité à faire quelque chose" is the standard construction.
↔Alternatives
La bande passante, c'est le débit de données.
Bandwidth is the data flow rate.
C'est la vitesse à laquelle les données peuvent circuler.
It's the speed at which data can travel.
Cultural Tip
In French, technical terms like "bande passante" are often direct translations or calques from English ("bandwidth"). While some purists might advocate for purely French terms, many technical fields readily adopt these translated terms. Understanding such phrases is crucial for navigating modern French conversations, especially in professional or tech-savvy environments. It's a good example of how French adapts to global technological advancements.