The Basic Principle: Minimal Capitalization
French titles generally use minimal capitalization. Only the first word and any proper nouns are capitalized, while all other words remain in lowercase. This applies to titles of books, articles, films, songs, and other works. This is in stark contrast to the English title case, where most main words receive a capital letter.
General Rule for French Title Capitalization
The fundamental rule is simple: capitalize only the first word of the title and any proper nouns, unless specific exceptions apply. For example:
- Le petit prince (The Little Prince)
- Les misérables (The Miserables)
- À la recherche du temps perdu (In Search of Lost Time)
Proper Nouns and Exceptions
Proper nouns always retain their initial capital letter in titles. For instance, place names, personal names, and specific product names are always capitalized:
- Les aventures de Tintin
- Le voyage de Chihiro
Additionally, if the first word in the title is an article (such as “Le,” “La,” “Les,” “Un,” “Une,” “Des”), it is always capitalized. If a title begins with a verb or an adjective, that word is capitalized as well, following the same rule.
Subtitles and Punctuation
When a title includes a subtitle, the first word after the colon or dash is also capitalized, regardless of whether it is a proper noun or not. For example:
- La vie est belle : Un conte moderne
- Les enfants du paradis – Un chef-d’œuvre du cinéma
Capitalization in Names of Organizations and Institutions
When writing the names of organizations, institutions, or companies, the rules may vary slightly. Usually, the first word is capitalized, as are any proper nouns or adjectives that are part of the name:
- Ministère de l’Éducation nationale
- Université de Paris
- Banque de France
Special Cases and Additional Tips
There are a few additional points to consider when capitalizing French titles:
- If a title starts with a quoted word or phrase, the first word after the quotation marks is capitalized.
- In poetry or artistic works, some authors may intentionally break the rules for stylistic effect, but the standard rules apply in formal and academic contexts.
- For magazines, newspapers, and periodicals, only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized, just like book titles.
French vs. English Title Capitalization: Key Differences
One of the most common mistakes French learners make is applying English capitalization rules to French titles. Remember, in English, main words in a title are usually capitalized (Title Case), but in French, only the first word and proper nouns should be capitalized (Sentence Case). This distinction is important for anyone aiming to write French correctly and is frequently highlighted in language learning resources like Talkpal.
Conclusion: Mastering French Title Capitalization
Knowing the correct capitalization rules for French titles is a vital skill for learners and writers of the French language. By following the guidelines above, you can ensure your French writing is both accurate and polished. Practice by rewriting English titles in French, paying careful attention to which words should be capitalized. For more tips on mastering French grammar and writing conventions, explore additional resources on the Talkpal – AI language learning blog. Bonne écriture!
