noun

calque

KALK

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Calque (noun) means a word or phrase formed in one language by translating the parts of a word or phrase in another language piece by piece. Example: “The English word skyscraper has been calqued into many languages, and each version is a calque.”

noun

technical A word or phrase formed in one language by translating the parts of a word or phrase in another language piece by piece.

"The English word skyscraper has been calqued into many languages, and each version is a calque."

"Linguists regard the term loanword as a calque of a German word."

"The phrase is a calque from French, translated almost word for word."

verb

technical To adopt a word or phrase from another language by translating its parts.

"English calqued the phrase "it goes without saying" from French."

"Translators sometimes calque an idiom instead of finding a natural equivalent."

How to use calque

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn expression copied from another language by translating each part literally.

When to use it

It is a technical term used mainly in linguistics and translation studies.

Memory tip

Say it as one syllable, with the que silent.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

calque of calque from French

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “calque” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The English word skyscraper has been _____ into many languages, and each version is a calque.

Etymology

A learned borrowing from French calque, meaning a copy or tracing. The French comes from calquer, which came from Italian and ultimately from Latin calcare, meaning to tread.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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loan translation

Rhymes for calque

rue due sue cue hue blue true flue clue glue imbue pique

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Frequently asked questions

What is a calque in linguistics?

A calque is a word or phrase made by translating the parts of a foreign expression one by one. It differs from a plain loanword, which is borrowed without translation.

How do you pronounce calque?

It is pronounced KALK, and it sounds the same as calc and calk.

Is loanword a calque?

Yes. The term loanword is itself a calque of the German word Lehnwort.

What is the meaning of calque?

"calque" (noun) means a word or phrase formed in one language by translating the parts of a word or phrase in another language piece by piece.