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Barre oblique

La barre oblique est un signe typographique en forme de diagonale, écrit « / ».

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The barre oblique, also known as the slash or oblique stroke, is a typographic symbol represented by a diagonal line “/”. It is used to separate elements, indicate fractions or ratios, and mark alternatives in general and technical language. In Canadian French, its usage is documented by authoritative sources such as TERMIUM Plus and the OQLF’s Vitrine linguistique.

Definition

The barre oblique is a typographic sign formed by a diagonal stroke. Sources describe it as a separation symbol used in various linguistic, technical, and mathematical contexts.

Linguistic uses

In general language, the barre oblique serves to relate terms, mark an alternative, or separate elements of a group. It appears in expressions such as “et/ou” (and/or) and in certain compound words.

Mathematical uses

In mathematical contexts, the barre oblique can represent division or a ratio when a fraction is written on a single line. It is also used as a division sign in various writing guides.

Technical and computing uses

The barre oblique is common in computing, particularly in certain path and resource notations. Sources describe it as a typographic character used to separate or structure data.

Key facts

  • The barre oblique is a diagonal typographic symbol “/” used for separation, fractions, and alternatives.
  • It is used in French to indicate an alternative, such as in “et/ou”.
  • In mathematics, it can represent division or a ratio in linear fraction notation.
  • In computing, it appears in paths and technical notations.
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Canadian context

Les sources canadiennes consultées, notamment le Guide du rédacteur de TERMIUM Plus et la Vitrine linguistique de l’OQLF, documentent les usages recommandés de la barre oblique en français au Canada.[4][8]

Frequently asked questions

What is a barre oblique?
It is a diagonal typographic sign, written “/”, used to separate, link, or indicate a fraction.
Does the barre oblique have a use in mathematics?
Yes. It can represent division or a ratio, especially when a fraction is written on a single line.
What are its other names?
It is also called oblique, fraction bar, or slash in some contexts.
What is it used for in French?
It is used to mark an alternative, link terms, or separate elements of a group.
Is it used in computing?
Yes. It appears in certain technical notations and in file paths or resource paths.

References

  1. Alloprofhttps://www.alloprof.qc.ca/fr/eleves/bv/francais/la-barre-oblique-f1176
    Supports: Définition générale et fonctions principales de la barre oblique.
  2. Techno-Science.nethttps://www.techno-science.net/fr/definitions/barre-oblique
    Supports: Définition du symbole /, usage comme barre de fraction et dans des expressions alternatives.
  3. TERMIUM Plus / Gouvernement du Canadahttps://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/redac-chap?lang=spa&lettr=chapsect6&info0=6.12
    Supports: Noms alternatifs, usages en mathématiques, choix entre possibilités et citation de vers.
  4. Office québécois de la langue françaisehttps://vitrinelinguistique.oqlf.gouv.qc.ca/23373/la-ponctuation/barre-oblique/barre-oblique-comme-signe-de-division
    Supports: Usage de la barre oblique comme signe de division, fraction, rapport et pagination.
  5. Orthodidactehttps://www.orthodidacte.com/ressources/dictionnaire/definition/barre-oblique-definition/
    Supports: Définition, usages en informatique et en mots composés ou rapports.