Brochure vs. dépliant vs. prospectus vs. tract
When synonymous terms like "leaflet," "pamphlet," or "brochure" are translated into French, the correct choice depends entirely on the physical format of the paper (bound vs. folded) and the specific intent behind the message (commercial vs. ideological).
Brochure
A2A brochure implies a multi-page document that is bound, stapled, or glued together, similar to a thin magazine or a booklet. It is usually printed on higher quality paper and is meant to be kept for reference.
L'agence de voyage m'a donné une belle brochure sur le Japon.
(The travel agency gave me a beautiful booklet about Japan.)
Vous trouverez tous nos tarifs dans la brochure de l'entreprise.
(You will find all our rates in the company brochure.)
Le musée vend une brochure explicative à la boutique de souvenirs.
(The museum sells an explanatory booklet at the gift shop.)
Dépliant
B1Use dépliant when referring to a single sheet of paper that has been folded (bi-fold, tri-fold, accordion). The word comes from the verb "déplier" (to unfold). It is common for maps and tourism summaries.
Prenez un dépliant à l'entrée pour avoir le plan du zoo.
(Take a leaflet at the entrance to get the map of the zoo.)
Ce dépliant touristique liste les meilleurs restaurants de la ville.
(This tourist leaflet lists the best restaurants in the city.)
Le menu du restaurant est imprimé sur un simple dépliant en papier.
(The restaurant menu is printed on a simple paper folder.)
Prospectus
B1A prospectus is strictly generally used for commercial advertising and mass marketing. It can be a single flyer or a small catalog, typically featuring discounts and product offers, often found in mailboxes.
Ma boîte aux lettres est remplie de prospectus pour des pizzas.
(My mailbox is full of flyers for pizza.)
J'ai vu une promotion intéressante dans le prospectus du supermarché.
(I saw an interesting promotion in the supermarket circular.)
Il est interdit de distribuer des prospectus sur les voitures ici.
(It is forbidden to distribute commercial flyers on cars here.)
Tract
B2A tract refers to a leaflet or handbill used for propaganda, political campaigns, religious messaging, or union strikes. It is almost always a single sheet handed out in the street.
Les manifestants distribuent un tract contre la nouvelle loi.
(The protesters are handing out a leaflet against the new law.)
J'ai reçu un tract politique pour les élections municipales.
(I received a political handbill for the municipal elections.)
Le syndicat a imprimé un tract pour expliquer les raisons de la grève.
(The union printed a flyer to explain the reasons for the strike.)
Summary
To choose the right word, look at the form and function: use a brochure for bound booklets, a dépliant for folded sheets, a prospectus for commercial ads and sales, and a tract for political or ideological leaflets.