Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| capable | /ka.pabl/ |
| expérimenté | /ɛk.spe.ʁi.mɑ̃.te/ |
When you want to say someone is skillful, you can use different terms depending on whether you are emphasizing their capacity or their background. While capable can mean 'skillful', it is more frequently used to denote the potential or capacity to perform an action, such as being 'able to'.
Which one should you use?
Use expérimenté instead of capable when you want to emphasize that someone's ability comes from long-term professional experience rather than just general potential.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective capable is followed by the preposition de before an infinitive verb. Regarding gender, the adjective capable is invariable. The feminine form is also capable. However, the form expérimenté takes an extra -e in the feminine to match the subject, resulting in expérimentée.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of capable is /ka.pabl/ and consists of 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In certain French dialects, particularly in parts of Africa, capable can be used colloquially to express surprise or admiration at an achievement.
- In French, if you call someone capable, it can sometimes sound like a backhanded compliment, implying they are merely 'adequate' rather than 'excellent'.
- French has a specific noun, la capacité, which is used not only for mental ability but also to describe the volume of a container or the seating of a room.
Examples in context
- Tom en a été capable.Tom was able to do it.This sentence shows the use of capable.Tatoeba #13959044 by zogwarg, translation #5151205 by CK
- Il est capable de voler.He is able to fly.Tatoeba #133030 by Whidou, translation #4550890 by Whidou
- Elle est capable de patiner.She is able to skate.Tatoeba #1315104 by sacredceltic, translation #310988 by CK
- Je suis capable de gérer ce projet.I am able to manage this project.
- Il est à même de prendre des décisions importantes.He is able to make important decisions.
- Je peux te rejoindre après le travail.I can meet you after work.
- Je sais faire du vélo.I am able to ride a bike.
- Tu es capable de comprendre cette leçon.You are able to understand this lesson.
- Il est capable de mener cette équipe vers le succès.He is able to lead this team to success.
- Elle est à même de prendre des décisions éclairées.She is able to make informed decisions.
- Tu peux venir chez moi demain.You can come to my place tomorrow.
- Je sais faire la cuisine.I am able to cook.
- On est capable de surmonter tous les obstacles.We are able to overcome any obstacles.
- 237 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are discussing a new colleague's skills at work.
- HugoEst-ce que le nouveau collègue est capable ?Is the new colleague skillful?
- LéaOui, Léa pense qu'il est très capable.Yes, Léa thinks he is very capable.
- HugoC'est une bonne nouvelle pour l'équipe.That is good news for the team.
- LéaOn a besoin de quelqu'un de capable ici.We need someone skillful here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “able” translations and entries capable, expérimenté, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
