équilibre
/e.ki.libʁ/
The French word for balance is équilibre.
équilibre is a noun used to describe a state of equilibrium or physical stability. For example, you can describe a équilibre précaire as a precarious balance.
Meaning: be in equilibrium (verb)
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'balance' can function as a verb, the French word équilibre is strictly a noun. If you want to express the action of balancing something, you should use the verb équilibrer instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing the idea of losing one's balance, French uses the definite article rather than a possessive pronoun. Instead of saying 'his balance' with a possessive, you use the phrase perdre l'équilibre.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /e.ki.libʁ/.
Did you know?
- While équilibre describes stability, the French word for a 'balance' used in a bank account is solde. Using équilibre in a financial context would be misunderstood as a request for stability rather than a remaining amount.
- In French, if you are 'balanced' in the sense of being a well-rounded person, you are described as équilibré. This can also be used as a medical term to describe a patient whose mental state has stabilized.
- The word équilibre shares the same Latin root as the English word 'libra', which refers to the scales used to weigh goods.
Examples in context
- Tom a perdu l'équilibre.Tom lost his balance.This sentence shows how to use équilibre to say someone lost their balance.Tatoeba #4779343 by Oql, translation #2547565 by CK
- Ziri a perdu l'équilibre.Ziri lost his balance.Tatoeba #11941857 by Amastan, translation #11441034 by Amastan
- Yanni a perdu l'équilibre.Yanni lost his balance.Tatoeba #11941854 by Amastan, translation #9037674 by Amastan
- Pour maintenir un équilibre sain, vous devez faire de l'exercice régulièrement.To maintain a healthy balance, you need to exercise regularly.
- Le solde de votre compte bancaire est de 500 euros.The balance of your bank account is 500 euros.
- L'harmonie entre ces couleurs crée un équilibre visuel agréable.The harmony between these colors creates a pleasant visual balance.
- La répartition des ressources doit être équitable pour assurer un équilibre écologique.The distribution of resources must be fair to ensure an ecological balance.
- Sa vie est un équilibre précaire entre son travail et sa vie personnelle.His life is a precarious balance between his work and personal life.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A yoga instructor is giving advice to a student in a studio.
- ChloéTu dois garder l'équilibre sur une jambe.You must keep your balance on one leg.
- GabrielC'est difficile de maintenir l'équilibre, Chloé.It is difficult to maintain balance, Chloé.
- ChloéRespire doucement pour trouver l'équilibre.Breathe softly to find your balance.
- GabrielJe commence enfin à trouver l'équilibre.I am finally starting to find my balance.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry équilibre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries équilibre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
