compatible
/kɔ̃.pa.tibl/
The English word 'compatible' is translated into French as compatible.
The adjective compatible is used to describe compatibility between objects, systems or people. When you want to say something is 'compatible with' something else, you should use the preposition avec (compatible avec).
Meaning: capable of easy interaction (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form compatible is the masculine singular form, used when describing a masculine subject or a mixed-gender group. To describe multiple people or objects, add an 's' to form the masculine plural compatibles.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /kɔ̃.pa.tibl/.
Did you know?
- The word compatible shares the exact same Latin root as the English word 'patient', both coming from 'pati' meaning 'to suffer' or 'to endure'.
- In French, describing a couple as compatibles often implies a logical or intellectual match, whereas complémentaires is used when two people provide what the other lacks.
- In French legal contexts, the root of compatible appears in incompatibilité, which can legally disqualify a person from holding two different public offices at once.
Examples in context
- Ils sont très compatibles.They are very compatible.This sentence shows how to describe people using the word compatible.Tatoeba #3652321 by sacredceltic, translation #307731 by CK
- Tom et Marie ne sont pas compatibles du tout.Tom and Mary aren't at all compatible.This sentence uses compatible to express that two people are not compatible at all.Tatoeba #13355682 by genes1s, translation #1096009 by CK
- Ce programme est-il compatible avec Windows XP ?Is this program compatible with Windows XP?This sentence demonstrates the prepositional usage of compatible with avec to ask about software compatibility.Tatoeba #3138511 by Clic, translation #3138183 by Hybrid
- Compatible avec votre système d'exploitation.Compatible with your operating system.
- Je pense que nos plannings sont compatibles.I think our schedules are compatible.
- Ces deux couleurs vont bien ensemble.These two colors go well together.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are discussing their personalities.
- ManonJe pense que nous sommes compatibles.I think that we are compatible.
- NathanMoi aussi, on s'entend très bien.Me too, we get along very well.
- ManonC'est rare d'être aussi compatible.It is rare to be this compatible.
- NathanOui, c'est vraiment super.Yes, it is really great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “compatible” translations and entries compatible, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compatible, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
