Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| handicapé | /ɑ̃.di.ka.pe/ | masculine |
| infirme | /ɛ̃.fiʁm/ | feminine, masculine |
| invalide | /ɛ̃.va.lid/ | feminine, masculine |
These terms are used to describe someone having a disability. In modern French, it is more polite and common to use the phrase personne handicapée (disabled person) rather than just the adjective alone.
Which one should you use?
handicapé is the most common and general term. infirme often carries a more clinical or dated connotation of physical impairment. invalide is often used in formal or medical contexts, frequently referring to those unable to work due to injury.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form handicapé becomes handicapée in the feminine singular and handicapés in the masculine plural. The forms infirme and invalide are the same for both masculine and feminine genders.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/ɑ̃.di.ka.pe/', 'syllables': 4}
Did you know?
- The French word invalide is the root of the name for the famous Paris landmark Hôtel des Invalides. This site was originally established by Louis XIV to provide housing and care for wounded and elderly soldiers.
- In modern French, you will often see the phrase personne en situation de handicap used in official settings. This shifts the focus from a permanent state of being to the specific environmental challenges a person faces.
- While 'invalide' describes someone with a disability in French, it is a 'false friend' to the English word 'invalid', which usually refers to a sick person or something that is not legally binding.
Examples in context
- J'ai réparé la maison pour le type handicapé.I fixed the house for the disabled man.This sentence shows how to describe a house modified for a handicapé.Tatoeba #1121485 by sacredceltic, translation #1121377 by cntrational
- C'est principalement pratique pour les personnes handicapés, les malades et les plus âgés.This is useful mainly for disabled people, people with illnesses, and the elderly.This sentence uses handicapé to describe people for whom something is useful.Tatoeba #1153598 by Wittydev, translation #1149176 by shekitten
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are discussing the accessibility of a new restaurant.
- ChloéEst-ce que ce restaurant est accessible ?Is this restaurant accessible?
- GabrielOui, il y a un accès pour un client handicapé.Yes, there is access for a disabled customer.
- ChloéC'est super pour mon oncle.That's great for my uncle.
- GabrielOn peut donc y aller ensemble.So we can go there together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “disabled” translations and entries handicapé, infirme, invalide, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
