égal
/e.ɡal/
The English word "equal" translates to French as égal.
The adjective égal is used to describe things that are the same in all respects. When you want to express mathematical equality or state that something is equal to something else, the adjective is followed by the preposition à.
Meaning: the same in all respects (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes based on the subject it modifies. Use égal for a masculine singular subject and égale for a feminine singular subject. The masculine plural form is égaux and the feminine plural form is égales.
How do you pronounce it?
{'ipa': '/e.ɡal/', 'syllables': 2}
Did you know?
- In French, the concept of being 'equal' is central to the national motto Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité, which is displayed on almost every public building.
- The phrase à armes égales (with equal weapons) is used metaphorically to describe two opponents who have the same advantages or resources.
- The word égal replaced an older French word, el or ivel, which also meant 'equal' before the Latin-based version became standard.
Examples in context
- C'est parfaitement égal !It's perfectly equal!This sentence is useful for expressing that something is perfectly equal using égal.Tatoeba #1157549 by sacredceltic, translation #1521769 by steve
- Un plus deux est égal à trois.One plus two is equal to three.This sentence shows the use of égal in a mathematical context.Tatoeba #524931 by Snout, translation #475829 by biglion
- Nous sommes toutes égales ici.We're all equal here.This sentence shows the use of égale to modify a feminine subject.Tatoeba #12096251 by Rovo, translation #6874262 by CK
- Un dollar est équivalent à un euroOne dollar is equivalent to one euro
- Je suis pareil à mon frèreI am the same as my brother
- On a la même voitureWe have the same car
- La répartition est égale.The distribution is equal.
- Ces deux livres sont identiques.These two books are identical.
- Leur valeur est équivalente.Their value is equivalent.
- Tu es pareil à ton père.You are the same as your father.
- Nous avons la même opinion.We have the same opinion.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are dividing a cake.
- EmmaEst-ce que les parts sont égales ?Are the slices equal?
- GabrielOui, j'ai fait un partage égal.Yes, I made an equal division.
- EmmaC'est parfait, merci Gabriel.It is perfect, thank you Gabriel.
- GabrielDe rien, Emma !You are welcome, Emma!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “equal” translations and entries égal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries égal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
