égal
/e.ɡal/
The English phrase "equals" can be translated into French using égal.
Which one should you use?
In a mathematical context, such as an equation, the third-person singular verb form égale is used to mean "equals". For the adjective, the masculine plural form is égaux.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the word as a verb meaning "to equal" within a mathematical equation, you should use the third-person singular conjugation égale. When using the word as a masculine plural adjective, it changes to égaux.
How do you pronounce it?
/e.ɡal/
Did you know?
- French speakers use the term un match nul to describe a game that 'equals' in score, which literally translates to 'a null match'. This uses the concept of zero or void rather than the word for 'equal'.
- The modern French word égal is actually a 'semi-learned' borrowing from Latin, meaning it was reintroduced into the language by scholars to replace the native Old French word evel.
- When talking about two competitors being evenly matched, French speakers often use the idiomatic expression faire jeu égal rather than simply stating they are equal.
Examples in context
- Huit plus un égale neuf.Eight plus one equals nine.This sentence shows how to use égal in a mathematical equation.Tatoeba #10510290 by pkill, translation #13019254 by rul
- Deux fois deux égale quatre.Two times two equals four.Tatoeba #11275171 by lbdx, translation #8105926 by iT4LL
- Personne ne l'égale en force.Nobody equals him in strength.This sentence demonstrates the use of égal regarding strength.Tatoeba #7435163 by Micsmithel, translation #325908 by CM
- Le nombre de femmes égale le nombre d'hommes dans cette entreprise.The number of women equals the number of men in this company.
- Une livre équivaut à 0,4536 kilogramme.One pound equals 0.4536 kilograms.
- Prendre le bus ou le métro, ça revient au même.Taking the bus or the subway equals the same thing, meaning 'Taking the bus or the subway is ultimately the same.'
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are doing their math homework together.
- HugoSix plus six égale douze, n'est-ce pas ?Six plus six equals twelve, right?
- ChloéOui, c'est ça, Hugo.Yes, that's it, Hugo.
- HugoEt combien égale dix plus dix ?And how much equals ten plus ten?
- ChloéÇa égale vingt !That equals twenty!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 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.
