établi
/e.ta.bli/
The English word 'established' can be translated into French as établi.
établi is used to describe something that has been in existence for some time and is generally accepted. It can be used as an adjective to describe an established rule or entity, but it is also the past participle of the verb établir, which means to establish or set up.
Meaning: having been in existence for some time and generally accepted (adj)
Which one should you use?
While établi functions as an adjective meaning 'established', it also serves as the past participle of the verb 'to establish' or 'to set up'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec French, the phrase 'bien établi(e)' might be expressed as bien implanté(e).
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, établi must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use établie for feminine singular nouns, établis for masculine plural nouns and établies for feminine plural nouns.
Did you know?
- In a woodworking shop, an établi is not an adjective but a noun meaning a 'workbench'.
- The word établi shares a root with the English word 'stable', as both come from the Latin 'stabilis' meaning 'standing firm'.
- If an 'established' rule is being challenged, a French speaker might say it is a règle établie, but if it is an 'established' custom, they might prefer coutume ancrée, meaning 'anchored'.
Examples in context
- Ils ont établi des colonies en Afrique.They established settlements in Africa.This sentence shows the use of établi regarding settlements.Tatoeba #13273870 by lbdx, translation #305476 by shekitten
- L'Arabie Saoudite a été établie en 1932.Saudi Arabia was established in 1932.This sentence shows the use of établie regarding the establishment of a country.Tatoeba #12101878 by Amastan, translation #10808237 by Amastan
- Newton a établi la loi de la gravitation.Newton established the law of gravity.This sentence shows the use of établi in the context of establishing a law.Tatoeba #12007943 by lbdx, translation #35942 by CM
- L'entreprise est bien établie en EuropeThe company is well-established in Europe
- Ce gouvernement est solidement établiThis government is firmly established
- Il est reconnu comme un artiste établiHe is recognized as an established artist
- Il est bien installé dans sa nouvelle maisonHe is well-established in his new house
- L'entreprise est implantée depuis plusieurs annéesThe company has been established for several years
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are discussing a business opportunity.
- LucasC'est un système déjà bien établi.It is an already well-established system.
- ChloéEst-ce qu'il est efficace ?Is it effective?
- LucasOui, c'est un modèle établi depuis longtemps.Yes, it is a long-established model.
- ChloéAlors, nous devrions l'utiliser.Then, we should use it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry établi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
