équilibre
/e.ki.libʁ/
The English phrase even keel is translated into French as équilibre.
To express the specific idea of maintaining an even keel, French speakers often use the phrase garder l'équilibre, which combines the verb garder (to keep) with équilibre.
Which one should you use?
While 'even keel' in English is often used metaphorically for emotional stability, the French équilibre is used both for physical balance and for mental or emotional stability.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of équilibre is /e.ki.libʁ/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word équilibre shares its root with the Latin 'libra', meaning 'scales', reflecting the ancient image of a balance scale rather than a ship's hull.
- In French, the word équilibre is often used in the phrase perdre l'équilibre, which can describe both physically tripping and suffering a mental breakdown.
- In French art criticism, one might speak of l'équilibre des couleurs to describe a painting. This refers to how no single color overwhelts the visual stability of the composition.
Examples in context
- Pour résoudre la crise, nous devons garder les relations en équilibreTo resolve the crisis, we must keep relations on an even keel
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are discussing a stressful project at work.
- NathanJe me sens complètement débordé par ce projet.I feel completely overwhelmed by this project.
- ChloéRespire, Nathan, tu dois garder ton équilibre.Breathe, Nathan, you need to keep an even keel.
- NathanC'est difficile quand tout change si vite.It's hard when everything changes so fast.
- ChloéPrends une pause pour retrouver ton équilibre.Take a break to get back on an even keel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry équilibre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
