supplémentaire
/sy.ple.mɑ̃.tɛʁ/
The English phrase 'extra' can be translated into French as supplémentaire.
The adjective supplémentaire is used to describe something that is additional or added to what is already present. While it can mean both 'additional' and 'extra' in formal contexts, it is specifically used for things beyond what is due or usual.
Meaning: beyond what is due, usual (adj)
Which one should you use?
Use supplémentaire when you mean 'additional' or 'added to what is already there'. Do not use the French word 'extra' as an adjective for this meaning, as in French, 'extra' is strictly reserved for describing something that is 'extraordinary' or 'excellent' in a colloquial sense.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective supplémentaire is the same for both masculine and feminine singular nouns. To make the adjective plural, add an 's' to the end: supplémentaires.
How do you pronounce it?
/sy.ple.mɑ̃.tɛʁ/. The word has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French cinema and theater, an 'extra' actor is called a figurant. The word comes from figurer, meaning to represent or appear in the background.
- When referring to 'extra' time in a football match, the French use prolongations. This comes from the verb prolonger, meaning to extend the duration.
- The phrase en plus is the most common spoken alternative to supplémentaire. While supplémentaire is formal, en plus is the go-to phrase for almost any 'extra' thing in daily conversation.
Examples in context
- Avez-vous une clé supplémentaire ?Do you have an extra key?This sentence is useful for asking about a supplémentaire key.Tatoeba #7680496 by sacredceltic, translation #3564976 by CK
- Ils disposent d'un lit supplémentaire.They have an extra bed.This sentence is useful for mentioning a supplémentaire bed.Tatoeba #3666106 by sacredceltic, translation #680909 by Source_VOA
- Nous n'avons pas d'argent supplémentaire.We have no extra money.This sentence is useful for stating the lack of supplémentaire money.Tatoeba #1286599 by sacredceltic, translation #1286505 by CK
- Veuillez trouver ci-joint des informations supplémentaires.Please find attached additional information.
- En plus de votre salaire, vous bénéficierez d'avantages supplémentaires.In addition to your salary, you will enjoy extra benefits.
- Nous pouvons vous proposer un service complémentaire avec votre achat.We can offer you an additional service with your purchase.
- J'ai eu un dessert en plus !I had an extra dessert!
- J'ai demandé un sandwich, et le vendeur m'a donné des frites en rab !I ordered a sandwich, and the seller gave me some extra fries!
- J'ai acheté ce produit et ils m'ont donné des échantillons en bonus.I bought this product, and they gave me some samples as an extra bonus.
- Pourriez-vous m'apporter un autre oreiller en plus ?Could you bring me an extra pillow?
- Je veux acheter un billet en plus pour mon ami.I want to buy an additional ticket for my friend.
- Elle a préparé des gâteaux en rab pour la fête.She made some extra cakes for the party.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are discussing their work hours.
- ChloéAs-tu travaillé des heures supplémentaires ?Did you work extra hours?
- LucasOui, j'ai fini le rapport hier soir.Yes, I finished the report last night.
- ChloéLe patron va te payer un bonus supplémentaire.The boss is going to pay you an extra bonus.
- LucasC'est super, merci Chloé !That's great, thanks Chloé!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “extra” translations and entries supplémentaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
