normal
/nɔʁ.mal/
The English word "normal" can be translated into French as normal. Wiktionary also lists ordinaire.
Meaning: usual, ordinary (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| normal | /nɔʁ.mal/ |
| ordinaire | /ɔʁ.di.nɛʁ/ |
The term normal is used universally in French to mean "normal." Additionally, ordinaire can mean "ordinary" or "normal," while usuel refers to things that are commonly used, followed or normal.
Which one should you use?
While normal can mean "standard" or "expected," the word ordinaire often carries a slightly more negative connotation of being "unremarkable" or "commonplace."
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the adjective is normale. In mathematics, the noun normale refers to a line perpendicular to another.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of normal is /nɔʁ.mal/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word normal comes from the Latin nōrmālis, which originally referred to a carpenter's square, a tool used to ensure a right angle.
- In casual French, C'est normal is often used as a response to 'thank you' or an apology, meaning 'don't mention it' or 'it is only natural'.
- In a French restaurant, a menu ordinaire historically referred to the basic, standard meal provided to workers, distinguishing it from a gourmet meal.
Examples in context
- Je me sens normal.I feel normal.This sentence is useful for expressing how one feels using normal.Tatoeba #4679162 by sacredceltic, translation #2245748 by CK
- Tu n'es pas normal.You're not normal.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is not normal.Tatoeba #2186569 by sacredceltic, translation #2182833 by Hybrid
- Tom a l'air normal.Tom looks normal.This sentence is useful for describing how someone looks using normal.Tatoeba #9405582 by Micsmithel, translation #2237299 by CK
- un horaire réguliera regular schedule
- une situation ordinairea normal situation
- Il est en retard comme d'habitudeHe's late, as usual.
- Il est tout à fait normal de se sentir nerveux avant un entretienIt's completely normal to feel nervous before an interview.
- 178 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are talking about their daily schedules.
- ManonC'est une journée normale pour toi ?Is it a normal day for you?
- LucasOui, je fais mes activités habituelles.Yes, I am doing my usual activities.
- ManonLe rythme semble très normal.The pace seems very normal.
- LucasC'est vrai, tout est calme.That's true, everything is calm.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “normal” translations and entries normal, ordinaire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries normal, ordinaire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
