Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| incroyable | /ɛ̃.kʁwa.jabl/ | |
| incrédible | /ɛ̃.kʁe.dibl/ | uncommon |
The adjective is used to describe something that is amazing. Depending on the context, you might use other terms such as impressionnant (impressive), phénoménal (phenomenal), exceptionnel (exceptional) or stupéfiant (mind-blowing).
What does it mean word for word?
The word incroyable literally means 'unbelievable', and it is derived from the verb croire, which means 'to believe'.
Which one should you use?
While incroyable is the standard term, you may occasionally encounter incrédible, though this form is uncommon.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective incroyable is invariable in gender, so it remains the same whether it is describing a masculine or feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ɛ̃.kʁwa.jabl/ and consists of three syllables.
When do people say it?
In informal situations, instead of saying something is incredible, speakers might use the phrase c'est fou! to mean 'it's crazy!' or 'it's insane!'
Did you know?
- In the 18th century, the 'Incroyables' were a specific social group of flamboyant young men in Paris known for their exaggerated clothing and eccentric behavior after the French Revolution.
- In modern French slang, the word incroyable is sometimes used as a standalone exclamation to express disbelief or shock, similar to how an English speaker might say 'No way!'
- Using incroyable to describe a person can be a compliment, but it can also suggest that the person is behaving in an unbelievable or even suspicious manner.
Examples in context
- Mais c'est incroyable !But that's incredible!This sentence shows how to express surprise with incroyable.Tatoeba #5288740 by Blabla, translation #5288746 by mailohilohi
- Tu es vraiment incroyable.You're really incredible.This sentence demonstrates using incroyable to describe a person.Tatoeba #5743721 by Petrus, translation #5743491 by CM
- Ce repas était incroyable.That meal was incredible.This sentence illustrates using incroyable to describe a meal.Tatoeba #6937005 by Aiji, translation #3722493 by CM
- Le spectacle était tout simplement incroyable.The show was simply incredible.
- Les résultats obtenus par cette entreprise sont incroyables.The results achieved by this company are incredible.
- Tu as vu son nouveau tatouage ? C'est fou !Did you see his new tattoo? It's crazy!
- Le film que j'ai vu hier était fou !The movie I saw yesterday was insane!
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are looking at a stunning view from a mountain top.
- LéaLa vue est incroyable !The view is incredible!
- HugoOui, c'est vraiment magnifique.Yes, it is truly magnificent.
- LéaTu as raison, Hugo.You are right, Hugo.
- HugoJe suis content que tu aimes ça.I am glad that you like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “incredible” translations and entries incroyable, incrédible, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
