indépendant
/ɛ̃.de.pɑ̃.dɑ̃/
The English word independent is indépendant in French.
The adjective means not dependent. Not contingent or depending on something else. Free.
Meaning: not dependent, not contingent or depending on something else, free (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular is indépendant, and the feminine singular is indépendante. For plural forms, use indépendants for masculine plural and indépendantes for feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The word consists of 4 syllables and is pronounced /ɛ̃.de.pɑ̃.dɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- The word indépendant follows the same pattern as the English 'independent', both descending from the Latin 'dependere', meaning 'to hang from'.
- If a French speaker describes a person as très indépendant, they might be implying the person is solitary or difficult to manage, not just self-sufficient.
- In French, the word indépendant can also be a noun to describe a freelancer or someone who is self-employed, rather than just an adjective.
Examples in context
- Tom est très indépendant.Tom is very independent.This sentence is useful for describing someone as being very independent using indépendant.Tatoeba #5646180 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #2273598 by CK
- C'est un esprit indépendant.He's an independent thinker.This sentence shows how to use indépendant to describe an independent thinker.Tatoeba #1669581 by sacredceltic, translation #1666825 by Spamster
- Je veux être plus indépendant.I want to be more independent.This sentence illustrates a desire to be more independent using indépendant.Tatoeba #3924 by TRANG, translation #2115 by CK
- Il est indépendantHe is independent
- Elle est autonome dans son travailShe is independent in her work
- Ils veulent être libresThey want to be independent
- Elle se débrouille très bien toute seuleShe manages quite well on her own
- Il aime être son propre chefHe likes being independent/ his own boss
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are talking about their career goals.
- NathanJe veux devenir consultant indépendant l'année prochaine.I want to become an independent consultant next year.
- ManonC'est courageux, Nathan. Tu seras vraiment libre.That's brave, Nathan. You will be truly free.
- NathanOui, je préfère être indépendant et gérer mon temps.Yes, I prefer to be independent and manage my time.
- ManonJe comprends, Manon soutient ton projet !I understand, Manon supports your project!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “independent” translations and entries indépendant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries indépendant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
