ample
/ɑ̃pl/
The English word "loose" can be translated into French as ample. Wiktionary also lists pas serré and lousse.
Meaning: not fitting tightly (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ample | /ɑ̃pl/ | |
| pas serré | ||
| lousse | Quebec, slang |
The primary way to express that something is not fitting tightly is with the adjective ample.
Which one should you use?
ample is the standard term, while pas serré is a literal way to say "not tight." In specific contexts, you may also use the verb défaire to mean "to unfasten."
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
amples is a formal synonym used specifically for clothing or objects that are intended to be loose-fitting. In informal or slang contexts in Quebec, you might encounter lousse.
Is it said differently in some regions?
lousse is a slang term used in Quebec French. It is a phonetic anglicism of the English word "loose."
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, ample must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies, such as in the phrase des vêtements amples.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɑ̃pl/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Elle porte un manteau ample.She's wearing a loose coat.This sentence shows how to use ample to describe a loose coat.Tatoeba #4766168 by sacredceltic, translation #311564 by CK
- Cette chemise est un peu ample.This shirt is a little bit loose.This sentence uses ample to describe a shirt that is a little bit loose.Tatoeba #12300214 by lbdx, translation #61031 by CK
- Tom aime porter des vêtements amples.Tom likes to wear loose-fitting clothes.This sentence demonstrates how ample agrees with the plural noun in vêtements.Tatoeba #7705213 by lbdx, translation #2640851 by CK
- J'ai besoin d'une veste large.I need a loose jacket.
- Elle porte une robe aux manches amples.She is wearing a dress with loose sleeves.
- Il est très relâché dans sa manière d'être.He is very laid-back in his demeanor.
- Le professeur est assez souple sur les dates de remise des devoirs.The teacher is quite loose with assignment deadlines.
- Cette ceinture est trop lâche pour moi.This belt is too loose for me.
- Je préfère les vêtements amples en été.I prefer loose-fitting clothes in the summer.
- Les règles de cette compétition sont assez souples.The rules of this competition are quite loose.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are shopping for clothes in a boutique.
- ChloéTu aimes ce pull ?Do you like this sweater?
- HugoOui, mais il est un peu ample.Yes, but it is a bit loose.
- ChloéTu veux essayer une taille plus petite ?Do you want to try a smaller size?
- HugoNon, je préfère quand c'est ample.No, I prefer when it's loose.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “loose” translations and entries ample, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ample, pas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
