mobile
/mɔ.bil/
The French word for movable is mobile.
The word mobile is an adjective used to describe something that is capable of being moved.
Meaning: capable of being moved (adj)
Which one should you use?
While mobile means capable of being moved, it is also the standard French word for a 'mobile' (the hanging decoration used above a crib or in art).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective mobile takes an 's' in its plural form, mobiles, to agree with a plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɔ.bil/
Did you know?
- In a criminal context, the 'motive' for a crime is called the mobile in French.
- In French, the word meuble can be a noun meaning 'furniture', even though it stems from the same root as 'movable'.
- While 'mobile' describes the capacity to move, the French word mouvementé is used to describe a 'moving' or 'eventful' experience, like a 'mouvementé' life.
Examples in context
- Le mobilier du bureau est facilement mobile .The office furniture is easily movable.
- Cette étagère est totalement déplaçable .This shelf is completely movable.
- Tes cartons sont tous bougeables .Your boxes are all movable.
- Ça, on peut le déplacer .We can move that.
- un objet mobileA movable object
- Nous avons besoin d'un bureau mobile.We need a movable desk.
- Cette cloison est mobile pour plus de flexibilité.This partition is movable for more flexibility.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are organizing a new office space.
- HugoEst-ce que cette étagère est mobile ?Is this shelf movable?
- LéaOui, elle est très facile à déplacer.Yes, it is very easy to move.
- HugoC'est parfait pour notre nouvel agencement.That is perfect for our new layout.
- LéaJe vais la placer ici, Hugo.I will place it here, Hugo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mobile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
