remarquable
/ʁə.maʁ.kabl/
The English word 'outstanding' is translated into French as remarquable.
Remarquable is used to describe something that is distinguished from others by its superiority.
Meaning: distinguished from others by its superiority (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb remarquer (to notice/remark) and the suffix -able (capable of being), literally meaning 'capable of being noticed'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the adjective plural, add an 's' to the end: remarquables.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁə.maʁ.kabl/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using remarquable to mean 'unpaid' or 'unresolved' (as in an outstanding debt), as remarquable only refers to something worthy of notice or superior.
Did you know?
- While remarquable describes superiority, French uses the word impayé for an 'outstanding' debt. Using remarquable to describe a bill would jokingly imply that the unpaid amount is impressively large.
- If a detail is 'outstanding' in the sense of being extremely obvious, a French person might say it is saillant, which literally means 'protruding' or 'jutting out'.
- In certain contexts, remarquable can be used ironically to describe a failure that is so spectacular it becomes 'noticeable', turning a positive adjective into a critique.
Examples in context
- Tom fait un travail remarquable.Tom is doing an outstanding job.This sentence shows how to use remarquable to describe a job.Tatoeba #13368679 by genes1s, translation #7127117 by CM
- Cet étudiant est très remarquable.That student's very outstanding.This sentence uses remarquable to describe a student.Tatoeba #11401662 by lbdx, translation #2267893 by _undertoad
- Il est remarquable dans son domaine.He's outstanding in his field.This sentence uses remarquable to describe a person's standing in a specific field.Tatoeba #3600200 by sacredceltic, translation #3599515 by Theocracy
- La présentation était excellente !The presentation was outstanding!
- C'est un travail remarquable que vous avez accompli.The work you have done is outstanding.
- Cette exposition est exceptionnelle, il faut absolument la voir.This exhibition is outstanding, you absolutely must see it.
- Ce concert était génial ! On s'est vraiment amusés.This concert was outstanding! We had so much fun.
- Les acrobaties de cet artiste sont vraiment impressionnantes !This artist's acrobatics are truly outstanding!
- Ton travail est épatant ! Je suis vraiment fier de toi.Your work is outstanding! I'm really proud of you.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are discussing a concert they just attended.
- HugoLe concert était vraiment remarquable, n'est-ce pas ?The concert was truly outstanding, wasn't it?
- EmmaOui, c'était un moment remarquable pour elle.Yes, it was an outstanding moment for her.
- HugoElle joue de la musique de façon remarquable.She plays music in an outstanding way.
- EmmaC'est un talent remarquable.It is an outstanding talent.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry remarquable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
