probabilité
The English phrase "probability" is translated into French as probabilité.
probabilité refers to the state of being probable or the likelihood of an event.
Meaning: state of being probable, likelihood (noun)
Which one should you use?
While probabilité is the direct translation, it is used for technical likelihoods. For general or informal situations, you might use Ça se peut to say "it's possible" or the colloquial phrase Il y a des chances to express that there are chances of something happening.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun probabilité is feminine, meaning it must be used with feminine articles such as la or une.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use probabilité when they actually mean "chance" or "possibility" in casual conversation. In everyday talk, it is better to use words for "chance" rather than this more technical term.
Did you know?
- The French expression il est probable que is followed by the indicative mood, not the subjunctive. This is a common trap for learners who expect the uncertainty of the phrase to trigger the subjunctive mode.
- In French, 'chance' often carries a much more positive, luck-based connotation than 'probability'. While 'probability' is neutral and mathematical, la chance usually implies a stroke of good fortune.
- The word probabilité shares a root with probation and probe, reflecting a historical connection to the act of testing or proving something to be true.
Examples in context
- La probabilité est faible.The probability is low.This sentence is useful for describing how low a probabilité is.Tatoeba #12338637 by lbdx, translation #12133999 by sundown
- La probabilité de gagner est de 0,001 %.The probability of winning is 0.001%.This sentence shows how to express a specific mathematical probabilité.Tatoeba #4005897 by GB3, translation #4004366 by Wuzzy
- La probabilité n'est pas nulle mais presque.The probability isn't zero, but it almost is.This sentence uses probabilité to describe a value that is nearly zero.Tatoeba #8401263 by Aiji, translation #8888133 by sundown
- La probabilité d'avoir une journée ensoleillée est élevée.The probability of having a sunny day is high.
- Quelles sont les chances qu'il gagne la compétition?What are the odds of him winning the competition?
- Ça se peut qu'il vienne ce soir.It's possible that he will come tonight.
- Il y a des chances qu'il réussisse l'examen.There are chances that he will pass the exam.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are discussing the weather for their trip.
- LucasQuelle est la probabilité qu'il pleuve demain ?What is the probability that it will rain tomorrow?
- LéaLa probabilité est très faible, selon la météo.The probability is very low, according to the weather report.
- LucasC'est une bonne nouvelle pour nous, Léa.That is good news for us, Léa.
- LéaOui, on peut garder nos plans pour la randonnée.Yes, we can keep our plans for the hike.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “probability” translations and entries probabilité, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
