Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| imperméable | /ɛ̃.pɛʁ.me.abl/ | masculine |
| imper | /ɛ̃.pɛʁ/ | masculine |
| K-way | /ka.we/ | masculine |
The word imperméable refers to a waterproof coat. It is versatile because it functions as both a noun and an adjective. When describing what a raincoat is made of, you can use the word en before the material.
What does it mean word for word?
The word imperméable is an adjective used as a noun that literally means 'waterproof'.
Which one should you use?
imperméable is the standard term, while imper is a shortened version and K-way is an informal term used for lightweight, packable raincoats.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
imperméable is the standard form. imper is a common informal shortening, and K-way is an informal way to refer to a raincoat.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word imperméable is the same in both its masculine and feminine forms. All provided forms of the word are masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ɛ̃.pɛʁ.me.abl/. It has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- In very formal or old-fashioned French, one might use ciré for a raincoat, which refers specifically to a 'waxed' coat.
- The term K-way is actually a brand name that became so common in France that people now use it as a generic word for any lightweight raincoat.
- French has no single, dedicated noun for 'raincoat' that isn't also an adjective. Instead, they use the property of the item, 'waterproof', to name the object itself.
Examples in context
- As-tu un imperméable ?Do you have a raincoat?This sentence is useful for asking if someone possesses an imperméable.Tatoeba #11934768 by calypsow, translation #4013601 by CK
- Il ôta son imperméable.He took off his raincoat.This sentence is useful for describing someone removing an imperméable.Tatoeba #12300233 by Rovo, translation #7386326 by CH
- La pluie a infiltré mon imperméable.The rain penetrated my raincoat.This sentence is useful for describing rain penetrating an imperméable.Tatoeba #13078734 by leo_eich65, translation #26830 by leo_eich65
- Je porte un imperméable.I am wearing a raincoat.
- Elle a un manteau de pluie.She has a raincoat.
- N'oublie pas ton K-way !Don't forget your raincoat!
- Il fait mauvais temps, mets ton K-way !The weather is bad, put on your raincoat!
- Je porte mon ciré pour me protéger de la pluie.I am wearing my raincoat to protect myself from the rain.
- un imperméable jauneA yellow raincoat
- un imperméable en cuirA leather raincoat
- Je suis allé(e) au travail avec mon manteau de pluie.I went to work with my raincoat.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are preparing to leave the house during a storm.
- ManonN'oublie pas ton imperméable, Hugo !Don't forget your raincoat, Hugo!
- HugoOù est mon imperméable ?Where is my raincoat?
- ManonIl est dans l'entrée, Manon l'a vu.It is in the hallway, Manon saw it.
- HugoAh oui, je le prends. Merci !Ah yes, I'm taking it. Thanks!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “raincoat” translations and entries imperméable, imper, K-way, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries K-way, imper, imperméable, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
