réel
/ʁe.ɛl/
The English word "real" is translated into French as réel.
réel is an adjective used to describe something that is genuine, not artificial, counterfeit or fake.
Meaning: genuine, not artificial, counterfeit or fake (adj)
Which one should you use?
While réel refers to something that exists in reality (as opposed to imaginary), vrai is more commonly used to mean 'true' or 'correct' in the sense of factual accuracy.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term vrai de vrai is used to emphasize authenticity or genuineness.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the adjective is réelle. The masculine plural form of the adjective is réels. The feminine plural form of the adjective is réelles.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables: /ʁe.ɛl/.
Did you know?
- In surrealist art and literature, the movement's name comes from the prefix sur- meaning 'above' combined with réel. This literally describes a state 'above reality' rather than just 'weird'.
- In French legal terminology, droits réels refers to 'real rights', which are rights over a physical property. This echoes the 'real estate' terminology found in English.
- The word réel descends from the Latin word rēs, which means 'thing'. This makes the concept of 'real' literally rooted in the idea of being a physical 'thing'.
Examples in context
- Le danger est réel.The danger is real.This sentence shows how to describe a danger as réel.Tatoeba #12442947 by Rovo, translation #8137217 by Hybrid
- C'est le monde réel.This is the real world.This sentence uses réel to describe the world.Tatoeba #1806858 by sacredceltic, translation #1806177 by Spamster
- Ça avait l'air réel.It looked real.This sentence uses réel to describe how something looked.Tatoeba #5389527 by Aiji, translation #4397616 by CK
- vous êtes un véritable artisteYou are a real artist
- Je t'adresse mes sincères condoléancesI offer you my heartfelt condolences
- L'étude met en évidence de réels dangers environnementauxThe study highlights real environmental risks
- C'est un vrai ami, toujours là pour moiHe/she is a real friend, always there for me
- C'était une soirée géniale, du vrai bonheurIt was a great evening, real happiness
- Cette montre est du vrai luxeThis watch is true luxury
- C'est un ami vrai de vraiHe/she is a true friend
- 94 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are looking at a piece of jewelry.
- ChloéEst-ce que ce diamant est réel ?Is this diamond real?
- NathanOui, c'est un diamant réel.Yes, it is a real diamond.
- ChloéC'est incroyable, il brille beaucoup.It's incredible, it shines a lot.
- NathanC'est pour ça qu'il est cher.That's why it is expensive.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry réel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries réel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
