rebelle
/ʁə.bɛl/feminine, masculine
The English word 'rebel' is translated into French as rebelle.
As a noun, rebelle refers to a person who resists an established authority. If you want to express the action of resisting or becoming defiant, you can use the pronominal verb se rebeller.
Meaning: person who resists an established authority (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun rebelle is epicene, meaning the form is the same for both masculine and feminine subjects. To form the plural, simply add an 's' to get rebelles.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and is pronounced /ʁə.bɛl/.
Did you know?
- In French, rebelle can be used as an adjective to describe something stubborn or untamable, such as cheveux rebelles for 'unruly hair'.
- In modern French slang, calling someone un rebelle can be used sarcastically to describe a person who makes a very minor or insignificant act of defiance.
- In French historical contexts, the term rebelle was often used by the authorities to delegitimize resistance movements, branding them as mere criminals rather than soldiers.
Examples in context
- Je ne suis pas un rebelle.I'm no rebel.This sentence uses rebelle to state a personal identity.Tatoeba #3648120 by sacredceltic, translation #2248118 by CK
- Qui n'aime pas un rebelle ?Who doesn't love a rebel?This sentence uses rebelle in a rhetorical question.Tatoeba #405678 by qdii, translation #405677 by FeuDRenais
- Tom n'a pas l'air d'un rebelle.Tom doesn't look like a rebel.This sentence uses rebelle to describe someone's appearance.Tatoeba #5833046 by Aiji, translation #5277928 by CK
- Léa est une rebelle, toujours prête à remettre en question les normes établies.Léa is a rebel, always ready to challenge established norms.
- Ces résistants étaient admirables, ils se sont battus pour leur liberté.These rebels were admirable, they fought for their freedom.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing a character in a book.
- LéaCe personnage est une vraie rebelle.This character is a true rebel.
- GabrielOui, elle refuse d'obéir aux règles.Yes, she refuses to obey the rules.
- LéaC'est pour ça que je l'adore.That is why I love her.
- GabrielMoi aussi, j'aime son esprit rebelle.Me too, I love her rebel spirit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rebel” translations and entries rebelle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
