similaire
The English word "similar" can be translated into French as similaire or semblable.
Meaning: having traits or characteristics in common, alike, comparable (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| similaire | ||
| semblable | /sɑ̃.blabl/ | feminine, masculine |
Both words describe things that have traits or characteristics in common, being alike or comparable. In addition to these adjectives, you may encounter the informal expression dans le même genre to describe things that are similar in type or genre.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean similar, similaire is often used in technical, formal or mathematical contexts to denote similarity.
How does it change in a sentence?
When comparing one thing to another, both similaire and semblable are followed by the preposition à. For example, you would say similaire à or semblable à.
Did you know?
- While semblable usually means 'similar', it can also function as a noun meaning 'fellow human being' in philosophical or literary texts, as in mes semblables.
- The English verb 'to resemble' is a direct cousin to the French verb sembler, which forms the root of semblable.
- The phrase dans le même genre can be used to describe people's personalities or styles, not just artistic genres like music or film.
Examples in context
- Nous sommes très semblables.We are very similar.This sentence illustrates how to use semblable to describe people.Tatoeba #992792 by sacredceltic, translation #991998 by CK
- Tom a un problème similaire.Tom has a similar problem.This sentence shows the use of similaire to describe a problem.Tatoeba #11938090 by zogwarg, translation #5079324 by CK
- Ton vélo est similaire au mien.Your bicycle is similar to mine.This sentence demonstrates the construction of comparing one object to another using similaire.Tatoeba #3642455 by sacredceltic, translation #17101 by CK
- Les deux maisons sont similaires dans leur architecture.The two houses are similar in their architecture.
- Ces deux tableaux sont pareils dans leur style.These two paintings are similar in style.
- Ce film est génial, comme celui que nous avons vu hier.This movie is great, like the one we watched yesterday.
- Ton nouvel appartement ressemble beaucoup à l'ancien.Your new apartment is very similar to the old one.
- J'aime bien les films d'action, et toi, tu aimes quoi dans le même genre?I enjoy action movies, what about you? What do you like in the same genre?
- 88 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are discussing their taste in music.
- ManonJ'aime beaucoup ce groupe.I really like this group.
- GabrielMoi aussi, ils ont un style similaire.Me too, they have a similar style.
- ManonC'est vrai, c'est très mélodique.It's true, it's very melodic.
- GabrielOui, c'est exactement ce que j'aime.Yes, it's exactly what I like.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “similar” translations and entries similaire, semblable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries semblable, similaire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
