compétences
The French word for skills is compétences.
compétences refers to the abilities or expertise needed to perform a job or a specific task.
Which one should you use?
While compétences is the standard term for professional or technical skills, it is more formal and specific than the word capacités, which refers more generally to one's capacities or abilities.
How does it change in a sentence?
compétences is a plural feminine noun. The singular form of the word is compétence.
Did you know?
- In French law and administration, compétence can refer to the legal jurisdiction or authority of a court or official to make a decision. This means a judge might lack the compétence to hear a case, regardless of their personal skills.
- When a skill provides a strategic edge over others, the French use the word atouts. This word literally means 'trumps' from a deck of cards, treating a skill as a winning card in a game.
- French educators divide skills into a trio: savoir (knowledge), savoir-faire (practical skill) and savoir-être (interpersonal skill). Together, these form a complete profile of a person's compétences.
Examples in context
- Yuri a pratiqué ses compétences.Yuri practiced his skills.This sentence shows how to use compétences when talking about practicing them.Tatoeba #12495194 by always, translation #11941982 by Amastan
- Tu as les compétences nécessaires.You have the necessary skills.This sentence shows how to describe having the required compétences.Tatoeba #5955772 by Aiji, translation #2276411 by CK
- Sami a mis ses compétences à profit.Sami put his skills to use.This sentence demonstrates how to say someone put their compétences to use.Tatoeba #6378719 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #6378702 by OsoHombre
- Les compétences requises pour ce poste sont la gestion de projet et la communication.The skills required for this position are project management and communication.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are discussing a job advertisement.
- GabrielQuelles sont les compétences requises pour ce poste ?What are the skills required for this position?
- ManonIl faut maîtriser le français et l'informatique.You must master French and IT.
- GabrielJe pense que j'ai toutes les compétences.I think I have all the skills.
- ManonAlors, tu devrais envoyer ton CV dès maintenant.Then you should send your CV right now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
