force
/fɔʁs/feminine
The English word "strength" can be translated into French as force or effectif.
Meaning: quality of being strong (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| force | /fɔʁs/ | feminine |
| effectif | /e.fɛk.tif/ | masculine |
In French, force can mean both 'strength' (the quality) and 'force' (the physical power or an organized body like a police force). The term vigueur can be used to convey strength or vigor. Use effectif when 'strength' refers to the number of people in a group, such as a workforce or a military unit.
Which one should you use?
Use force to refer to physical, mental or structural strength, whereas puissance is typically reserved for power or potency.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun force is feminine and requires the feminine article la or une.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɔʁs/
Did you know?
- The word force is used in the French phrase force est de constater, which translates to 'it must be noted'. In this context, it describes a logical necessity rather than physical strength.
- In French legal terms, force majeure refers to 'superior strength', describing an unforeseeable event that prevents someone from fulfilling a contract.
- When referring to the 'strength' of a signal or a current, French uses intensité rather than force or effectif.
Examples in context
- J'ai perdu ma force.I've lost my strength.This example shows how to express the loss of one's force.Tatoeba #1116472 by sacredceltic, translation #3077575 by shake0615
- Il n'a plus de force.He has no more strength.This example illustrates the absence of force.Tatoeba #428233 by dominiko, translation #488161 by saasmath
- Je n'ai pas ta force.I don't have your strength.This example compares the speaker's force to another's.Tatoeba #2502816 by sacredceltic, translation #2276062 by CK
- Il a une grande force de caractèreHe has great strength of character
- La puissance de sa voix est impressionnanteThe strength of his/her voice is impressive
- Il a une sacrée force !He has a lot of strength!
- Elle a montré beaucoup de courage dans cette situationShe showed a lot of strength in that situation
- La résistance de ces athlètes est incroyableThe strength or resilience of these athletes is incredible
- La force des brasThe strength of the arms
- La force mentaleMental strength
- Sa force mentale lui a permis de surmonter tous les obstaclesHis/her mental strength allowed him/her to overcome all obstacles
- Il a une vigueur incroyable pour son âgeHe has incredible strength for his age
- La vigueur de ce jeune athlète est impressionnanteThe strength or vigor of this young athlete is impressive
- Son énergie et sa persévérance font preuve d'une grande force intérieureHis/her energy and perseverance demonstrate great inner strength
- 85 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are at the gym.
- ManonTu as beaucoup de force, Hugo !You have a lot of strength, Hugo!
- HugoMerci, je m'entraîne tous les jours.Thanks, I train every day.
- ManonMoi, je manque de force aujourd'hui.As for me, I lack strength today.
- HugoC'est normal, repose-toi un peu.That's normal, rest a little.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strength” translations and entries force, effectif, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
