utile
/y.til/
The English word useful is translated into French as utile.
utile is an adjective used to describe something that has a practical or beneficial use.
Meaning: having a practical or beneficial use (adj)
Which one should you use?
While utile describes something that is useful in a practical sense, the word pratique is often used instead when you want to describe something that is convenient or easy to use.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective utile is invariable in gender, so it has the same form for both masculine and feminine nouns. To make the adjective plural, add an 's' to the end to form utiles.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /y.til/.
Did you know?
- While utile means 'useful', the expression c'est utile can sometimes be used ironically to describe something that is actually a waste of time, depending on the speaker's tone.
- While utile means 'useful', if you call a person utile in a social context, it can sound strangely clinical, as if you are describing their function rather than their character.
- While utile is the standard word for useful, French uses the word serviable specifically for a person who is helpful or eager to do favors for others.
Examples in context
- Ce site est utile.This site is useful.This sentence is useful for describing the utility of a website using utile.Tatoeba #11041951 by lbdx, translation #6728432 by jej13b
- Je veux être utile.I want to be useful.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to be helpful or of service using utile.Tatoeba #7849130 by Aiji, translation #3818824 by CK
- Le français est utile.French is useful.This sentence is useful for noting the practical benefit of a language using utile.Tatoeba #8737420 by Julien_PDC, translation #8049319 by CK
- Le dictionnaire est utile pour apprendre de nouveaux mots.The dictionary is useful for learning new words.
- Ce nouvel outil est très pratique pour bricoler.This new tool is very useful for DIY projects.
- Ce site web est vraiment utile pour réviser.This website is really useful for revising.
- Les raccourcis clavier sont super pratiques pour gagner du temps.Keyboard shortcuts are really useful to save time.
- 147 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are looking at a new piece of equipment in their office.
- GabrielEst-ce que cet appareil est utile ?Is this device useful?
- LéaOui, il est très utile pour nous.Yes, it is very useful for us.
- GabrielLéa, peux-tu m'aider avec ça ?Léa, can you help me with this?
- LéaBien sûr, Gabriel.Of course, Gabriel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “useful” translations and entries utile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
