Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| imperméable | /ɛ̃.pɛʁ.me.abl/ |
| waterproof | /wa.tɛʁ.pʁuf/ |
The term imperméable is an adjective used to describe something made or covered with material that does not let water in. It can also function as a masculine noun, un imperméable, which refers specifically to a raincoat. If you need the verb meaning 'to make waterproof or water-resistant', use étanchéifier.
Which one should you use?
While imperméable is the standard term for waterproof, you may encounter the word étanche, which is often used specifically for objects that are airtight or watertight, such as a seal or a container.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural of the adjective, simply add an 's' to the end: imperméables. You can also use the descriptive phrase qui ne laisse pas passer l'eau to describe materials or objects that do not allow the passage of water.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables and is pronounced /ɛ̃.pɛʁ.me.abl/.
Did you know?
- The word étanche is used for things that are 'waterproof' against pressure, like a submarine or a diving watch, while imperméable is for rain.
- The adjective étanche can be used to describe something that is not just waterproof, but also airtight.
- If a French person describes a fabric as imperméable, they are often referring to the traditional waxed cotton or treated fabrics used in classic trench coats.
Examples in context
- Ce manteau est imperméableThis coat is waterproof.
- Je cherche un sac imperméable pour mon ordinateur.I'm looking for a waterproof bag for my computer.
- Cette montre est résistante à l'eauThis watch is water-resistant.
- Je vais à la plage avec ma nouvelle serviette résistante à l'eau.I'm going to the beach with my new water-resistant towel.
- Cette boîte est étancheThis box is waterproof.
- Le toit de cette maison est étanche, même pendant les fortes pluies.The roof of this house is waterproof, even during heavy rain.
- Cette caméra est à l'épreuve de l'eauThis camera is waterproof.
- Ces chaussures sont étanches à l'eauThese shoes are waterproof.
- Ce tissu ne laisse pas passer l'eauThis fabric is waterproof.
- J'ai acheté une veste qui ne laisse pas passer l'eau pour mon voyage en montagne.I bought a jacket that doesn't allow water to pass through for my mountain trip.
- Ce manteau est complètement imperméable.This coat is completely waterproof.
- J'ai besoin d'un sac imperméable.I need a waterproof bag.
- Tes chaussures sont imperméables ?Are your shoes waterproof?
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are preparing for a hiking trip in the rain.
- NathanEst-ce que ta veste est imperméable ?Is your jacket waterproof?
- ManonOui, elle est totalement imperméable.Yes, it is totally waterproof.
- NathanParfait, nous ne serons pas mouillés.Perfect, we won't get wet.
- ManonIl faut aussi prendre un sac imperméable.We also need to take a waterproof bag.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “waterproof” translations and entries imperméable, waterproof, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
