faible
/fɛbl/
The English phrase "weak" is translated into French as faible. Wiktionary also lists débile.
Meaning: lacking in force or ability (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| faible | /fɛbl/ |
| débile | /de.bil/ |
The term faible is the most common way to express that someone or something is lacking in force or ability. You might use fragile if you are describing someone as delicate or physically weak.
Which one should you use?
faible is the standard, neutral term for a lack of physical or mental strength. While débile can occasionally refer to being physically weak, it is most commonly used in colloquial speech as an insult meaning "stupid" or "idiotic".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québec, Canada, the informal term mollasson may be used to express that someone is weak.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective faible is invariable in gender, so it remains the same whether the subject is masculine or feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/fɛbl/
Did you know?
- The word faible can be used as a noun in the phrase avoir un faible pour, which means to have a soft spot or a crush on someone.
- The Latin root for faible is actually linked to the concept of something being 'worthy of weeping' or 'lamentable'.
- French uses faible to describe both a lack of physical strength and a lack of intensity, such as a 'weak' signal on a phone.
Examples in context
- Tu es trop faible.You're too weak.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone is too weak.Tatoeba #2307070 by sysko, translation #2218460 by CK
- Je me sens faible.I feel weak.This sentence is useful for describing a feeling of weakness.Tatoeba #2416688 by sacredceltic, translation #2245759 by CK
- Tom est très faible.Tom is very weak.This sentence is useful for stating that Tom is very weak.Tatoeba #7610220 by felix63, translation #2273616 by CK
- La grippe l'a rendu faible.The flu made him/her weak.
- Cette personne âgée est devenue fragile.This old person has become weak.
- Après la course, j'étais complètement mou/molle.After the race, I was completely weak.
- Tu es tout ramollo aujourd'hui !You're so weak today!
- Je me sens faiblard aujourd'hui.I feel weak today.
- 103 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are discussing a project at work.
- NathanJe pense que cet argument est trop faible.I think that this argument is too weak.
- ChloéTu as raison, Nathan, on doit le changer.You are right, Nathan, we must change it.
- NathanLe client risque de trouver l'idée faible.The client might find the idea weak.
- ChloéOn va renforcer le dossier ensemble.We will strengthen the file together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “weak” translations and entries faible, débile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries débile, faible, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
