imbécile
/ɛ̃.be.sil/
The English phrase "you fool" is translated into French as imbécile.
imbécile is an insulting expression used to tell someone that they are stupid or have acted unwisely. In French, the pronoun "you" is often omitted when using imbécile as an insult, whereas English speakers typically include "you" (for example, "you fool").
How does it change in a sentence?
The word imbécile is used as both a noun and an adjective. It remains the same in both its masculine and feminine forms.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of imbécile is /ɛ̃.be.sil/. It has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- If a French speaker wants to intensify imbécile, they might add espèce d' before it, creating espèce d'imbécile, which literally translates to 'sort of a fool'.
- The Latin root imbēcillus actually meant 'weak' or 'feeble' in a physical sense, long before it was used to describe a lack of intelligence.
- In some French-speaking regions, using imbécile can be seen as slightly more formal or 'old-fashioned' than modern slang insults like con, which is much more common in casual street speech.
Examples in context
- Fais attention à ce que tu dis, imbécile!Be careful with what you say, you fool!This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to warn someone to be careful with their words using imbécile.Tatoeba #6375840 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #6375829 by OsoHombre
- Les ennemis jubileront quand nous tomberons, imbécile !The enemies will gloat when we fall, you fool!This sentence is useful for showing how to use imbécile when discussing enemies gloating.Tatoeba #13338832 by genes1s, translation #13319672 by Igider
- Tais-toi, imbécile !Silence, you fool!This sentence is useful for showing how to tell someone to be silent using imbécile.Tatoeba #1326803 by Scott, translation #1325815 by Eldad
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are arguing after Nathan lost his keys.
- NathanJe ne les trouve plus nulle part.I can't find them anywhere.
- LéaTu les as laissées sur la porte, imbécile !You left them on the door, you fool!
- NathanAh, c'est vrai. Je suis vraiment distrait.Ah, that's true. I am really distracted.
- LéaIl faut faire attention, Nathan.You have to be careful, Nathan.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry imbécile, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries imbécile, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
