économique
Economical, cheap; good value for money.
économique في 30 ثانية
- Économique means both 'economic' (related to the system) and 'economical' (saving money).
- It is an adjective that follows the noun and is invariable in gender.
- Commonly used for 'Economy Class', 'budget' options, and 'energy-saving' devices.
- Essential for discussing finance, shopping, and environmental efficiency in French.
The French adjective économique is a versatile word that bridges the gap between high-level financial theory and everyday practical saving. At its core, it refers to anything related to the economy (the system of production and consumption) or to the quality of being 'economical'—meaning it saves money, uses resources efficiently, or is simply inexpensive. Unlike English, which often distinguishes between 'economic' (relating to the economy) and 'economical' (saving money), French uses the single word économique for both contexts, making it a high-frequency term in both news broadcasts and grocery store aisles.
- Financial Context
- Relating to the macro-economy, trade, or national wealth.
- Practical Context
- Describing a product that is cheap to run or buy.
- Resource Context
- Using minimal energy, time, or materials to achieve a goal.
"Cette petite voiture est très économique pour les trajets quotidiens."
When you describe a car as économique, you aren't saying it's part of the global trade system; you're saying it doesn't consume much fuel. Conversely, when a journalist speaks of a crise économique, they are referring to a financial downturn. This dual meaning requires learners to rely on context, but the common thread is always the management of resources—whether those resources are Euros, liters of gasoline, or national assets.
Le gouvernement propose une nouvelle politique économique.
C'est une solution économique et écologique.
Le secteur économique est en pleine croissance.
- Synonyme
- Abordable (Affordable)
- Antonyme
- Coûteux (Expensive)
Using économique correctly involves understanding its placement and its grammatical behavior. As an adjective, it typically follows the noun it modifies. For example, you would say un vol économique (an economy flight) or une ampoule économique (an energy-saving bulb). Because the word ends in an 'e', it does not change form between masculine and feminine singular: un projet économique (masc.) and une mesure économique (fem.) both use the same spelling.
In the plural, you simply add an 's': des raisons économiques. One of the most common ways to use it in daily life is when discussing 'Economy Class' in travel. While you might say 'classe économie', the adjective économique is frequently used to describe the nature of the ticket or the travel style. It is also the go-to word for 'energy-efficient' in many household contexts.
- Placement: Always after the noun.
- Agreement: Invariable in gender, adds -s for plural.
- Nuance: Can mean 'cheap' but implies 'good value' rather than 'poor quality'.
In professional settings, it is used to describe trends, sectors, and indicators. La croissance économique (economic growth) is a staple phrase in business French. If you are describing a person who is thrifty, you might use économe instead, which is a specific adjective for people, whereas économique is for things or systems.
You will encounter économique in a variety of environments, ranging from the mundane to the highly formal. In a supermarket, you might see 'Format Économique' on a large box of cereal, indicating that buying in bulk is cheaper per unit. In news broadcasts, the 'Journal Économique' or the 'rubrique économique' covers the stock market, unemployment rates, and trade deals.
If you are traveling, you will see it on booking websites (tarif économique). In politics, candidates often debate their programme économique. It's also common in environmental discussions, where 'économique' is paired with 'écologique' to describe sustainable solutions that also save money, such as solar panels or insulation.
In academic circles, it's the standard term for anything related to the field of Economics (les sciences économiques). Whether you are reading Le Monde or looking at a menu for a 'menu économique' (a budget set meal), the word is ubiquitous in French-speaking society.
The most frequent mistake for English speakers is the Economic vs. Economical distinction. In English, 'economic' refers to the economy, and 'economical' refers to saving money. In French, économique covers both. Learners often try to invent a word like 'économical' or use 'économe' for objects. Remember: économe is for people (e.g., Mon père est très économe), while économique is for things (e.g., Cette voiture est économique).
Another mistake is the gender agreement. Some learners try to add an extra 'e' for feminine nouns (*économiquee), but since the base form already ends in 'e', it remains unchanged. Additionally, don't confuse it with the noun l'économie. You cannot say *C'est très économie; you must use the adjective C'est très économique.
Finally, avoid using économique when you mean 'cheap' in a derogatory sense (flimsy or low quality). For that, French uses bas de gamme or de mauvaise qualité. Économique usually has a positive or neutral connotation of being a smart financial choice.
Several words share the semantic space with économique. Abordable is a common synonym when talking about price; it literally means 'approachable' or 'affordable'. Rentable is used when something is 'profitable' or 'worth the investment'—it doesn't just save money, it makes money or provides a high return on the cost.
Pas cher is the most common informal way to say 'cheap'. While économique sounds a bit more formal or technical, pas cher is what you'll say to your friends. Modeste can be used to describe a price or a budget that is small but sufficient. Frugal is used more for lifestyles or meals, implying a lack of waste and a simple approach to consumption.
On the technical side, financier is often confused with économique. While économique relates to the broader system of resources, financier specifically relates to money, banking, and investment. A 'crise financière' is specifically about banks and markets, while a 'crise économique' affects jobs, production, and the whole society.
How Formal Is It?
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مستوى الصعوبة
قواعد يجب معرفتها
أمثلة حسب المستوى
C'est un restaurant économique.
It is a cheap restaurant.
Adjective follows the noun.
Je cherche un vol économique.
I am looking for an economy flight.
Used for 'Economy Class'.
Le pain est très économique ici.
The bread is very cheap here.
Subject + verb + adjective.
C'est une solution économique.
It is an economical solution.
Feminine noun 'solution', but adjective stays 'économique'.
Elle achète des vêtements économiques.
She buys cheap clothes.
Plural agreement: add -s.
Le bus est plus économique que le taxi.
The bus is more economical than the taxi.
Comparative structure 'plus... que'.
C'est un voyage économique.
It is a budget trip.
Masculine noun 'voyage'.
Le pack familial est économique.
The family pack is economical.
Refers to value for money.
Cette voiture est très économique en carburant.
This car is very fuel-efficient.
'Économique en' + noun.
Nous vivons une période économique difficile.
We are living through a difficult economic period.
Refers to the economy.
Il utilise des ampoules économiques.
He uses energy-saving bulbs.
Common term for energy-efficient.
C'est un choix économique et intelligent.
It is an economical and smart choice.
Coordinated adjectives.
Le menu du jour est l'option la plus économique.
The daily menu is the most economical option.
Superlative 'la plus'.
Elle préfère les marques économiques.
She prefers budget brands.
Refers to store brands/generic.
Le chauffage électrique n'est pas très économique.
Electric heating is not very economical.
Negative 'ne... pas'.
C'est un petit appartement très économique.
It's a very economical little apartment.
Describes low rent/running costs.
Le développement économique de la région est rapide.
The economic development of the region is fast.
Abstract noun phrase.
Il faut trouver un équilibre économique.
We must find an economic balance.
Refers to financial stability.
Cette mesure aura un impact économique positif.
This measure will have a positive economic impact.
Future tense 'aura'.
L'entreprise change son modèle économique.
The company is changing its business model.
'Modèle économique' = business model.
C'est une voiture hybride, donc plus économique.
It's a hybrid car, so more economical.
Logical consequence 'donc'.
Le secteur économique est en crise.
The economic sector is in crisis.
Formal context.
Nous cherchons des solutions économiques et durables.
We are looking for economical and sustainable solutions.
Agreement with plural 'solutions'.
Le prix est élevé, mais l'usage est économique.
The price is high, but the usage is economical.
Contrast 'mais'.
La croissance économique ralentit cette année.
Economic growth is slowing down this year.
Standard financial terminology.
Les réformes économiques sont nécessaires.
Economic reforms are necessary.
Plural feminine agreement.
L'indépendance économique est un objectif majeur.
Economic independence is a major goal.
Political/Strategic context.
Il analyse les indicateurs économiques.
He is analyzing the economic indicators.
Professional usage.
Le libéralisme économique a ses partisans.
Economic liberalism has its supporters.
Ideological context.
Cette zone économique spéciale attire les investisseurs.
This special economic zone attracts investors.
Specific terminology (ZES).
L'inflation change la donne économique.
Inflation changes the economic situation.
Idiomatic 'change la donne'.
C'est un non-sens économique total.
It is total economic nonsense.
Strong opinion/critique.
La conjoncture économique actuelle est incertaine.
The current economic situation is uncertain.
'Conjoncture' is a high-level synonym for situation.
Il prône une approche économique plus sociale.
He advocates for a more social economic approach.
Nuanced political discussion.
Les retombées économiques sont difficiles à chiffrer.
The economic fallout/benefits are hard to quantify.
'Retombées' = consequences/spin-offs.
L'hégémonie économique de cette nation décline.
The economic hegemony of this nation is declining.
Academic/Geopolitical usage.
L'économie de moyens est une vertu artistique.
The economy of means is an artistic virtue.
Metaphorical/Stylistic usage.
Il existe une corrélation économique évidente.
There is an obvious economic correlation.
Scientific/Statistical context.
Le protectionnisme économique revient au goût du jour.
Economic protectionism is becoming popular again.
Historical/Political trend.
Cette théorie économique est aujourd'hui caduque.
This economic theory is now obsolete.
'Caduque' = no longer valid.
L'épistémologie des sciences économiques est complexe.
The epistemology of economic sciences is complex.
Highly academic.
On assiste à une mutation économique profonde.
We are witnessing a profound economic mutation/shift.
Sophisticated vocabulary.
La viabilité économique du projet est remise en cause.
The economic viability of the project is being questioned.
Formal passive-style expression.
Il manie les concepts économiques avec brio.
He handles economic concepts with brilliance.
Complimentary formal tone.
Le déterminisme économique ne saurait tout expliquer.
Economic determinism cannot explain everything.
Philosophical critique.
Les fluctuations économiques sont inhérentes au système.
Economic fluctuations are inherent to the system.
Technical/Structural observation.
L'austérité économique a des conséquences sociales.
Economic austerity has social consequences.
Socio-political analysis.
La résilience économique est le défi de demain.
Economic resilience is the challenge of tomorrow.
Modern strategic discourse.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
En classe économique
Format économique
Ampoule économique
Essor économique
Relance économique
Guerre économique
Indicateur économique
Agent économique
Espace économique
Bilan économique
يُخلط عادةً مع
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
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سهل الخلط
أنماط الجُمل
كيفية الاستخدام
Can mean 'related to economics' or 'cost-saving'.
Neutral to formal.
Don't say 'un homme économique' if you mean he is thrifty.
- Using 'économe' for a car.
- Adding an extra 'e' for feminine nouns.
- Using 'économique' to mean 'mean' or 'stingy' (use 'radin' instead).
- Confusing 'économique' with 'financier'.
- Placing the adjective before the noun.
نصائح
Gender Neutrality
Don't worry about gender agreement for 'économique'; it's the same for 'un' and 'une'.
The 'Économe' Trap
Always use 'économe' for a person. 'Un homme économique' sounds like he is a financial concept!
The 'que' ending
The final 'e' is silent. Stop at the 'k' sound: /e-ko-no-mik/.
Global vs. Local
Use it for both the 'Global Economy' and your 'Local Budget'.
Professional Tone
In business emails, use 'économique' instead of 'pas cher' to sound more professional.
Newspaper Sections
Look for the 'Économie' section in French newspapers to see the adjective in action.
Travel Tip
When booking a car or hotel, ask for the 'option la plus économique'.
French Values
The French value 'le système D' (resourcefulness), which often involves 'solutions économiques'.
The 'Eco' Prefix
Associate 'Eco' with both Money and Nature to remember its dual usage.
Energy Efficiency
Remember 'ampoule économique' as your primary example for efficiency.
احفظها
أصل الكلمة
From Latin 'oeconomicus', from Ancient Greek 'oikonomikos' (οἰκονομικός).
السياق الثقافي
The 'ampoule économique' was a major government push for environmental reasons.
SNCF (French railways) offers 'billets économiques' like the Ouigo service.
French consumers are very sensitive to 'prix économiques' but also value 'qualité'.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
بدايات محادثة
"Est-ce que tu penses que cette voiture est économique ?"
"Quelle est la situation économique dans ton pays ?"
"Connais-tu un hôtel économique à Paris ?"
"Préfères-tu voyager en classe économique ou en business ?"
"Comment peut-on être plus économique avec l'électricité ?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Décrivez un achat récent qui était très économique.
Pensez-vous que la croissance économique est toujours une bonne chose ?
Comment gérez-vous votre budget économique personnel ?
Quelles sont les mesures économiques que vous aimeriez voir dans votre ville ?
Est-il plus important d'être écologique ou économique ?
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةYes, but it usually implies good value or efficiency rather than just low price.
It is both! The spelling does not change because it ends in 'e'.
You can say 'la classe économique' or 'la classe éco'.
'Économique' describes things/systems; 'économe' describes people who save money.
Yes, 'une ampoule économique' is an energy-saving bulb.
Absolutely, it's a core word for 'economic growth' (croissance économique).
The plural is 'économiques' (add an 's').
It is neutral. It's used in everyday conversation and formal reports.
Yes, it is very common to use intensifiers like 'très' or 'peu'.
Only indirectly, but they are often used together (éco-friendly).
اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'économique' is your multi-tool for discussing money management. Whether you're buying a 'cheap' car or analyzing 'global' trends, this one word covers the entire spectrum of financial efficiency and systems.
- Économique means both 'economic' (related to the system) and 'economical' (saving money).
- It is an adjective that follows the noun and is invariable in gender.
- Commonly used for 'Economy Class', 'budget' options, and 'energy-saving' devices.
- Essential for discussing finance, shopping, and environmental efficiency in French.
Gender Neutrality
Don't worry about gender agreement for 'économique'; it's the same for 'un' and 'une'.
The 'Économe' Trap
Always use 'économe' for a person. 'Un homme économique' sounds like he is a financial concept!
The 'que' ending
The final 'e' is silent. Stop at the 'k' sound: /e-ko-no-mik/.
Global vs. Local
Use it for both the 'Global Economy' and your 'Local Budget'.
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات daily_life
à l'arrière de
B2At the back of; behind.
à l'heure
B1On time, punctual.
à vrai dire
B2To tell the truth; to be honest.
abîmé
A2تالف
abordable
A2ميسور التكلفة أو بسعر معقول؛ ويقال أيضاً عن شخص يسهل التعامل معه.
accélérateur
B2The pedal that controls the speed of a vehicle.
accident
A2حدث غير متوقع ومفاجئ يؤدي غالبًا إلى أضرار أو إصابات. حادث أو خطأ يحدث دون قصد.
accompagné
B1Accompanied; having someone or something with you.
achat
A2Purchase, the act of buying something.
activer
B2to activate, to enable
