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A2 adjective #3,000 más común 10 min de lectura

valable

Top 3,000

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos valable en 30 segundos

Explicación valable in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'valable' in very simple contexts, mainly for travel and shopping. You will see it on tickets or signs. For example, if you buy a bus ticket, you might ask, 'C'est valable pour combien de temps ?' (How long is it valid for?). It is a very useful word for survival French because it helps you understand if your documents are okay to use. You don't need to worry about complex grammar; just remember that it describes things like tickets, coupons, or IDs. It's an adjective, so it usually comes after the noun. It doesn't change for masculine or feminine, which is great for beginners! Just add an 's' if there are more than one. Think of it as 'OK to use'. If something is 'valable', you can use it. If it is 'pas valable', you cannot use it. This will help you avoid problems with inspectors or store clerks. You might also hear it in a restaurant if you have a discount voucher. 'Est-ce que ce coupon est valable ?' is a perfect A1 sentence. Focus on these concrete, everyday situations first.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'valable' for more than just physical objects like tickets. You start using it for 'reasons' and 'excuses'. For instance, if you are late to a meeting or class, you might need a 'raison valable' (a valid reason). This level is about justifying your actions. You should also understand the plural form 'valables' and use it correctly in sentences like 'Mes papiers ne sont plus valables'. You are learning to navigate more complex social situations, and 'valable' is a key word for that. You will also see it more in advertisements, with phrases like 'Offre valable jusqu'à demain'. It's important to start distinguishing between 'valable' and 'vrai'. You might say 'C'est une excuse valable' to mean it's an acceptable excuse, even if it's not the whole truth. You are also moving into the 'worth' aspect of the word. If someone says 'C'est un film valable', they mean it's a decent movie, worth your time. This level requires you to understand the word in both administrative and slightly more abstract contexts.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'valable' in debates and discussions. You can use it to evaluate arguments. 'Ton point de vue est valable, mais je ne suis pas d'accord' (Your point of view is valid, but I don't agree). Here, the word moves into the realm of logic and persuasion. You should also be aware of the difference between 'valable' and 'valide'. While 'valable' is common for tickets and reasons, 'valide' is often used for technical things like computer passwords or bank cards. At B1, you are expected to handle more 'bureaucratic' French. This means understanding the terms and conditions of a contract where 'valable' will appear frequently. You should also be able to use the negative form 'non valable' or 'n'est plus valable' fluently to express expiration or rejection. You might also encounter the adverb 'valablement', though it's less common. You are becoming more nuanced in your choice of adjectives, and 'valable' is a great middle-ground word between 'bon' (good) and 'excellent' (excellent). It implies a standard of quality that is sufficient and respectable.

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At the B2 level, 'valable' becomes a tool for professional and academic precision. You use it to discuss the legitimacy of laws, the soundness of scientific theories, and the credibility of witnesses. You should understand that 'valable' can describe a person's overall worth or reliability in a professional sense ('un collaborateur valable'). You will also see it in legal texts where it defines the 'validity' of a clause or a contract. At this level, you should be able to substitute 'valable' with more precise synonyms like 'recevable' (admissible in court), 'légitime' (legitimate), or 'pertinent' (relevant) depending on the context. You are expected to understand the nuance that something can be 'valable' (valid) but not necessarily 'efficace' (effective). For example, a strategy might be 'valable' because it follows the rules, but it might still fail. You are also analyzing the word's etymology from 'valoir' and how that influences its meaning of 'having value'. Your sentences should be more complex, incorporating 'valable' into subordinate clauses: 'Bien que son excuse semble valable, nous devons vérifier les faits.'

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At the C1 level, you are exploring the philosophical and highly formal applications of 'valable'. You might discuss 'les valeurs valables' (valid values) in a societal context or the 'validité' (validity) of a philosophical premise. You understand that 'valable' can be used ironically or with great subtlety to imply that something is 'barely' acceptable. In literature or high-level journalism, you will see 'valable' used to critique the very foundations of an argument. You should be able to use it in the structure 'être valable pour', not just for tickets, but for universal truths: 'Cette règle est valable pour tous les êtres humains.' You are also comfortable with the legal nuances where 'valable' distinguishes between something that exists ('existant') and something that has legal force. You can discuss the 'caducité' (obsolescence) of a rule that is no longer 'valable'. Your vocabulary is rich enough to avoid 'valable' when a more evocative word is needed, using it only when the specific sense of 'validity' or 'merit' is required for the logic of your discourse.

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At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'valable' and its place within the vast web of French synonyms and antonyms. You can use it in highly specialized fields like law, where 'valablement' might be used to describe the capacity of a person to sign a contract. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its connection to the concept of 'valeur' in French culture. You can use 'valable' in stylistic ways, perhaps in a speech or an essay, to weigh the 'worth' of different social policies. You are sensitive to the register of the word; you know that calling a person 'valable' is a significant compliment in a professional context, implying deep reliability and competence. You can play with the word in wordplay or complex rhetorical structures. There are no surprises left for you with this word; you recognize it in every possible context, from a 17th-century legal document to a modern-day tweet, and you can explain its nuances to others with clarity and depth.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

valable en 30 segundos

Primary meaning is 'valid' for documents, tickets, and legal agreements that have not expired.
Used figuratively for arguments, reasons, or excuses that are logical, sound, or socially acceptable.
Can describe a person or thing of merit, meaning 'worthy' or 'reliable' in a professional or social sense.
Invariable in gender (masculine and feminine are both 'valable'), but takes an 's' in the plural form.

The French word valable is a versatile adjective that primarily translates to 'valid' in English. However, its usage extends beyond mere legal expiration dates, touching upon logic, social acceptability, and even the quality of a person's character or work. At its core, valable originates from the verb valoir (to be worth), suggesting that something which is valable possesses a certain inherent value or merit that allows it to be accepted or recognized in a specific context.

Administrative Validity: This is the most common use. It refers to documents, tickets, or contracts that are currently active and legally recognized. If your passport is valable, you can travel; if your bus ticket is valable, you can ride without a fine. It implies that the item meets all the necessary legal requirements and has not yet expired.

Votre titre de transport n'est plus valable sur cette ligne de métro.

Translation: Your transit pass is no longer valid on this metro line.

Logical Soundness: In the realm of debate and reasoning, valable describes an argument or a reason that is logical, well-founded, and difficult to refute. If someone offers a 'raison valable' for being late, they are providing an excuse that is socially or professionally acceptable, such as a medical emergency rather than simply oversleeping.

Furthermore, valable can be used to describe people or things that have worth or merit. In an informal yet slightly evaluative sense, calling someone a 'mec valable' (a solid guy) or a 'femme valable' suggests they are reliable, talented, or of high character. This usage is less about legal status and more about perceived quality and integrity. It is important to note that the word remains the same regardless of the gender of the noun it modifies when it is in the singular form, though it adds an 's' for the plural.

Il nous faut des preuves valables avant d'accuser qui que ce soit.

Translation: We need valid evidence before accusing anyone.

In everyday life, you will see this word on signs in shops ('Offre valable jusqu'au 31 décembre'), on official websites regarding visa requirements, and in conversations where people are justifying their actions. It is a fundamental word for navigating French bureaucracy and social norms. Its synonyms like recevable or légitime exist, but valable remains the most common and versatile choice for general 'validity'.

Social Acceptability: When a behavior is deemed valable, it means it fits within the norms of the current situation. For instance, in a formal dinner, certain jokes might not be valables (appropriate or acceptable). This nuance bridges the gap between 'legal' and 'proper'.

Est-ce que cette excuse est vraiment valable à vos yeux ?

Using valable correctly requires understanding its position in a sentence and the nouns it typically modifies. As an adjective, it usually follows the noun it describes. For example, 'un billet valable' (a valid ticket). Because it ends in '-e', it does not change between masculine and feminine singular forms, which makes it easier for learners to master than many other French adjectives.

Cette offre est valable uniquement pour les nouveaux clients.

Translation: This offer is valid only for new customers.

When used with the verb être, it functions as a predicate adjective. You will often hear 'C'est valable' (That's valid/That works) in response to a proposal or a logical point. In negative constructions, 'n'est plus valable' is the standard way to say something has expired or is no longer applicable. For instance, 'Ma carte d'identité n'est plus valable' (My ID card is no longer valid).

Agreement in Number: While the gender doesn't change, the number does. You must add an 's' for plural nouns. 'Ces arguments sont valables' (These arguments are valid). 'Des excuses valables' (Valid excuses). Always ensure the adjective matches the plurality of the subject it describes.

Les billets achetés en ligne sont valables pendant trois mois.

In more formal or legal writing, valable can be part of complex structures involving prepositions. For example, 'valable pour' (valid for) or 'valable dans' (valid in). 'Ce coupon est valable pour deux personnes' (This coupon is valid for two people). 'Le visa est valable dans tout l'espace Schengen' (The visa is valid in the entire Schengen area). These prepositions help define the scope and limitations of the validity.

Common Noun Pairings: Certain nouns are almost always seen with valable: passeport, billet, titre de séjour, raison, argument, offre, and contrat. Learning these pairs will help you sound more natural.

Avez-vous une raison valable pour votre absence au cours ?

Finally, consider the adverbial form valablement. While less common than the adjective, it is used to describe actions done in a valid or legally binding way. 'Il a été valablement élu' (He was validly/legally elected). However, for most daily interactions, the adjective valable will be your primary tool for expressing the concept of validity or worthiness.

If you spend any time in a French-speaking country, you will encounter valable almost immediately upon arrival. The first instance is usually at the airport or train station. Announcements often remind passengers to have a 'titre de transport valable' (a valid transit ticket). Ticket inspectors, known as 'contrôleurs', will frequently use this word when checking your documentation. If your ticket isn't valable, you might face a 'procès-verbal' (a fine or report).

Attention, ce ticket n'est plus valable après compostage.

Translation: Careful, this ticket is no longer valid after being validated/stamped.

In the world of French commerce, valable is a staple of advertising. Every promotional flyer, discount coupon, or sales poster will have a small line of text at the bottom indicating the 'période de validité'. You will see phrases like 'Offre valable dans la limite des stocks disponibles' (Offer valid while stocks last) or 'Bon valable sur tout le magasin' (Voucher valid throughout the store). It is the standard term for defining the temporal and spatial limits of a commercial deal.

Administrative Contexts: When dealing with the 'mairie' (town hall) or the 'préfecture', the word valable is omnipresent. Whether you are applying for a 'carte de séjour' or renewing a driver's license, the clerk will inform you of how long the document remains valable. In these settings, the word carries significant weight, as an expired document can lead to serious legal complications.

In academic and intellectual circles, valable is used during seminars and debates. A professor might critique a student's thesis by saying, 'Votre hypothèse est intéressante, mais elle n'est pas tout à fait valable dans ce contexte historique.' Here, it shifts from legal validity to intellectual rigor. It suggests that the hypothesis doesn't hold water or isn't supported by enough evidence to be considered 'valid' by the academic community.

C'est une théorie valable, mais elle manque de preuves empiriques.

Media and News: News anchors often use the term when discussing laws, treaties, or international agreements. 'L'accord sera valable dès sa signature par les deux parties.' It provides a clear, unambiguous marker for when a rule or agreement begins to exert its power.

One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is confusing valable with the English word 'valuable'. While they look similar and share a root, 'valuable' (meaning worth a lot of money or highly useful) is usually translated as précieux or de valeur in French. If you say 'Cette montre est valable', a Frenchman might think you mean the watch is legally recognized or its warranty is still active, rather than it being an expensive Rolex.

Faux ami alert: Valable = Valid. Valuable = Précieux / De valeur.

Another common error is the confusion between valable and valide. While they are often interchangeable in the sense of 'valid' (like a password or a ticket), valide is more specific to technical, medical, or computational contexts. For example, a person who is not disabled is 'valide' in a medical sense. A 'code valide' is a computer code that works. Using valable for a person's physical health would be incorrect and confusing.

Gender Agreement Confusion: Beginners often try to change the ending to '-able' for masculine and '-able' for feminine, but since it already ends in 'e', it is invariable in gender. Do not add an extra 'e' for feminine nouns like 'une excuse valable'. The 'e' is already there!

There is also a tendency to use valable when vrai (true) or bon (good) would be more appropriate. While an argument can be valable, a fact is usually vrai. If you want to say a movie is 'valid' (meaning good enough to watch), valable is a bit of a backhanded compliment in French. It means 'it's okay, it's acceptable', but it's not 'excellent'. Using it to mean 'great' will result in a misunderstanding of your level of enthusiasm.

Ce film est valable (It's worth seeing/okay), mais ce n'est pas un chef-d'œuvre.

Pluralization Oversights: In writing, learners frequently forget the 's' for plural nouns. 'Ces documents sont valable' is a common typo. Always check if the noun being modified is plural and add that 's' to valables.

To enrich your French vocabulary, it's helpful to know when to use valable and when to opt for a more specific alternative. Depending on whether you are talking about law, logic, or quality, different words might serve you better. Understanding these nuances will elevate your speaking from 'functional' to 'fluent'.

Valable vs. Valide: Valable: Broadly used for tickets, durations, and logical reasons. Focuses on the 'worth' or 'acceptance' of the thing.
Valide: More technical. Used for computer codes, legal procedures ('un vote valide'), or medical status. A 'carte bancaire valide' implies it is technically functional, while 'valable' implies it is within its expiry date.
Valable vs. Recevable: Valable: General validity.
Recevable: Specifically used in legal or formal contexts to mean 'admissible'. For example, a complaint or an appeal in court is 'recevable' if it meets the formal criteria to be heard by a judge.

Votre plainte n'est pas recevable car le délai est dépassé.

Translation: Your complaint is not admissible because the deadline has passed.

If you are talking about the quality of a person or a piece of work, méritant (deserving) or de qualité are good alternatives. If you are discussing whether a reason is socially acceptable, légitime is a powerful word. 'Une peur légitime' (a legitimate fear) sounds more natural than 'une peur valable'.

Antonyms to Know: Nul / Nulle: Often used in the legal phrase 'nul et non avenu' (null and void).
Périmé: Specifically for food or documents that have expired. 'Du lait périmé' (expired milk), 'Un passeport périmé' (an expired passport).
Caduque: A sophisticated word for something that is no longer in use or has lost its legal force over time.

Cette règle est devenue caduque avec la nouvelle réforme.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The root 'val-' is found in many English words like 'valor', 'value', and 'prevail', all linking back to the idea of strength or worth.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /va.labl/

US /va.labl/

Stress is usually on the final syllable 'lable' in French, but it is very light.

Rima con

table stable capable coupable agréable semblable véritable portable

Errores comunes

Pronouncing it like the English 'valuable' (adding a 'u' sound).
Over-pronouncing the final 'e' like 'va-la-bluh'.
Confusing the 'a' sound with the 'o' sound.
Stressing the first syllable.
Muffling the 'l' sounds.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to 'valid' and its frequent use in signs.

Escritura 3/5

Requires remembering the plural 's' and avoiding the 'faux ami' with 'valuable'.

Expresión oral 2/5

Simple pronunciation, though the final 'bl' sound can be tricky for some.

Escucha 2/5

Very common in announcements; easy to pick out once known.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

bon vrai être avoir pour

Aprende después

valider validité légitime périmé recevable

Avanzado

caducité jurisprudence nullité homologation

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Agreement

Des raisons (f.pl.) valables (f.pl.).

Position of Adjectives

Un document (noun) valable (adjective).

Negation with Adjectives

Ce n'est pas valable.

Using 'pour' with Adjectives

Valable pour un an.

Adverbs from Adjectives (-ment)

Valable -> Valablement.

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Ejemplos por nivel

Mon ticket est valable.

My ticket is valid.

Simple subject + verb + adjective.

Le coupon est valable aujourd'hui.

The coupon is valid today.

Adverb of time 'aujourd'hui' modifies the sentence.

Est-ce que c'est valable ?

Is it valid?

Question using 'est-ce que'.

Ce code n'est pas valable.

This code is not valid.

Negative construction using 'ne...pas'.

Le passeport est valable.

The passport is valid.

Masculine noun 'passeport' with 'valable'.

Une offre valable.

A valid offer.

Feminine noun 'offre' with 'valable' (no change in spelling).

C'est valable pour moi.

It's valid for me / It works for me.

Using 'pour' to show who it applies to.

Le billet est valable un jour.

The ticket is valid for one day.

Duration added after the adjective.

Il a une raison valable pour son retard.

He has a valid reason for his lateness.

Nouns like 'raison' often go with 'valable'.

Cette carte n'est plus valable.

This card is no longer valid.

Using 'ne...plus' to indicate expiration.

Les billets sont valables pour deux personnes.

The tickets are valid for two people.

Plural agreement: 'billets' (plural) -> 'valables'.

C'est une excuse valable.

It is a valid excuse.

Feminine noun 'excuse' with 'valable'.

L'offre est valable jusqu'à samedi.

The offer is valid until Saturday.

Using 'jusqu'à' to show a time limit.

Votre signature est valable ici.

Your signature is valid here.

Adverb of place 'ici'.

Ce n'est pas une raison valable.

That is not a valid reason.

Negative evaluation.

Le contrat est encore valable.

The contract is still valid.

Using 'encore' to mean 'still'.

Son argument est tout à fait valable dans ce débat.

His argument is entirely valid in this debate.

Using 'tout à fait' to intensify the adjective.

Nous cherchons des solutions valables pour le futur.

We are looking for valid solutions for the future.

Plural feminine noun 'solutions' with 'valables'.

Cette règle est valable pour tout le monde.

This rule is valid for everyone.

Universal application using 'pour tout le monde'.

Il n'a pas fourni de motif valable pour son absence.

He did not provide a valid motive for his absence.

'Motif' is a more formal synonym for 'raison'.

C'est un travail valable, mais il peut être amélioré.

It is a worthy piece of work, but it can be improved.

Using 'valable' to mean 'of sufficient quality'.

Les conditions sont valables dès maintenant.

The conditions are valid starting now.

'Dès maintenant' indicates the start of validity.

Je ne pense pas que ce soit une option valable.

I don't think that is a valid option.

Subjunctive 'soit' after 'je ne pense pas que'.

L'abonnement est valable dans tout le pays.

The subscription is valid in the whole country.

Spatial scope using 'dans tout le...'.

L'accord reste valable malgré les changements politiques.

The agreement remains valid despite the political changes.

Using 'malgré' (despite) to show persistence.

Il est considéré comme un interlocuteur valable par ses pairs.

He is considered a worthy interlocutor by his peers.

Passive-like structure 'être considéré comme'.

Cette théorie n'est plus valable à la lumière des nouvelles découvertes.

This theory is no longer valid in light of new discoveries.

Complex phrase 'à la lumière de'.

Veuillez présenter une pièce d'identité valable.

Please present a valid piece of identification.

Formal imperative 'veuillez'.

Le jugement est valable juridiquement.

The judgment is legally valid.

Using the adverb 'juridiquement' to specify the context.

Ces preuves ne sont pas jugées valables par la cour.

This evidence is not deemed valid by the court.

Agreement with 'preuves' (feminine plural).

C'est une alternative valable à l'utilisation du plastique.

It is a valid alternative to the use of plastic.

Noun 'alternative' followed by 'à'.

L'offre est valable pour une durée indéterminée.

The offer is valid for an indefinite period.

Formal expression 'durée indéterminée'.

La validité de son raisonnement est remise en question.

The validity of his reasoning is being questioned.

Using the noun form 'validité'.

Il a agi en vertu d'un titre valable.

He acted by virtue of a valid title/authority.

Formal prepositional phrase 'en vertu de'.

Aucune excuse n'est valable face à une telle négligence.

No excuse is valid in the face of such negligence.

Strong negative 'Aucune... n'est'.

C'est un individu peu valable, sans aucune éthique.

He is a person of little worth, without any ethics.

Using 'valable' to describe moral character.

Les conclusions de l'étude sont-elles toujours valables ?

Are the study's conclusions still valid?

Inversion in a formal question.

Le contrat a été déclaré nul et non valable.

The contract was declared null and void.

Legal terminology.

Il s'agit d'une préoccupation valable pour les citoyens.

It is a valid concern for the citizens.

Noun 'préoccupation'.

Cette méthode s'est avérée valable sur le long terme.

This method proved to be valid in the long run.

Verb 's'avérer' (to prove to be).

L'acte a été valablement accompli par le mandataire.

The act was validly performed by the proxy.

Using the adverb 'valablement' in a legal context.

La caducité d'un titre autrefois valable pose problème.

The expiration of a once-valid title poses a problem.

Advanced noun 'caducité'.

Il convient de s'assurer que le consentement est valable.

It is necessary to ensure that the consent is valid.

Formal 'Il convient de'.

Sa légitimité en tant que chef n'est plus valable.

His legitimacy as a leader is no longer valid.

Abstract concept of legitimacy.

La clause est réputée non valable par la jurisprudence.

The clause is deemed invalid by case law.

Legal term 'réputée'.

Est-ce un critère valable pour évaluer l'art ?

Is it a valid criterion for evaluating art?

Intellectual inquiry.

Le diplôme est valable de plein droit.

The diploma is valid by right.

Legal phrase 'de plein droit'.

Leurs arguments, bien que valables, manquent de substance.

Their arguments, although valid, lack substance.

Concessive clause 'bien que'.

Sinónimos

valide recevable légitime fondé pertinent acceptable admissible vrai

Antónimos

nul périmé invalide caduc

Colocaciones comunes

raison valable

billet valable

offre valable

argument valable

passeport valable

excuse valable

contrat valable

preuve valable

motif valable

titre valable

Frases Comunes

C'est valable.

— That is valid / That counts / That works.

Ton point est bon, c'est valable.

N'est plus valable.

— Is no longer valid (expired).

Ce coupon n'est plus valable.

Valable pour deux.

— Valid for two (people/items).

Le bon est valable pour deux repas.

Jusqu'à quand est-ce valable ?

— Until when is it valid?

Je voudrais savoir, jusqu'à quand est-ce valable ?

Une personne valable.

— A worthy/reliable person.

C'est quelqu'un de très valable dans l'équipe.

Sauf motif valable.

— Except for a valid reason.

Toute absence sera sanctionnée, sauf motif valable.

Être reconnu valable.

— To be recognized as valid.

Le diplôme doit être reconnu valable par l'État.

Valable partout.

— Valid everywhere.

Cette carte est valable partout en Europe.

Rien de valable.

— Nothing of worth / Nothing valid.

Il n'a rien dit de valable durant la réunion.

Considérer comme valable.

— To consider as valid.

Je considère son explication comme valable.

Se confunde a menudo con

valable vs valuable

English 'valuable' means high price/worth; French 'valable' means valid/active.

valable vs valide

Used for technical/medical validity rather than general/temporal validity.

valable vs vrai

Means 'true' (factual), whereas 'valable' means 'valid' (logical/legal).

Modismos y expresiones

"Un mec valable"

— A solid, reliable, or high-quality guy.

Tu peux lui faire confiance, c'est un mec valable.

Informal

"Tenir la route (être valable)"

— To hold water / To be a solid argument.

Ton explication tient la route, elle est valable.

Informal

"Faire valoir ses droits"

— To assert one's rights (related to the root 'valoir').

Il est temps de faire valoir tes droits.

Formal

"C'est de l'argent comptant (valable)"

— To take something as gospel / as valid truth.

Il prend tout ce qu'elle dit pour de l'argent comptant.

Neutral

"Être en règle"

— To be in order / to have valid papers.

Vérifiez que vous êtes en règle avant le contrôle.

Neutral

"Nul et non avenu"

— Null and void.

Ce contrat est déclaré nul et non avenu.

Formal/Legal

"À bon entendeur, salut"

— A word to the wise is sufficient (valid warning).

Le règlement change demain. À bon entendeur, salut.

Neutral

"Mettre en valeur"

— To highlight or showcase (root related).

Cette robe te met en valeur.

Neutral

"Vendre la mèche"

— To let the cat out of the bag (invalidating a secret).

Il a vendu la mèche sur le projet.

Informal

"Prendre pour argent comptant"

— To accept something as valid without checking.

Ne prends pas ses promesses pour argent comptant.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

valable vs Valuable

They look like cognates (words that share a root).

Valuable refers to monetary or intrinsic worth (précieux). Valable refers to legal or logical acceptance (valid).

Cette bague est précieuse (valuable), mais ce ticket est valable (valid).

valable vs Valide

They are very close in meaning and spelling.

Valide is more for technical function (a working code) or physical ability. Valable is for expiration dates and logical soundness.

Un code valide vs. Une raison valable.

valable vs Disponible

Often used in sales contexts.

Disponible means 'available' (you can get it). Valable means 'valid' (it works/counts).

L'offre est valable (valid) et le produit est disponible (available).

valable vs Légitime

Both deal with being 'right' or 'accepted'.

Légitime implies a moral or legal right. Valable is more about following the specific rules or dates of a situation.

Une défense légitime vs. Un titre valable.

valable vs Bon

Generic positive adjective.

Bon is general 'good'. Valable is specifically 'valid' or 'worthy of acceptance'.

C'est un bon gâteau, mais c'est une raison valable.

Patrones de oraciones

[N] est valable.

Le ticket est valable.

[N] n'est plus valable.

La carte n'est plus valable.

C'est une [N] valable.

C'est une excuse valable.

Valable pour [Durée].

Valable pour trois jours.

Considérer [N] comme valable.

Je considère ton idée comme valable.

Valable dans [Lieu].

Valable dans toute la France.

Aucun [N] n'est valable.

Aucun argument n'est valable.

[N] s'avère valable.

La méthode s'avère valable.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

validité (validity)

validation (validation)

valeur (value)

Verbos

valider (to validate)

valoir (to be worth)

dévalider (to invalidate)

Adjetivos

valide (valid - technical)

invalidable (that cannot be validated)

dévalorisé (devalued)

Relacionado

valideur

valorisation

plus-value

moins-value

prévaloir

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in administrative, commercial, and logical contexts.

Errores comunes

C'est une montre valable. → C'est une montre de valeur.
You used 'valable' to mean 'valuable' (expensive). In French, 'valable' means 'valid'.
Mes billets sont valable. → Mes billets sont valables.
You forgot the 's' for the plural noun 'billets'. Adjectives must agree in number.
J'ai une raison valablée. → J'ai une raison valable.
You tried to make it look like a past participle. 'Valable' is a standard adjective ending in -able.
Le code n'est pas valable. → Le code n'est pas valide.
While 'valable' is often understood, 'valide' is the correct technical term for computer codes or passwords.
C'est un valable argument. → C'est un argument valable.
In French, 'valable' almost always comes after the noun it modifies.

Consejos

Easy Agreement

Remember that 'valable' is gender-neutral in the singular. You don't need to add an 'e' for feminine nouns. Just focus on adding the 's' for plural.

Avoid the Faux Ami

Stop yourself if you want to use 'valable' for an expensive watch. Use 'de valeur' instead. 'Valable' is about logic and rules, not price tags.

The 'Worthy' Compliment

If you want to recommend a colleague, calling them 'quelqu'un de valable' is a very professional and strong way to say they are reliable and talented.

Check Your Tickets

When traveling in France, always look for the word 'valable' on signs to see which zones or times your ticket covers. It saves you from heavy fines!

Logical Soundness

In a discussion, use 'C'est un point valable' to acknowledge someone's logic before presenting your own. It sounds very polite and intellectual.

Formal Reasons

In a formal letter of excuse, use 'motif valable' instead of 'raison'. It carries a more official tone that French administrators prefer.

Expiration vs. Validity

While 'valable' means valid, 'périmé' is often better for things that have physically gone bad, like milk or an old passport. Use 'valable' for the status, 'périmé' for the state.

Mec Valable

In casual French, 'un mec valable' is a high compliment. It means a guy who has his life together and is trustworthy. It's a great phrase to know for social settings.

Contractual Terms

When reading a French contract, look for 'valable pour une durée de...'. This tells you exactly how long the agreement lasts. It's crucial for legal safety.

Silent 's'

Remember that in 'valables' (plural), the 's' is silent. You must use the context (like 'les' or 'sont') to know if the speaker is talking about one thing or many.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'VALid tABLE'. If the table is 'valable', it is strong and useful enough for your dinner.

Asociación visual

Imagine a green checkmark appearing over a ticket or a lightbulb lighting up when someone makes a 'valable' point.

Word Web

Ticket Passport Reason Argument Offer Legal Logic Worth

Desafío

Try to use 'valable' three times today: once for a document, once for an excuse, and once to agree with someone's point.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Old French verb 'valoir', which comes from the Latin 'valere' (to be strong, to be worth).

Significado original: Originally meant 'having strength' or 'being powerful enough to be effective'.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexto cultural

Calling someone 'peu valable' is a strong insult to their character or professional ability; use it with caution.

English speakers often say 'That's a good point'. In French, 'C'est un argument valable' is the equivalent in a more formal or intellectual setting.

Legal codes (Code Civil) frequently use 'valablement' and 'valable'. SNCF (French Rail) announcements use 'titre de transport valable' constantly. Philosophical texts discussing 'valeurs' (values).

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Public Transport

Titre de transport valable
Composter son billet
Zone de validité
Contrôle des billets

Shopping & Sales

Offre valable
Code promo valable
Bon d'achat
Date d'expiration

Work & School

Raison valable
Justificatif d'absence
Argumentation
Projet valable

Legal & Admin

Passeport valable
Contrat de travail
Signature valable
Pièce d'identité

Social Evaluation

Quelqu'un de valable
Une idée valable
Un point de vue valable
Une excuse bidon

Inicios de conversación

"Est-ce que tu penses que c'est une raison valable pour quitter son job ?"

"Ton passeport est-il encore valable pour notre voyage cet été ?"

"Qu'est-ce qui rend un argument vraiment valable selon toi ?"

"As-tu déjà eu un problème avec un ticket qui n'était plus valable ?"

"Connais-tu des gens que tu considères comme vraiment valables dans ton domaine ?"

Temas para diario

Écrivez sur une fois où vous avez dû donner une raison valable pour quelque chose d'important.

Décrivez les qualités d'une personne que vous trouvez 'valable'.

Pensez-vous que les règles de votre pays sont toujours valables aujourd'hui ?

Imaginez un monde où rien n'a de date d'expiration. Est-ce que tout resterait valable ?

Réfléchissez à un argument que vous avez entendu récemment. Était-il valable ? Pourquoi ?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, 'valable' already ends in 'e', so it is the same for both masculine and feminine singular nouns. For example, 'un argument valable' and 'une raison valable'. This makes it easier for learners to use without worrying about gender agreement in the singular.

To say 'valuable' (meaning worth a lot of money), use 'précieux' or 'de valeur'. For example, 'un bijou précieux' (a valuable jewel). 'Valable' strictly means 'valid' or 'acceptable'. Confusing these is a common mistake for English speakers.

Yes, but it has a specific meaning. Calling someone 'un homme valable' or 'une personne valable' means they are a person of merit, reliability, or high quality. It is a professional or character-based compliment, often used in workplace settings.

They are close, but 'valide' is more technical (like a computer code or medical status), while 'valable' is more common for tickets, dates, and logical arguments. In many everyday cases, French speakers use 'valable' for documents.

The plural is 'valables'. You simply add an 's'. For example, 'Ces billets sont valables'. Always remember to match the number of the noun you are describing in writing.

The most common way is 'n'est plus valable'. For example, 'Mon abonnement n'est plus valable'. You can also use 'périmé' if you are talking about food or an expired ID card.

Yes, it is a very common legal term. It refers to whether a contract, signature, or act meets the legal requirements to be recognized and enforced. Lawyers often use the adverb 'valablement'.

In a limited sense, yes. If you say 'Ce film est valable', it means it is a decent movie, worth watching. It's not a glowing recommendation, but it means the quality is acceptable.

It is a 'valid reason' or a 'good excuse'. If you miss school or work, you need a 'raison valable' (like being sick) so that you don't get in trouble. It's a very common phrase in French life.

It almost always comes after the noun. 'Un passeport valable', 'Une offre valable'. This follows the standard rule for most French adjectives.

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