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A2 adjective 12 min de lecture

réparable

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces réparable en 30 secondes

Explication réparable in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn the basics of French. The word 'réparable' might seem a bit long, but it is actually quite easy to understand because it looks very similar to the English word 'repairable'. You should use this word to describe simple things around the house. For example, if your toy is broken, you can say 'C'est réparable' to mean 'It can be fixed'. At this level, don't worry too much about complex grammar. Just remember that it goes after the noun, like 'un vélo réparable'. You can think of it as a positive word that means something can be made 'good as new' again. It is a useful word to know when you are shopping or when you are asking someone for help with something that is broken. You will mostly hear it in short sentences like 'C'est réparable ?' (Is it fixable?). This is a great way to practice your basic question-forming skills in French.

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At the A2 level, you are building your vocabulary to handle everyday situations. 'Réparable' is a key word for this level because it helps you discuss household appliances, clothes, and electronics. You should start to notice that the word doesn't change between masculine and feminine nouns. For example, 'un sac réparable' (masculine) and 'une montre réparable' (feminine). The only thing you need to remember is to add an 's' for plural things: 'des chaises réparables'. You will likely hear this word when you go to a repair shop or a 'cordonnerie' (shoe repair). You can also use it to talk about simple mistakes you make while learning French: 'Mon erreur est réparable' (My mistake is fixable). This level is also where you might encounter the 'indice de réparabilité' on products in France, so knowing the word will help you be a smarter consumer. It's a very practical word that helps you communicate your needs and understand the status of your belongings.

At the B1 level, you can use 'réparable' in more abstract and social contexts. While you still use it for physical objects, you can now start to talk about 'des dommages réparables' (repairable damages) in a broader sense, such as in a professional setting or a minor legal dispute. You might use it to discuss environmental issues, such as the importance of buying products that are 'facilement réparables' to help the planet. You should be comfortable using adverbs with it, such as 'difficilement réparable' (hard to repair) or 'entièrement réparable' (completely repairable). You will also start to see it in news articles about consumer rights and sustainability. At this level, you should also be able to compare 'réparable' with its antonym 'irréparable' to express more complex thoughts about consequences. For example, you might say, 'La vitre est réparable, mais le choc psychologique est irréparable' (The window is fixable, but the psychological shock is irreparable). This shows a deeper understanding of how the word functions in different registers of the language.

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At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'réparable' with nuance in technical, legal, and formal discussions. You will encounter the term in insurance policies, where 'le préjudice réparable' is a standard concept. You should understand the difference between 'réparable' and more specific terms like 'restaurable' (for art or buildings) or 'rectifiable' (for data or errors). Your usage should reflect an understanding of French society's focus on the circular economy and the legislative aspects of repairability. You might participate in a debate about 'l'obsolescence programmée' and argue that all manufacturers should make their products 'réparables' by the end-user. You will also be able to use the word metaphorically in sophisticated ways, such as discussing whether a political crisis or a diplomatic rift is 'réparable'. At this level, your mastery of the word includes knowing its collocations and how it fits into more complex grammatical structures, such as within relative clauses or following subjunctive-triggering expressions like 'Il est possible que ce soit réparable'.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'réparable' is precise and contextually appropriate. You understand the philosophical implications of the word—how it relates to the concepts of permanence, entropy, and restoration. You can use it in academic or professional writing to describe systems that are resilient and 'réparables' by design. You are familiar with its use in high-level literature, where it might describe the human condition or the possibility of redemption. You can distinguish between the 'réparabilité' of a physical object and the 'réparabilité' of a moral fault in a complex ethical discussion. You also have a firm grasp of the legal nuances, such as the 'réparation en nature' (repair in kind) versus 'réparation par équivalent' (financial compensation). Your vocabulary is rich enough that you don't over-rely on 'réparable'; you know when to use 'rattrapable', 'comblable', or 'amendable' instead. You can analyze how the term is used in public policy and environmental law to influence corporate behavior. Your understanding of the word is not just linguistic but also deeply cultural and contextual.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for the word 'réparable'. You can use it in any setting, from a casual chat with a mechanic to a formal legal defense or a philosophical treatise. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its roots in Latin 'reparabilis'. You can use it to create subtle rhetorical effects, perhaps contrasting the 'réparable' nature of material wealth with the 'irréparable' flow of time. You are comfortable with all its technical applications in fields like thermodynamics, engineering, and international law. You can engage in deep cultural analysis of why the 'droit à la réparabilité' has become such a significant political issue in France compared to other countries. Your mastery allows you to play with the word, perhaps in puns or complex metaphors, and you can instantly recognize when it is being used ironically or with specific ideological weight. To you, 'réparable' is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for precise thought and expression across the entire spectrum of human experience.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

réparable en 30 secondes

An adjective meaning 'repairable' or 'fixable', used for both physical objects like tools and abstract things like mistakes.
It is invariable in gender (same for masculine and feminine) and takes an 's' in the plural form.
Highly relevant in France due to the 'indice de réparabilité' (repairability index) on electronics and environmental laws.
Commonly confused with 'réparé' (fixed); 'réparable' means it *can* be fixed, not that it already *is*.

The French adjective réparable is a versatile and essential term for anyone navigating the modern world, particularly in a Francophone context where sustainability and the 'right to repair' are increasingly prioritized. At its core, the word translates directly to 'repairable' or 'fixable' in English. It is derived from the verb réparer (to repair) combined with the suffix -able, which denotes capability or possibility. In French, this suffix is extremely productive, allowing speakers to describe the inherent quality of an object or situation that can be restored to its functional state. Whether you are dealing with a broken smartphone, a torn piece of clothing, or a misunderstood relationship, réparable is the word you need to express that hope is not lost and a solution exists.

Physical Objects: This is the most common usage. It refers to machinery, electronics, or household items that are not 'disposable' (jetable). In France, you will often see this in the context of the 'indice de réparabilité', a mandatory score displayed on electronics to inform consumers how easily a product can be fixed.

Ne jetez pas ce vieux grille-pain ; il est encore tout à fait réparable.

Beyond the physical, réparable extends into the realm of the abstract and the emotional. In French literature and daily conversation, it is often used to describe errors, damages, or social situations. If someone makes a mistake at work, a colleague might reassure them by saying the situation is 'réparable', meaning the consequences can be mitigated or the error corrected. This usage highlights the French tendency to apply mechanical metaphors to social dynamics, emphasizing the structural integrity of social bonds and professional reputations.

Abstract Concepts: Used for mistakes (erreurs), faults (fautes), or harms (préjudices). It implies that the damage caused is not permanent or fatal to the overall structure or relationship.

Leur amitié a connu des hauts et des bas, mais l'offense était heureusement réparable.

The word also carries a strong environmental connotation in contemporary France. With the rise of the 'économie circulaire' (circular economy), being réparable is seen as a moral and ecological virtue. Products that are designed to be réparables are contrasted with those designed for 'obsolescence programmée' (planned obsolescence). Therefore, using this word often signals a conscious choice toward sustainability and responsible consumption. When you ask a technician if an item is réparable, you are participating in a cultural shift away from the 'throwaway society'.

Un produit bien conçu doit être facilement réparable par l'utilisateur.

Technical Nuance: In engineering, it differentiates between modular systems where parts can be replaced and monolithic systems that must be replaced entirely if one component fails.

Cette pièce n'est pas réparable individuellement ; il faut changer tout le bloc.

Est-ce que vous pensez que ce moteur est encore réparable après une telle inondation ?

Using réparable correctly involves understanding its grammatical behavior as an adjective. In French, adjectives typically follow the noun they modify. Because réparable ends in an 'e', it is invariable in gender—meaning it looks the same whether it describes a masculine noun (un aspirateur) or a feminine noun (une machine). However, it must agree in number, so you add an 's' for plural nouns (réparables). This simplicity makes it an excellent word for A2 learners to practice noun-adjective agreement without the complexity of gender-based spelling changes.

Masculine Singular: Un objet réparable. (A repairable object.) Here, the adjective follows the noun 'objet' and remains in its base form.

Ce vieux vélo est parfaitement réparable avec quelques outils de base.

When modifying feminine nouns, the form remains identical. This is a common feature of French adjectives ending in 'e' in their masculine form, such as facile or utile. This consistency allows you to focus on the sentence structure rather than worrying about adding an extra 'e'. When you move to plural forms, the only change is the addition of the silent 's'. Even though you don't hear the 's' in speech, it is crucial for written French to maintain the plurality of the subject.

Feminine and Plural: Une erreur réparable (fem. sing.) vs. Des erreurs réparables (fem. plur.). The agreement is visual in the plural.

Les pannes sur ces modèles sont souvent réparables sans l'aide d'un professionnel.

In more complex sentence structures, réparable can be used after 'attributive' verbs like être (to be), sembler (to seem), or paraître (to appear). For instance, 'L'ordinateur semble réparable' (The computer seems repairable). This usage is common when expressing an opinion or a preliminary assessment of a situation. It is also frequently found in the negative form using 'ne... pas' or by using its antonym, irréparable, which is another high-frequency word worth learning alongside it.

Bien que la carrosserie soit froissée, la voiture reste techniquement réparable.

Comparative and Superlative: Ce smartphone est plus réparable que le modèle précédent. (This smartphone is more repairable than the previous model.) Use 'plus... que' for comparisons.

C'est l'appareil le moins réparable que j'aie jamais possédé.

Si le dommage n'est pas réparable, nous devrons remplacer l'intégralité du système.

If you find yourself in a French-speaking country, you are most likely to encounter the word réparable in places of commerce, service, and environmental advocacy. One of the most common locations is a cordonnerie (cobbler), a garage (mechanic), or a boutique de réparation informatique (computer repair shop). When you bring a broken item to a professional, the first question they will often answer—or that you will ask—is whether the item is worth fixing or if it is technically feasible to do so. The word acts as a gatekeeper between the life of an object and the landfill.

The Repair Shop: Conversation at the counter: 'Monsieur, est-ce que ma machine à café est encore réparable ?' 'Oui, c'est juste un joint à changer.'

L'artisan m'a assuré que mon vieux sac en cuir était tout à fait réparable.

In recent years, the word has moved from the workshop to the supermarket aisle. France has introduced a law requiring many electronic products to display an 'indice de réparabilité'. This is a score out of ten that tells you how réparable a product is. You will hear consumers discussing these scores when choosing between a laptop from one brand and a phone from another. Radio advertisements and consumer protection programs on television (like Ça peut vous arriver) frequently use the term when discussing product longevity and consumer rights.

Consumer News: Journalists often report on 'les produits peu réparables' (products that are hard to repair) to warn the public about planned obsolescence.

Le gouvernement encourage l'achat de produits hautement réparables pour réduire les déchets.

In the workplace or in legal settings, you might hear 'réparable' in the context of insurance or labor disputes. If a company car is damaged, the insurance adjuster will determine if it is réparable or if it is a 'perte totale' (total loss). In a human resources context, an 'erreur réparable' is a mistake that doesn't necessarily lead to being fired, provided the employee takes the necessary steps to fix it. This versatility makes it a high-utility word across various domains of French life.

L'expert a conclu que le véhicule n'était plus réparable après l'accident.

Legal and Insurance: The term 'dommage réparable' is a legal standard used to assess whether a victim can be restored to their original state.

Heureusement, la fuite de données était réparable grâce à nos sauvegardes.

Dans cette entreprise, on considère que chaque erreur est réparable si on est honnête.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using réparable is orthographic. In English, 'repairable' is spelled with an 'ai' following the verb 'repair'. In French, the verb is réparer, and the adjective follows suit with a single 'é' and an 'a'. It is very common for learners to mistakenly write *repairable or *répairable. Remembering that the French root is répar- is key to avoiding this spelling trap. Furthermore, don't forget the accent acute (é) on the first 'e', which is essential for both pronunciation and correct spelling.

Spelling Trap: Incorrect: 'C'est répairable'. Correct: 'C'est réparable'. The French word does not use the 'ai' combination found in English.

Attention à l'orthographe : réparable s'écrit avec un seul 'é' et sans 'i'.

Another common error involves confusing the adjective réparable with the past participle réparé. While they are related, they serve different functions. Réparable describes the potential or ability to be fixed, whereas réparé describes something that has already been fixed. If you say 'Ma voiture est réparée', you mean it's ready to be picked up from the shop. If you say 'Ma voiture est réparable', you mean the mechanic thinks it's possible to fix it, but the work hasn't necessarily been done yet.

Adjective vs. Past Participle: 'Est-ce réparable ?' (Is it fixable?) vs. 'Est-ce réparé ?' (Is it fixed?). Using the wrong one can lead to confusion about the status of an item.

L'objet est réparable, mais il n'est pas encore réparé.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the placement of the word in a sentence. While most adjectives in French follow the noun, some beginners try to place réparable before the noun because 'repairable' can sometimes function that way in English (though usually it's 'a repairable item'). In French, you must say 'un objet réparable' and never 'un réparable objet'. Placing it before the noun will sound unnatural and is grammatically incorrect. Also, remember the plural agreement; even though the 's' is silent, forgetting it in writing is a common mistake in exams and formal correspondence.

Position and Agreement: Always place it after the noun. Ensure you add an 's' for plural subjects: 'Ces chaises sont réparables'.

Il a acheté trois téléphones réparables pour ses enfants.

Cette situation n'est plus réparable ; il est trop tard pour s'excuser.

While réparable is the most common and direct term for something that can be fixed, French offers several synonyms and related terms that carry slightly different nuances. Understanding these can help you sound more natural and precise. For instance, arrangeable is a more informal alternative often used for situations or minor mechanical issues. If you have a small problem that can be easily sorted out, you might say 'C'est arrangeable'. It carries a sense of 'we can work something out' or 'it's manageable'.

Réparable vs. Arrangeable: Réparable: Technical or formal. Used for machines, structures, or serious errors.
Arrangeable: Informal. Used for schedules, minor conflicts, or small fixes.

Le planning est un peu chargé, mais c'est arrangeable.

Another technical alternative is dépannable. This comes from the verb dépanner (to troubleshoot or fix a breakdown). While réparable implies a full restoration, dépannable often suggests a quick fix to get something running again. For example, if your car breaks down on the highway, a 'dépanneur' comes to help. If the car can be fixed on the spot, it's dépannable. If it needs a new engine, it's réparable (but maybe not right now). In the context of old buildings or fine art, you might use restaurable (restorable), which implies a more delicate and aesthetic process of fixing.

Specialized Alternatives: Restaurable: Used for art, antiques, and historical monuments.
Rectifiable: Used for errors in documents, calculations, or trajectories.

Ce tableau du XVIIIe siècle est encore restaurable malgré les moisissures.

On the opposite side, the most important antonym to know is irréparable. This word is used frequently in both physical and emotional contexts. 'Un dommage irréparable' is damage that cannot be undone. In relationships, if someone says 'Le mal est irréparable', it means the hurt is too deep to be fixed. Another antonym is foutu (slang/informal), which means 'screwed' or 'done for'. If a machine is 'foutue', it's not réparable. Understanding these levels of formality and nuance will greatly enhance your French communication skills.

Une erreur de calcul est rectifiable, mais une perte de confiance est souvent irréparable.

Summary of Nuances: Use réparable for technical fixability, arrangeable for social convenience, and restaurable for aesthetic recovery.

L'expert pense que le toit est réparable, ce qui nous fera économiser beaucoup d'argent.

Tout est réparable avec du temps et de la patience.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'réparable' has remained remarkably stable in its meaning and spelling for centuries, reflecting the timeless human need to fix what is broken.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ʁe.pa.ʁabl/

US /ʁe.pa.ʁabl/

In French, stress is generally even but slightly more on the final syllable: re-pa-RABLE.

Rime avec

Comparable Durable Admirable Préférable Vénérable Inévitable Acceptable Table

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it like English 'repair-able'.
Using a hard American 'R'.
Making the 'é' sound like an 'ee'.
Adding an 'i' sound (like repairable).
Over-emphasizing the final 'e'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English similarity.

Écriture 3/5

Watch out for the 'é' and the single 'r' in the middle.

Expression orale 3/5

The 'r' and 'ble' sounds require some practice for A1/A2 learners.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to pick up in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Réparer Objet Possible Casser Machine

Apprends ensuite

Irréparable Restauration Dépannage Obsolescence Durable

Avancé

Réparabilité Préjudice Jurisprudence Remédiation Indemnisation

Grammaire à connaître

Adjectives ending in -able

Possible, durable, réparable. They denote capacity.

Adjective Agreement with -e

Un sac réparable, une montre réparable. No change for gender.

Plural of Adjectives

Des objets réparables. Add -s.

Adjective Placement

Un vélo réparable. Always after the noun.

Negative Adjectives with Ir-

Réparable -> Irréparable. Prefix changes meaning to 'not'.

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Exemples par niveau

Est-ce que mon jouet est réparable ?

Is my toy fixable?

A simple question using 'est-ce que' and the adjective after the noun.

Le vélo de Marie est réparable.

Marie's bike is repairable.

The adjective 'réparable' describes the masculine noun 'vélo'.

Ce n'est pas réparable.

It is not fixable.

Negative form using 'ne... pas' around the verb 'est'.

Ma chaise est réparable.

My chair is fixable.

The adjective 'réparable' remains the same for the feminine noun 'chaise'.

Le téléphone est réparable.

The phone is repairable.

Common use for electronic devices.

C'est un objet réparable.

It is a repairable object.

The adjective follows the noun 'objet'.

Les lunettes sont réparables.

The glasses are repairable.

Plural agreement: 'lunettes' is plural, so we add 's' to 'réparables'.

Oui, c'est réparable !

Yes, it's fixable!

Short, enthusiastic confirmation.

Cette machine à café est-elle réparable ?

Is this coffee machine fixable?

Inversion question style: 'est-elle'.

Les chaussures sont vieilles mais réparables.

The shoes are old but repairable.

Plural agreement with 'chaussures' (feminine plural).

Je cherche un ordinateur réparable.

I am looking for a repairable computer.

Using 'réparable' as a criteria for purchase.

L'erreur sur la facture est réparable.

The error on the invoice is fixable.

Abstract use for a mistake (erreur).

Ce n'est pas une panne réparable à la maison.

It is not a breakdown that can be fixed at home.

Using 'panne' (breakdown) with the adjective.

Tout est réparable avec les bons outils.

Everything is fixable with the right tools.

General statement using 'tout'.

Est-ce que ces jouets sont réparables ?

Are these toys fixable?

Plural agreement with 'jouets'.

Le technicien dit que c'est réparable.

The technician says it is fixable.

Reporting someone's opinion.

Le dommage causé par l'eau est malheureusement peu réparable.

The damage caused by the water is unfortunately not very repairable.

Using 'peu' to qualify the degree of repairability.

Nous devons acheter des produits plus réparables pour l'environnement.

We must buy more repairable products for the environment.

Comparative 'plus' used in an environmental context.

C'est une faute grave, mais elle reste réparable.

It's a serious mistake, but it remains fixable.

Using 'réparable' for a moral or professional fault.

L'indice de réparabilité aide les consommateurs à choisir.

The repairability index helps consumers choose.

Noun form 'réparabilité' derived from the adjective.

Heureusement, la situation diplomatique est encore réparable.

Fortunately, the diplomatic situation is still fixable.

Metaphorical use in politics.

Cet appareil n'est plus réparable car les pièces n'existent plus.

This device is no longer repairable because the parts no longer exist.

Explaining why something is not repairable.

Est-ce que vous pensez que ce préjudice est réparable ?

Do you think this harm is repairable?

Using 'préjudice' (legal harm/damage).

Il est important que les smartphones soient facilement réparables.

It is important that smartphones are easily repairable.

Subjunctive mood 'soient' after 'il est important que'.

L'expert a conclu que le véhicule était techniquement réparable mais économiquement irréparable.

The expert concluded the vehicle was technically repairable but economically irreparable.

Contrast between technical and economic feasibility.

Le malentendu entre les deux entreprises est tout à fait réparable.

The misunderstanding between the two companies is completely fixable.

Using 'réparable' for professional relationships.

La loi impose désormais des critères pour rendre les objets plus réparables.

The law now imposes criteria to make objects more repairable.

Discussing legislation and standards.

Bien que l'erreur soit notable, elle est heureusement réparable par une simple mise à jour.

Although the error is notable, it is fortunately fixable by a simple update.

Using 'réparable' in a software/IT context.

Leur rupture n'était qu'une crise passagère et réparable.

Their breakup was only a passing and fixable crisis.

Emotional/relationship context.

Certaines pièces mécaniques ne sont réparables qu'en usine.

Some mechanical parts are only repairable in the factory.

Restriction using 'ne... que'.

Le préjudice moral est-il vraiment réparable par de l'argent ?

Is moral damage really repairable with money?

Philosophical/legal question.

Il faut privilégier les matériaux durables et réparables.

We must prioritize durable and repairable materials.

Using 'réparable' as a design principle.

L'obsolescence programmée s'oppose radicalement à la conception d'objets réparables.

Planned obsolescence radically opposes the design of repairable objects.

Formal academic/societal discussion.

La jurisprudence considère que tout dommage est en principe réparable.

Case law considers that every damage is in principle repairable.

Legal terminology 'jurisprudence'.

Le caractère réparable d'une faute dépend souvent de la sincérité des excuses.

The repairable nature of a fault often depends on the sincerity of the apologies.

Abstract noun phrase 'le caractère réparable'.

Dans ce système modulaire, chaque composant est individuellement réparable.

In this modular system, each component is individually repairable.

Technical description of engineering design.

L'atteinte à la réputation est-elle une blessure réparable sur le long terme ?

Is the damage to reputation a repairable wound in the long term?

Metaphorical use of 'blessure' (wound).

Le contrat stipule que seuls les dommages directs sont réparables.

The contract stipulates that only direct damages are repairable.

Contractual/legal limitation.

Cette approche écologique vise à rendre l'industrie textile plus réparable.

This ecological approach aims to make the textile industry more repairable.

Discussing industry-wide changes.

Le temps rend parfois réparables des situations qui semblaient désespérées.

Time sometimes makes situations that seemed desperate repairable.

Philosophical observation.

L'ontologie du 'réparable' nous interroge sur notre rapport à la finitude des choses.

The ontology of the 'repairable' questions our relationship with the finiteness of things.

Philosophical/abstract noun usage.

Le préjudice esthétique, bien que subjectif, demeure juridiquement réparable.

Aesthetic harm, although subjective, remains legally repairable.

Nuanced legal argument.

Il existe une distinction subtile entre ce qui est réparable et ce qui est simplement remplaçable.

There exists a subtle distinction between what is repairable and what is simply replaceable.

Deep conceptual distinction.

La résilience d'un écosystème se mesure à sa capacité à être réparable après un choc.

The resilience of an ecosystem is measured by its capacity to be repairable after a shock.

Scientific/ecological metaphor.

L'acte de rendre réparable un objet est une forme de résistance contre la consommation effrénée.

The act of making an object repairable is a form of resistance against unbridled consumption.

Sociopolitical commentary.

L'âme humaine, disent certains poètes, n'est jamais totalement irréparable.

The human soul, some poets say, is never totally irreparable.

Literary use of the opposite to define the positive.

La complexité des circuits intégrés modernes les rend de moins en moins réparables par le commun des mortels.

The complexity of modern integrated circuits makes them less and less repairable by ordinary mortals.

Technical and idiomatic ('commun des mortels').

L'histoire nous enseigne que même les fractures sociales les plus profondes sont réparables.

History teaches us that even the deepest social fractures are repairable.

Historical/sociological application.

Collocations courantes

Facilement réparable

Difficilement réparable

Dommage réparable

Erreur réparable

Indice de réparabilité

Entièrement réparable

Préjudice réparable

Techniquement réparable

Plus réparable

Vraiment réparable

Phrases Courantes

C'est réparable ?

— Is it fixable? The most common way to ask if something can be fixed.

J'ai cassé mon écran, c'est réparable ?

Rien n'est irréparable.

— Nothing is irreparable. A common reassuring phrase meaning everything can be fixed.

Garde espoir, rien n'est irréparable.

Considérer comme réparable.

— To consider something as fixable. Used in insurance and technical assessments.

L'expert considère le véhicule comme réparable.

Rendre un objet réparable.

— To make an object fixable. Used in design and engineering contexts.

Nous devons rendre nos produits plus réparables.

Une situation réparable.

— A fixable situation. Often used in politics or relationships.

C'est une situation difficile mais réparable.

Un tort réparable.

— A fixable wrong. Used when someone has been wronged but can be compensated.

Il a commis un tort réparable par des excuses.

Si c'est réparable...

— If it's fixable... Used to start a conditional sentence about a repair.

Si c'est réparable, je le garde.

Pas encore réparable.

— Not yet fixable. Used if parts are missing or technology isn't available.

Cette technologie n'est pas encore réparable à bas coût.

Tout à fait réparable.

— Completely fixable. An emphatic way to say something is easy to fix.

Votre montre est tout à fait réparable.

Juger réparable.

— To judge or deem fixable. Often used in professional or legal reports.

La panne a été jugée réparable par le technicien.

Souvent confondu avec

réparable vs Réparé

Past participle meaning 'already fixed'. Réparable means 'can be fixed'.

réparable vs Réparateur

Noun for the person who fixes, or adjective for 'restorative'.

réparable vs Repairable

The English spelling; don't use the 'i' in French.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Le mal est fait, mais il est réparable"

— The damage is done, but it's fixable. Used when a mistake occurred but can be corrected.

Désolé pour l'erreur, le mal est fait, mais il est réparable.

Neutral

"Réparable à peu de frais"

— Fixable at little cost. Means something is cheap and easy to repair.

C'est un petit incident, réparable à peu de frais.

Neutral

"Rendre les armes devant l'irréparable"

— To give up in the face of the irreparable. (Contextual use of the opposite).

Il ne faut pas rendre les armes tant que c'est réparable.

Literary

"Une brèche réparable"

— A fixable breach. Often used in security or relationships.

La brèche dans la sécurité est heureusement réparable.

Neutral

"Un cœur réparable"

— A fixable heart. Poetic way to say someone can recover from heartbreak.

Ne pleure pas, un cœur est toujours réparable.

Poetic

"Réparable en un tour de main"

— Fixable in a jiffy. Means it can be fixed very quickly.

C'est une petite fuite, réparable en un tour de main.

Informal

"Tant que c'est réparable, il y a de l'espoir"

— As long as it's fixable, there is hope.

Ne t'inquiète pas, tant que c'est réparable, il y a de l'espoir.

Common

"Réparable au prix fort"

— Fixable at a high price. Means it's possible but very expensive.

L'écran est cassé, c'est réparable, mais au prix fort.

Neutral

"Une amitié réparable"

— A fixable friendship. Used after a fight.

Après leur dispute, ils ont réalisé que leur amitié était réparable.

Neutral

"L'honneur est réparable"

— Honor is fixable. Old-fashioned concept that a reputation can be restored.

Dans cette famille, on pense que l'honneur est toujours réparable.

Formal/Old-fashioned

Facile à confondre

réparable vs Réparable

Spelling

French uses 'é' and 'a', English uses 'ai' and 'a'.

Fr: Réparable / En: Repairable

réparable vs Dépannable

Meaning

Dépannable is for breakdowns; réparable is for general damage.

Une voiture en panne est dépannable.

réparable vs Restaurable

Context

Restaurable is for art/history; réparable is for function.

Un tableau est restaurable.

réparable vs Rattrapable

Rattrapable is more about time or scores; réparable is about structural integrity.

Une erreur de temps est rattrapable.

réparable vs Arrangé

Status

Arrangé means it's sorted; réparable means it can be sorted.

L'affaire est arrangée.

Structures de phrases

C'est [adjectif].

C'est réparable.

Le/La [nom] est [adjectif].

Le vélo est réparable.

Un [nom] [adverbe] [adjectif].

Un appareil facilement réparable.

Bien que ce soit [adjectif]...

Bien que ce soit réparable, c'est cher.

Le caractère [adjectif] de...

Le caractère réparable de cette erreur.

Considérer le préjudice comme [adjectif].

Considérer le préjudice comme réparable.

Est-ce que c'est [adjectif] ?

Est-ce que c'est réparable ?

Ce n'est plus [adjectif].

Ce n'est plus réparable.

Famille de mots

Noms

Réparation (f) - Repair

Réparabilité (f) - Repairability

Réparateur (m) - Repairman

Réparatrice (f) - Repairwoman

Verbes

Réparer - To repair/fix

Adjectifs

Réparable - Repairable

Irréparable - Irreparable

Réparateur - Restorative/Repairing

Apparenté

Panne (f) - Breakdown

Outil (m) - Tool

Dépannage (m) - Troubleshooting

Restauration (f) - Restoration

Maintenance (f) - Maintenance

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High frequency in daily life, especially regarding electronics and sustainability.

Erreurs courantes

repairable → réparable
Learners often use the English spelling with an 'i'. French does not have an 'i' here.
réparée → réparable
Confusing 'fixed' (past participle) with 'fixable' (adjective).
un réparable vélo → un vélo réparable
Placing the adjective before the noun. In French, it must go after.
réparable (plural) → réparables
Forgetting the 's' for plural agreement in writing.
reparable (no accent) → réparable
Missing the accent acute on the first 'e'.

Astuces

Drop the 'i'

Always remember that French 'réparer' doesn't have an 'i' like English 'repair'. This makes the adjective 'réparable' also 'i-free'.

Gender Neutral

Save energy! You don't need to learn two forms for this adjective. It's the same for boys and girls (nouns).

Eco-Friendly

Use this word when discussing green topics. Being 'réparable' is a big deal in modern French environmental policy.

The Root

Connect it to 'réparer'. If you know the verb, you know the adjective. The '-able' part is just like English.

The Accent

The 'é' is key. It's a sharp, closed sound. Practice saying 'RAY-pa-rabl'.

At the Shop

If a mechanic says 'C'est pas réparable', it's time to look for a new car!

Fixing Mistakes

Use 'C'est une erreur réparable' to apologize and show that you are ready to make things right.

Able to Repair

Just think: Repair + Able = Réparable. Just change the spelling slightly.

Plural S

Don't forget the 's' in 'réparables' when talking about multiple things. It's silent but important!

Context Clues

If you hear 'indice de...', the next word is probably 'réparabilité', the noun form of 'réparable'.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'RE-PREPARE'. If something is RE-PARABLE, you can PREPARE it again (RE-PARE) to be used.

Association visuelle

Imagine a green 'recycle' sign but with a screwdriver and a wrench forming the circle. This symbolizes the ability to keep things in use.

Word Web

Réparer Outils Mécanicien Durable Indice Environnement Erreur Fixer

Défi

Try to find three things in your room right now and decide if they are 'réparables' or 'jetables'. Say the sentence out loud: 'Ma lampe est réparable'.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'reparabilis', which comes from the verb 'reparare' (to recover, retrieve, or restore). The prefix 're-' means 'again' and 'parare' means 'to make ready' or 'to prepare'. It entered the French language in the 14th century.

Sens originel : To make ready again; to restore to a previous good state.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Contexte culturel

No major sensitivities, but be aware that calling a relationship 'réparable' can sometimes sound a bit clinical if not used with care.

Similar to the 'Right to Repair' movements in the US and UK, but more legally advanced in France with mandatory labeling.

The 'Loi Anti-gaspillage' (Anti-waste law) in France. Consumer reports in magazines like '60 Millions de Consommateurs'. Various environmental documentaries on ARTE or France 2.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the Mechanic

Est-ce que le moteur est réparable ?
C'est réparable à quel prix ?
Je préfère que ce soit réparable.
L'expert dit que c'est réparable.

In the Office

C'est une erreur réparable.
Comment rendre cette situation réparable ?
Le fichier n'est plus réparable.
Heureusement, le bug est réparable.

Shopping for Electronics

Quel est l'indice de réparabilité ?
Est-ce que la batterie est réparable ?
Je veux un produit réparable.
Ce n'est pas très réparable.

At Home

Cette table est encore réparable.
C'est réparable avec de la colle.
Ne le jette pas, c'est réparable.
Est-ce que c'est réparable par moi-même ?

Legal/Insurance

Le dommage est réparable.
Un préjudice moral réparable.
La cour juge le tort réparable.
Une perte non réparable.

Amorces de conversation

"Est-ce que tu penses que les smartphones d'aujourd'hui sont assez réparables ?"

"As-tu déjà essayé de réparer quelque chose qui ne semblait pas réparable ?"

"Préfères-tu acheter du neuf ou quelque chose de réparable d'occasion ?"

"Penses-tu qu'une erreur au travail est toujours réparable ?"

"Quel est l'objet le plus difficilement réparable que tu possèdes ?"

Sujets d'écriture

Décrivez un objet que vous avez réussi à réparer alors qu'il semblait perdu.

Pensez-vous que la société de consommation nous empêche de voir ce qui est réparable ?

Racontez une fois où vous avez fait une erreur réparable et comment vous l'avez corrigée.

Pourquoi est-il important, selon vous, que les objets soient conçus pour être réparables ?

Réfléchissez à une relation qui a été réparée. Était-ce facile ou difficile ?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is both! Adjectives ending in 'e' in French do not change between masculine and feminine singular. You use 'réparable' for both 'un sac' and 'une montre'.

You can say 'Ce n'est pas réparable' or use the word 'irréparable' (C'est irréparable).

Usually no. You wouldn't call a person 'réparable'. You would use it for their mistakes or relationships instead.

It is a mandatory score in France for products like phones and laptops, showing how easy they are to fix on a scale of 1 to 10.

No, unlike the English 'repairable', the French version has no 'i'. It is R-É-P-A-R-A-B-L-E.

Yes, although 'raccommodable' is more specific for sewing, 'réparable' is perfectly fine and very common today.

Réparable is 'able to be fixed'. Réparateur is 'a person who fixes' or 'something that restores' (like sleep or cream).

Yes, it is very common, especially now with the focus on ecology and saving money.

It's a soft 'bl' sound followed by a very faint 'uh' sound, similar to the end of 'table' in French.

Yes, you can say 'Le bug est réparable' or 'L'erreur est réparable'.

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