At the Beginner A1 level, the word 'incapable' might feel a bit long, but its meaning is easy to grasp because it looks like the English word. At this stage, you should focus on using it to describe simple things you cannot do. For example, if you are learning French, you might say, 'Je suis incapable de parler vite' (I am unable to speak fast). It is a useful word to express your limitations in a clear way. You mainly use it with the verb 'être' (to be). Remember that the 'e' at the end is always there, whether you are a boy or a girl talking about yourself. You don't need to change the word's ending unless you are talking about more than one person, in which case you add an 's'. It is a 'helper' word that lets you explain why you aren't doing an action. Instead of just saying 'No', you can say 'I am incapable'. This sounds a bit more formal but is very clear for a beginner. You will mostly use it with very common verbs like 'manger' (to eat), 'dormir' (to sleep), or 'courir' (to run). It is the first step in describing your abilities and lack thereof in your new language.
At the Elementary A2 level, you start to use 'incapable' in more varied sentences. You are now expected to link it correctly with the preposition 'de'. This is the most important rule for you right now: always put 'de' before the action. For instance, 'Il est incapable de conduire la voiture' (He is unable to drive the car). You also begin to see the word used to describe other people's character. If someone is always late or forgets things, you might hear 'Il est incapable !' used as a small exclamation of frustration. You should also be aware of the plural form 'incapables'. If you are talking about a group of people, like 'Mes amis sont incapables de rester calmes' (My friends are unable to stay calm), the 's' is necessary in writing. At this level, you can also start using adverbs like 'très' (very) or 'un peu' (a little) to modify it: 'Je suis un peu incapable de cuisiner ce soir' (I'm a bit unable to cook tonight). This adds more flavor to your speech and shows you are moving beyond simple 'yes/no' ability statements.
At the Intermediate B1 level, which is the target level for this word, you should understand that 'incapable' carries a certain weight and nuance. It is not just about physical ability; it often implies a lack of willpower or a fundamental character trait. For example, 'Il est incapable de mentir' (He is incapable of lying) describes his moral nature. You should also be comfortable using it in different tenses. You can use it in the past: 'J'ai été incapable de répondre' (I was unable to answer), or in the future: 'Il sera incapable de venir' (He will be unable to come). At B1, you are also introduced to the legal and formal side of the word. You might see it in news articles about people who are 'juridiquement incapables' (legally incapable). You should also be careful with the register. Calling someone 'un incapable' (a noun) is quite rude and implies they are incompetent in general. You are learning to distinguish between a temporary inability and a permanent state of being. This level requires you to use the word accurately in paragraphs and longer conversations, ensuring that the 'de' is always present and the agreements are correct.
At the Upper Intermediate B2 level, you use 'incapable' with much more precision and stylistic flair. You can use it to create complex sentences that involve hypothetical situations or abstract concepts. For example, 'L'humanité semble incapable de résoudre la crise climatique sans une coopération mondiale' (Humanity seems incapable of solving the climate crisis without global cooperation). Here, the word is used for a collective 'subject' and an abstract 'problem'. You should also be familiar with synonyms and know when to use 'inapte' or 'incompétent' instead to be more precise. At B2, you might use 'incapable' in the context of litotes—understating something for effect. 'Il n'est pas incapable de réussir ce concours' (He is not incapable of passing this exam) actually means you think he has a very good chance. You are also expected to handle the word in professional contexts, such as writing a formal letter or a report where you might describe a technical failure. You understand the difference between 'incapable' (personal/internal lack) and 'impossible' (external/situational lack) and can explain this difference to others.
At the Advanced C1 level, you explore the philosophical and literary uses of 'incapable'. You might encounter the word in the works of great French writers like Proust or Flaubert, where it is used to describe the profound limitations of the human soul or the paralysis of the will. In your own writing, you can use it to discuss complex psychological states, such as 'l'incapacité' (the noun form) to connect with others. You are expected to use the word in high-level debates, perhaps discussing the 'incapacité' of a government to address social inequalities. Your usage should be flawless, including the correct use of 'de' even when the sentence structure is inverted or complex. You also understand the subtle irony that can be conveyed with the word. For example, in a satirical piece, calling a high-ranking official 'un illustre incapable' (an illustrious incompetent) uses the word to highlight the gap between their status and their actual abilities. You are no longer just using the word to say 'I can't'; you are using it to analyze the very nature of ability and power in society.
At the Mastery C2 level, 'incapable' is a tool for absolute precision in language. You can use it in highly specialized fields such as law, medicine, or philosophy with total confidence in its technical implications. In legal French, you understand the distinctions between 'incapacité d'exercice' and 'incapacité de jouissance'. In a literary context, you can appreciate and produce nuances where 'incapable' describes an existential state of being, perhaps in an essay about the 'incapacité' of language to truly capture human experience. You can switch between registers effortlessly, using 'incapable' in a formal academic paper or knowing exactly how much weight it carries when used as a sharp, cutting remark in a high-stakes negotiation. Your mastery allows you to use the word in wordplay, puns, or complex rhetorical figures. You have a deep understanding of its etymology from the Latin 'incapax' and how that history informs its modern usage. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile instrument in your linguistic orchestra, used to define the boundaries of human potential and legal standing with surgical accuracy.

incapable 30秒で

  • Incapable means unable or incompetent in French.
  • It is followed by the preposition 'de' before a verb.
  • The word is the same for both masculine and feminine genders.
  • It has a specific legal meaning for people unable to manage themselves.
The French adjective incapable is a powerful and versatile word that translates most directly to the English word 'incapable' or 'unable'. At its core, it describes a lack of capacity, whether that capacity is physical, mental, legal, or emotional. In the French language, this word carries a weight that can range from a simple statement of fact to a harsh personal critique. For a learner at the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages B1 level, understanding the nuances of this word is essential because it appears frequently in both formal documentation and heated daily conversations.
Physical Inability
This refers to a person being unable to perform a physical action due to injury, exhaustion, or lack of skill. For example, after a long race, one might be incapable of taking another step.
Intellectual or Professional Incompetence
In a workplace setting, calling someone 'incapable' is a serious allegation. It suggests they lack the necessary skills or intelligence to fulfill their duties. It is much stronger than saying someone is simply 'slow'.

Il est absolument incapable de mentir à ses parents, car sa conscience est trop forte.

Beyond these common uses, the word also has a specific legal definition in French law. A 'majeur incapable' is an adult who, due to mental or physical impairment, is legally declared unable to manage their own affairs and requires a guardian. This demonstrates how the word transitions from a descriptive adjective to a formal legal status. In everyday social interactions, the word is often used with the preposition 'de' followed by an infinitive verb. You will hear people say they are 'incapable de choisir' (unable to choose) when faced with a difficult menu or a life-changing decision. When used as a noun, 'un incapable' or 'une incapable', it becomes a derogatory term for a 'good-for-nothing'. This is a very insulting way to describe someone and should be used with extreme caution. It implies a total lack of worth or utility in a specific context.

Le témoin était incapable de se rappeler les détails de l'accident.

In summary, 'incapable' is not just about 'not being able to'; it often touches on the character, the legal standing, or the inherent nature of a person or thing. Whether you are reading a medical report, a legal brief, or a dramatic novel, the presence of 'incapable' signals a significant barrier to action or a fundamental lack of power.
Using 'incapable' correctly in French requires attention to the grammatical structures that typically follow it. The most common pattern is incapable + de + infinitive. This structure is used to express that someone lacks the ability or the will to perform a specific action. Unlike English, where we might say 'incapable of doing', French always uses the 'de' followed by the base form of the verb.
The Preposition 'De'
Always remember to include 'de' before the verb. If the following verb starts with a vowel, 'de' becomes 'd' '. For example: 'Il est incapable d'agir' (He is unable to act).

Elle se sentait incapable de pardonner une telle trahison.

When 'incapable' is used on its own, without a following verb, it usually follows a linking verb like 'être' (to be), 'sembler' (to seem), or 'paraître' (to appear). In this context, it describes the subject's general state of being. 'Il semble incapable' translates to 'He seems incompetent' or 'He seems unable'. It is important to note that while the spelling does not change for gender, it does change for number. You must add an 's' for plural subjects: 'Ils sont incapables'. Another common construction involves the use of 'incapable' in the negative. While it might seem redundant, saying someone is 'pas incapable' (not incapable) is a common way to use litotes—a figure of speech where a positive is expressed by negating its opposite. 'Il n'est pas incapable de réussir' suggests that he actually has a good chance of succeeding, but the speaker is being modest or cautious.

Les enfants sont parfois incapables de rester en place pendant une heure.

Agreement with Plural
Je suis incapable, Tu es incapable, Il/Elle est incapable, Nous sommes incapables, Vous êtes incapables, Ils/Elles sont incapables.
Finally, 'incapable' can be modified by adverbs to show the degree of inability. Common adverbs include 'totalement' (totally), 'absolument' (absolutely), 'complètement' (completely), and 'partiellement' (partially). These adverbs help provide more context to the severity of the situation. 'Je suis totalement incapable de comprendre ce problème de mathématiques' emphasizes a complete lack of comprehension.
The word 'incapable' resonates through various layers of French society, from the halls of justice to the dinner table. In a professional environment, you might hear a manager expressing frustration about a project's failure by saying, 'L'équipe a été incapable de respecter les délais' (The team was unable to meet the deadlines). Here, it carries a tone of disappointment and professional judgment.
The Corporate World
It is used in performance reviews to describe a lack of required competencies. It is a 'heavy' word that signifies a fundamental failure rather than a minor mistake.
In the legal and administrative realm, 'incapable' is a technical term. If you are reading French news or watching a documentary about civil rights, you might encounter the term 'incapable majeur'. This refers to an adult who is not considered 'capable' of making legal decisions for themselves due to cognitive decline or disability. It is not an insult in this context, but a specific legal classification that triggers protective measures like 'tutelle' or 'curatelle'.

La loi protège les personnes incapables afin d'éviter tout abus de faiblesse.

In the media and political discourse, 'incapable' is often hurled as an insult between rivals. A politician might call their opponent 'incapable de gouverner' (incapable of governing), which is a direct attack on their leadership qualities. You will also find it in sports commentary when an athlete is 'incapable de marquer' (unable to score), highlighting a period of poor performance or a 'slump'.
Daily Life and Relationships
In arguments, it is a sharp weapon. Saying 'Tu es incapable de m'écouter' (You are incapable of listening to me) expresses a deep-seated frustration with a partner's behavior.
Finally, in medical contexts, doctors use it to describe functional limitations. A patient might be 'incapable de marcher' (unable to walk) following surgery. In all these contexts, the word serves to define the limits of what a person can do, whether those limits are imposed by law, biology, or character.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using 'incapable' is forgetting the preposition 'de'. In English, we often say 'incapable of' followed by a gerund (the -ing form), like 'incapable of swimming'. In French, you must use 'de' followed by the infinitive. Saying 'incapable à nager' or 'incapable nageant' is incorrect and sounds very unnatural to native speakers.
Preposition Confusion
Incorrect: Il est incapable pour faire ça. Correct: Il est incapable de faire ça. The preposition 'de' is non-negotiable here.

Ne dites pas : 'Je suis incapable à comprendre'. Dites : 'Je suis incapable de comprendre'.

Another common mistake is overusing 'incapable' when 'impossible' would be more appropriate. 'Incapable' refers to a person's lack of ability, whereas 'impossible' refers to the action itself being unachievable. For example, 'Il est incapable de voler' (He is unable to fly - because he is a human) is different from 'C'est impossible de voler sans ailes' (It is impossible to fly without wings - a general fact). If you use 'incapable' to describe an object, you are personifying it, which might not be your intention.
Confusion with 'Inapte'
While 'incapable' is general, 'inapte' is often used for physical fitness or specific job qualifications. Saying someone is 'incapable' sounds like a personal insult, whereas 'inapte' sounds like a medical or technical judgment.
Using 'incapable' as a noun can also lead to awkward situations. If you say 'C'est un incapable', you are being very aggressive. Learners sometimes use this thinking it simply means 'he can't do it', but it actually means 'he is a loser' or 'he is incompetent'. Use the adjective form with 'être' to be safer. Lastly, remember the plural 's'. While the pronunciation doesn't change ('incapable' vs 'incapables'), the written form must reflect the number of the subject. Skipping the 's' in a written essay is a common B1-level error that can easily be avoided with a quick proofread.
To enrich your French vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that share a similar meaning with 'incapable' but offer different shades of nuance. Depending on the context—whether it is professional, physical, or emotional—you might want to choose a more precise term.
Inapte
This word is often used in medical or professional contexts to mean 'unfit'. A soldier might be 'inapte au service' (unfit for service). It is less about character and more about physical or technical suitability.
Impuissant
This means 'powerless' or 'helpless'. While 'incapable' suggests a lack of skill or ability, 'impuissant' suggests that external circumstances are preventing you from acting. 'Je suis impuissant face à cette situation' means you have no control over it.

Il est incompétent dans son travail, ce qui est différent d'être simplement incapable de le faire par fatigue.

Incompétent
This is the direct equivalent of 'incompetent'. It is strictly used for skills and knowledge, especially in a professional setting. You wouldn't say someone is 'incompétent de courir', but you would say they are an 'incompétent ingénieur'.
On the flip side, the most direct antonym is 'capable'. Just like its negative counterpart, 'capable' is followed by 'de'. 'Je suis capable de le faire' (I am capable of doing it). Other antonyms include 'apte' (fit/suitable), 'compétent' (competent), and 'doué' (gifted/talented). Choosing between these depends on whether you want to emphasize a natural talent or a learned skill. For example, 'doué' implies a natural gift, while 'compétent' implies that the person has been well-trained. By understanding these alternatives, you can move away from the repetitive use of 'incapable' and express yourself with the precision of a native speaker.

豆知識

The word entered the French language in the 14th century and originally had a strong legal connotation before becoming a common descriptive adjective.

発音ガイド

UK /ɛ̃.ka.pabl/
US /æ̃.kə.pæb.lə/
In French, stress is usually on the last syllable of the word or phrase, so the 'pable' part gets the most emphasis.
韻が合う語
Stable Table Coupable Indispensable Aimable Durable Notable Probable
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the 'n' in 'in' as a hard consonant.
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' as a loud 'ay' sound.
  • Stressing the first syllable instead of the last.
  • Making the 'ble' sound like 'bull' in English.
  • Forgetting to keep the 'a' sounds short and crisp.

レベル別の例文

1

Je suis incapable de nager.

I am incapable of swimming.

Uses 'être' + 'incapable' + 'de' + infinitive.

2

Il est incapable de courir vite.

He is unable to run fast.

Agreement with masculine singular 'il'.

3

Elle est incapable de chanter.

She is unable to sing.

Incapable is the same for masculine and feminine.

4

Nous sommes incapables de venir.

We are unable to come.

Plural agreement adds an 's'.

5

Tu es incapable de dormir ?

Are you unable to sleep?

Question form using intonation.

6

Le chat est incapable de sauter.

The cat is unable to jump.

Used with an animal subject.

7

Vous êtes incapables de manger ça.

You (plural) are unable to eat that.

Plural 'vous' requires 'incapables'.

8

Je ne suis pas incapable.

I am not incapable.

Negative form using 'ne... pas'.

1

Il est incapable de réparer son vélo.

He is unable to repair his bike.

Common A2 verb 'réparer'.

2

Ma sœur est incapable de rester tranquille.

My sister is unable to stay still.

Feminine subject 'ma sœur'.

3

Ils sont incapables d'arriver à l'heure.

They are unable to arrive on time.

'De' becomes 'd'' before a vowel.

4

Je me sens incapable de finir ce livre.

I feel unable to finish this book.

Using 'se sentir' instead of 'être'.

5

Le bébé est incapable de marcher seul.

The baby is unable to walk alone.

Describing developmental stages.

6

Elle semble incapable de comprendre la consigne.

She seems unable to understand the instruction.

Using 'sembler' (to seem).

7

Nous étions incapables de trouver la clé.

We were unable to find the key.

Imperfect tense 'étions'.

8

Pourquoi es-tu incapable de m'aider ?

Why are you unable to help me?

Interrogative with 'pourquoi'.

1

Il est totalement incapable de mentir à sa femme.

He is totally incapable of lying to his wife.

Adverb 'totalement' modifies the adjective.

2

Cette machine est incapable de traiter ces données.

This machine is unable to process this data.

Applied to an object/machine.

3

Je suis incapable de prendre une décision maintenant.

I am unable to make a decision now.

Expressing mental/emotional state.

4

Ils se sont montrés incapables de gérer la crise.

They proved unable to manage the crisis.

Reflexive verb 'se montrer'.

5

Elle est incapable de faire du mal à une mouche.

She is incapable of hurting a fly.

Idiomatic expression of kindness.

6

Il est devenu incapable de travailler après l'accident.

He became unable to work after the accident.

Using 'devenir' (to become).

7

L'enfant était incapable de retenir ses larmes.

The child was unable to hold back his tears.

Describing emotional lack of control.

8

Êtes-vous incapable de suivre le règlement ?

Are you unable to follow the rules?

Formal inversion question.

1

Le gouvernement est incapable de freiner l'inflation.

The government is unable to curb inflation.

Political/Economic context.

2

Il est incapable de se projeter dans l'avenir.

He is unable to project himself into the future.

Abstract psychological use.

3

Sa blessure le rend incapable de toute activité physique.

His injury makes him incapable of any physical activity.

Using 'rendre' (to make/render).

4

Je suis incapable de dire si elle a raison ou non.

I am unable to say if she is right or not.

Expressing uncertainty.

5

Les deux parties sont incapables de trouver un compromis.

The two parties are unable to find a compromise.

Negotiation context.

6

Elle n'est pas incapable d'un geste de générosité.

She is not incapable of a gesture of generosity.

Litotes (double negative for effect).

7

Il s'est avéré incapable de remplir ses obligations.

He turned out to be unable to fulfill his obligations.

Formal phrase 's'avérer'.

8

Le système est incapable de supporter une telle charge.

The system is unable to support such a load.

Technical/Engineering context.

1

Il demeure incapable de surmonter son traumatisme d'enfance.

He remains unable to overcome his childhood trauma.

Using 'demeurer' (to remain) for persistence.

2

L'artiste se disait incapable de créer sans souffrance.

The artist said he was unable to create without suffering.

Reflexive 'se dire' (to claim to be).

3

La justice l'a déclaré pénalement incapable.

The justice system declared him criminally incapable.

Legal terminology.

4

Elle est incapable de la moindre hypocrisie.

She is incapable of the slightest hypocrisy.

Using 'la moindre' for emphasis.

5

Le texte est incapable de rendre compte de la réalité.

The text is unable to account for reality.

Philosophical/Literary context.

6

Ils sont incapables de concevoir un monde sans technologie.

They are unable to conceive of a world without technology.

Abstract conceptualization.

7

Son orgueil le rend incapable de reconnaître ses torts.

His pride makes him unable to admit his wrongs.

Psychological motivation.

8

L'entreprise est incapable de s'adapter aux mutations du marché.

The company is unable to adapt to market changes.

Business strategy context.

1

L'esprit humain est-il incapable d'appréhender l'infini ?

Is the human mind unable to grasp the infinite?

Philosophical inquiry.

2

Il est frappé d'une incapacité juridique totale.

He is struck by a total legal incapacity.

Noun form 'incapacité' in a formal idiom.

3

La langue française est incapable d'exprimer ce sentiment précis.

The French language is unable to express this precise feeling.

Linguistic limitation.

4

Le dictateur s'est révélé incapable de contenir la révolte.

The dictator proved unable to contain the revolt.

Historical/Political analysis.

5

Elle est incapable de s'affranchir du regard des autres.

She is unable to free herself from the gaze of others.

Using 's'affranchir de' (to free oneself from).

6

Une âme incapable de haine est une âme sainte.

A soul incapable of hatred is a holy soul.

Spiritual/Moral aphorism.

7

L'appareil d'État est incapable de se réformer de l'intérieur.

The state apparatus is unable to reform itself from within.

Sociopolitical critique.

8

Il est incapable de la moindre concession diplomatique.

He is incapable of the slightest diplomatic concession.

High-level negotiation context.

よく使う組み合わせ

Totalement incapable
Incapable de mentir
Incapable de bouger
Juridiquement incapable
Incapable de choisir
Absolument incapable
Incapable de comprendre
Incapable de réagir
Incapable de pardonner
Incapable de résister

よく使うフレーズ

Être incapable de faire du mal à une mouche

— To be extremely kind and gentle. It describes someone who wouldn't hurt anyone.

Ne t'inquiète pas, il est incapable de faire du mal à une mouche.

Se sentir incapable

— To feel overwhelmed or lacking the strength to do something. It expresses self-doubt.

Je me sens incapable de réussir cet examen.

Un grand incapable

— A very insulting way to call someone completely incompetent. Usually used in anger.

Quel grand incapable, il a encore tout gâché !

Incapable de tenir sa langue

— Unable to keep a secret. Describes someone who talks too much.

Elle est incapable de tenir sa langue.

Incapable de rester en place

— To be restless or very energetic. Often used for children.

Cet enfant est incapable de rester en place.

Être incapable de dire non

— To be too kind or weak to refuse a request. Describes a lack of assertiveness.

Il est incapable de dire non à ses amis.

Incapable de faire face

— Unable to deal with a difficult situation. Expresses being overwhelmed.

Il est incapable de faire face à ses dettes.

Incapable de se décider

— Indecisive. Unable to make a choice.

Je suis incapable de me décider pour mes vacances.

Incapable de respirer

— Usually used to describe intense emotion or a physical state like asthma.

Elle était incapable de respirer tant elle riait.

Incapable de travailler

— Used in medical certificates to indicate a person is unfit for work.

Le médecin l'a déclaré incapable de travailler.

慣用句と表現

"Être incapable de faire deux choses à la fois"

— To be unable to multi-task. Often used humorously or critically.

Mon mari est incapable de faire deux choses à la fois.

Informal
"Incapable de voir plus loin que le bout de son nez"

— Short-sighted. Unable to think about the future or others.

Il est incapable de voir plus loin que le bout de son nez.

Common
"Incapable de joindre les deux bouts"

— Unable to make ends meet financially.

Avec ce petit salaire, ils sont incapables de joindre les deux bouts.

Common
"Incapable de lever le petit doigt"

— Extremely lazy. Refusing to help at all.

Il est incapable de lever le petit doigt pour aider à la maison.

Informal
"Incapable de piquer une crise"

— To be so calm that one is unable to get angry.

Elle est incapable de piquer une crise, elle est trop douce.

Informal
"Incapable de mettre un pied devant l'autre"

— Exhausted or very drunk. Unable to walk.

Après la fête, il était incapable de mettre un pied devant l'autre.

Informal
"Incapable de lâcher prise"

— Unable to let go of an idea or a situation.

Il est incapable de lâcher prise sur cette affaire.

Neutral
"Incapable de garder son sang-froid"

— Unable to stay calm under pressure.

Le pilote était incapable de garder son sang-froid.

Neutral
"Incapable de se passer de quelque chose"

— Addicted or very attached to something.

Elle est incapable de se passer de son téléphone.

Common
"Incapable de faire la part des choses"

— Unable to distinguish between different aspects of a problem.

Il est incapable de faire la part des choses dans son travail.

Neutral

語族

名詞

Incapacité (Incapacity)
Capacité (Capacity)

動詞

Incapaciter (To incapacitate - rare in French)
Capaciter (To enable - rare)

形容詞

Capable (Capable)
Incapacitant (Incapacitating)

関連

Aptitude
Compétence
Pouvoir
Habilité
Faculté

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of an 'IN-CAPable' person as someone who is 'IN' a 'CAP' (a bottle cap) and cannot get out to do anything.

視覚的連想

Imagine a person trying to lift a giant weight that says 'TASK' and failing—this is the visual of being incapable.

Word Web

Incapable Unable Incompetent Inapte Impuissant Incapacité Capable Aptitude

チャレンジ

Try to write three sentences today using 'incapable de' with three different verbs: one physical, one mental, and one emotional.

語源

The word comes from the Latin 'incapax', which combines the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'capax' (able to hold or contain).

元の意味: Originally, it meant 'not having the capacity to hold' or 'not containing enough space'.

It belongs to the Italic branch of the Indo-European family, evolving through Vulgar Latin into Old French.

文化的な背景

The English 'incapable' is often more formal, whereas the French 'incapable' is used very frequently in daily emotional speech.

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