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B1 adjective #3,500 よく出る 10分で読める

respectable

上位3,500

練習する例文メモとヒント respectable 30秒で

解説 respectable in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'respectable' as a way to say someone is 'good' or 'proper' in a social way. It is a long word, but it is easy to remember because it looks like the English word. You might use it to describe a person who is nice and follows the rules. For example, 'un homme respectable' is a man who is good and honest. It is also used to talk about things that are big enough to be good, like 'une somme respectable' (a good amount of money). At this level, don't worry about the deep social meanings; just use it to mean 'worthy of respect.' Remember that the spelling is the same for men and women, which makes it very helpful when you are just starting to learn French grammar. Just add an 's' if there is more than one person. Focus on the sound: 'res-pec-table' with the stress at the end.

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For A2 learners, 'respectable' becomes useful for describing people and quantities more accurately. You can use it to describe a family that has a good reputation or a professional who does their job well. It's a step up from using simple words like 'bon' or 'grand.' For instance, instead of saying 'une grande distance,' you can say 'une distance respectable' to sound more like a native speaker. This level is also where you should start noticing the difference between 'respectable' and 'respectueux.' Remember: a person respectable (they deserve respect), but they respectful (they show respect). You might see this word in short stories or news articles about people in the community. It's a formal but common word that helps you express that something is of a good standard. It's also a polite way to talk about someone's age without being rude.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'respectable' to describe social standing, professional ethics, and significant quantities. You understand that it carries a sense of 'properness' and social conformity. You can use it to talk about a 'quartier respectable' (a safe and good neighborhood) or a 'maison respectable' (a company with a good reputation). You are now aware of the nuances: calling something 'respectable' is a value judgment. It implies that the subject meets the expectations of society. In conversations about work or social life, using this word shows you have a grasp of 'savoir-vivre.' You should also be able to use it in its quantitative sense fluently, such as describing an 'âge respectable' as a euphemism for being elderly. Your pronunciation should be crisp, focusing on the dental 't' and the final syllable stress, avoiding the English tendency to swallow the end of the word.

At B2, you understand the sociological weight of 'respectable.' You can recognize when it is used with a touch of irony to describe someone who is overly conventional or 'bourgeois.' You can use it in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Bien que son passé soit trouble, il mène aujourd'hui une vie tout à fait respectable.' You are also familiar with its synonyms like 'honorable' or 'estimable' and can choose the right one based on the context. You understand that 'respectable' is often used in administrative and legal contexts to describe the character of a witness or a citizen. You can discuss the concept of respectability in French culture—how it relates to family, career, and public behavior. Your use of the word in quantitative contexts is precise; you know that a 'somme respectable' isn't just large, but large enough to command respect or change a situation.

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By C1, you use 'respectable' with all its subtle connotations and literary flavor. You can identify its use in 19th-century literature to denote class status and moral rigidity. You are able to use it in academic or professional writing to evaluate theories, reputations, or historical figures. For example, 'Cette théorie, bien qu'ancienne, reste respectable dans le milieu académique.' You understand the stylistic choice between 'respectable' and 'vénérable' when describing institutions or elderly figures. You can also use the word in sophisticated irony, critiquing the 'respectable' facade of a character or society. Your mastery of the word includes knowing its collocations perfectly and using it to add a layer of formal authority to your speech. You are sensitive to the 'stiffness' the word can sometimes project and use it intentionally to create a specific tone in your communication.

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At the C2 level, 'respectable' is a tool for nuanced philosophical and social analysis. You can deconstruct the notion of 'respectability' in contemporary French society, discussing how the term has evolved from a class-based descriptor to one involving ethics and professional standards. You use the word in high-level debates, perhaps questioning what constitutes a 'respectable' life in the 21st century. You are fully aware of its etymological roots in Latin 'respectabilis' and how that informs its modern usage. You can use the word in poetic or highly rhetorical ways, perhaps contrasting the 'respectable' exterior with a 'méprisable' interior. Your control over the word is absolute; you can play with its quantitative and qualitative meanings simultaneously, using it to describe a legacy that is both large in scope and high in moral value. You are a master of the register, knowing exactly when 'respectable' provides the necessary gravitas.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

respectable 30秒で

Respectable means worthy of respect, often implying social standing or moral goodness.
It can also describe quantities that are significant or 'good enough.'
The spelling remains the same for masculine and feminine nouns.
Do not confuse it with 'respectueux' (respectful), which describes showing respect.

The French word respectable is a versatile adjective that functions as a semi-cognate to its English counterpart. At its core, it describes someone or something that is worthy of respect, esteem, or honor. In the social fabric of French culture, being 'respectable' implies a level of conformity to social norms, a stable reputation, and a sense of moral uprightness. However, its usage extends beyond mere character assessment; it is frequently employed to describe quantities, distances, or sizes that are significant enough to be taken seriously. For an English speaker, the primary challenge is not the meaning, but the nuance of its application and the distinction between it and other 'respect' related words like respectueux.

Social Standing: When applied to a person or a family, it suggests they are 'gens de bien'—people of good standing. It is often used in formal or bourgeois contexts to validate someone's place in society.

Il vient d'une famille respectable de la province.

In historical literature, particularly in the 19th-century novels of Balzac or Flaubert, the term was heavily loaded with class implications. To be respectable was to be financially stable and morally conservative. Today, the word has softened but still retains a sense of 'properness.' If you describe a professional as respectable, you are saying they follow the ethics of their trade and have a clean record. It is a safer, more formal compliment than calling someone 'cool' or 'sympa.'

Quantitative Usage: This is where learners often get surprised. You can have a 'respectable' distance or a 'respectable' sum of money. It means 'considerable' or 'noteworthy.'

Elle a gagné une somme respectable au loto.

Furthermore, the word can be used ironically. If someone is acting in a way that is clearly not proper, a French speaker might use 'respectable' with a sarcastic tone to highlight the hypocrisy. However, at the B1 level, you should focus on its literal meaning: a blend of 'honorable' and 'significant.' It is a word that builds bridges between moral judgment and physical measurement, making it a powerful tool in your descriptive arsenal.

Professional Ethics: In a business context, a 'maison respectable' refers to a company with a long history of reliability and integrity. It is the gold standard for corporate reputation.

C'est une institution respectable qui existe depuis cent ans.

Using respectable correctly involves understanding its placement and agreement. In French, most adjectives follow the noun, and respectable is no exception. Because it ends in an 'e', it is epicene, meaning the spelling does not change between masculine and feminine singular forms. This simplifies things for English speakers who are used to gender-neutral adjectives. However, you must remember to add an 's' for the plural form (respectables).

Placement Rules: Always place 'respectable' after the noun it modifies. Placing it before can sound archaic or poetic, which is rarely the goal in modern B1-level communication.

Un homme respectable vs. une femme respectable.

When using the word to describe quantities, it often pairs with nouns like somme (sum), distance, score, or âge. For example, 'un âge respectable' is a polite way to refer to someone who is elderly without using the word 'vieux' (old), which can be seen as rude. It implies that their age has brought them wisdom and deserves honor.

The 'Quite' Nuance: In English, we say 'a respectable amount.' In French, 'une quantité respectable' carries the same weight. It indicates that while it might not be the largest, it is certainly sufficient and not to be dismissed.

Après trois heures de marche, nous avons parcouru une distance respectable.

In more abstract sentences, respectable can modify ideas or ambitions. If someone has a 'respectable ambition,' it means their goals are noble and socially acceptable. It contrasts with 'ambition démesurée' (excessive ambition) or 'ambition malhonnête' (dishonest ambition). This word acts as a stamp of social approval. Using it helps you convey not just a description, but a value judgment that aligns with French cultural expectations of decorum and 'savoir-vivre.'

Pluralization: When describing multiple things, simply add an 's'. The pronunciation remains identical to the singular form in standard speech.

Ces deux entreprises sont tout à fait respectables.

You will encounter respectable in a variety of settings, ranging from the evening news to classic literature. It is a staple of 'français soutenu' (formal French) but is common enough in 'français courant' (everyday French) to be essential for B1 learners. In media, journalists use it to describe the results of an election or the career of a retiring public figure. It provides a level of objectivity and politeness that is highly valued in French public discourse.

In the Media: News anchors might say, 'Le candidat a obtenu un score respectable,' meaning the candidate didn't win but performed well enough to maintain their dignity.

Malgré sa défaite, il a fait un score respectable de 15%.

In the workplace, you might hear it during performance reviews or when discussing potential partners. If a manager says a supplier is 'respectable,' they are giving a green light based on the supplier's history of reliability. It is also used in legal and administrative settings to describe 'un citoyen respectable' (a law-abiding citizen), which can be a crucial distinction in court or when applying for official documents.

In Literature and Cinema: Characters in period dramas often use this word to judge the suitability of a marriage match. 'Est-il d'une famille respectable?' is a classic line that questions social status.

Dans ce quartier, tout le monde veut paraître respectable.

Finally, you will hear it in shops or real estate. A 'quartier respectable' is a safe, quiet, and well-maintained neighborhood. A 'prix respectable' is a fair price—not necessarily cheap, but justified by the quality. Listening for this word will help you understand the unspoken values of the person speaking; they are signaling that they value order, tradition, and fairness.

Social Gatherings: At a dinner party, someone might describe a guest as 'très respectable,' which is a high-level endorsement of their character and manners.

C'est un homme tout à fait respectable, vous pouvez lui faire confiance.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with respectable is confusing it with respectueux. While they share the same root, they describe different directions of respect. Respectable describes the object that deserves respect (passive), whereas respectueux describes the person who gives respect (active). If you say 'Je suis respectable,' you are bragging about your own worth. If you mean you are being polite to others, you must say 'Je suis respectueux.'

The Passive/Active Trap: Respectable = Worthy of being respected (He is a respectable man). Respectueux = Showing respect (He is respectful toward his elders).

Incorrect: Il est très respectable envers ses parents. (He is very worthy of respect toward his parents - makes no sense).

Another common error is related to pronunciation. English speakers tend to stress the second syllable (re-SPECT-able), but in French, the stress is always on the final syllable (res-pec-TABLE). Additionally, the 't' in French is crisp and dental, and the 'able' ending should have a very short, almost silent 'e' or a clear 'abl' sound, unlike the English 'uh-bul.'

Quantity vs. Quality: Don't use 'respectable' for things that are merely 'good.' It implies a certain level of magnitude or dignity. A 'good' croissant is 'bon,' not 'respectable.'

Correct: Une somme respectable (A significant sum). Incorrect: Un respectable gâteau (A respectable cake - sounds like the cake has a moral character).

Lastly, be careful with the word 'honorable.' While often synonymous, 'honorable' is even more formal and often used in titles (like 'The Honorable Judge'). 'Respectable' is more grounded in everyday social judgment. If you use 'respectable' to mean 'okay' or 'average,' you might be misunderstood. In French, it always implies a positive, though perhaps conservative, evaluation.

The 'Bourgeois' Connotation: In some modern contexts, calling someone 'respectable' can imply they are boring or overly conventional. Be aware of your audience!

Elle mène une vie très respectable, un peu trop peut-être.

To truly master respectable, you should know the words that surround it in the French semantic field. Depending on whether you are talking about a person's character or the size of a mountain, different synonyms might be more appropriate. This helps avoid repetition and adds precision to your French.

Honorable: This is the closest synonym. It is slightly more formal and emphasizes the 'honor' aspect. Use it for high-ranking officials or noble actions.
Estimable: Literally 'worthy of esteem.' It is often used for qualities or virtues. 'Une qualité estimable' is a trait that people value.
Convenable: This means 'suitable' or 'proper.' It is less about honor and more about social etiquette. A 'tenue convenable' is an appropriate outfit for an event.

Sa conduite a été tout à fait honorable durant la crise.

When you are using respectable to mean 'large' or 'considerable,' you have several alternatives that can be more evocative. 'Considérable' is the most direct. 'Important' is very common but a bit generic. 'Imposant' suggests that the size is physically impressive or even intimidating.

Considérable: Use this for amounts of money or impact. 'Un impact considérable' sounds more professional than 'un gros impact.'
Décent: Similar to the English 'decent,' it means good enough. It is less 'grand' than respectable. 'Un salaire décent' is enough to live on, but 'un salaire respectable' is a good, solid middle-class income.

Il a une collection de livres assez imposante.

Finally, let's look at the opposites. 'Méprisable' (despicable) is the direct moral antonym. 'Insignifiant' (insignificant) is the quantitative antonym. Knowing these boundaries helps you triangulate the exact meaning of respectable in any given sentence. It is the middle ground of 'good standing' and 'noteworthy size.'

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word entered the French language in the 16th century. It originally had a much stronger religious and legal weight than it does today.

発音ガイド

UK /ʁɛs.pɛk.tabl/

US /ʁɛs.pɛk.tabl/

Final syllable: res-pec-TABLE

韻が合う語

table étable véritable rentable admirable confortable détestable inevitable

よくある間違い

Stressing the second syllable like the English word.
Pronouncing the final 'e' too strongly like 'tab-luh'.
Using an English 'r' instead of the French uvular 'r'.
Muffling the 't' sound; it should be very clear.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'respectueux'.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize as a cognate, but requires context to understand if it's about character or quantity.

ライティング 2/5

Easy to spell and no gender agreement to worry about, just pluralization.

スピーキング 3/5

Requires attention to French stress patterns and the guttural 'r'.

リスニング 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'respectueux' in fast speech.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

respect bon grand famille homme

次に学ぶ

respectueux honorable estimable réputation dignité

上級

vénérable irréprochable bienséance savoir-vivre déférence

知っておくべき文法

Adjective Agreement with 'e' endings

Un homme respectable / Une femme respectable (No change).

Pluralization of adjectives

Des hommes respectables (Add 's').

Adjective placement (after the noun)

Un citoyen respectable (Not 'un respectable citoyen').

Using 'tout à fait' for emphasis

Il est tout à fait respectable.

Euphemisms with 'un certain' or 'respectable'

Un âge respectable (means 'old').

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レベル別の例文

C'est un homme respectable.

He is a respectable man.

Adjective follows the noun 'homme'.

Elle a une maison respectable.

She has a respectable house.

'Respectable' is the same for masculine and feminine.

Ils sont très respectables.

They are very respectable.

Add 's' for plural: respectables.

C'est une somme respectable.

It is a respectable sum.

Used here for quantity, meaning 'good amount'.

Le score est respectable.

The score is respectable.

Used as a predicate adjective after 'est'.

Il a un travail respectable.

He has a respectable job.

Refers to a job with a good reputation.

Ma famille est respectable.

My family is respectable.

Describes the reputation of the group.

C'est un quartier respectable.

It is a respectable neighborhood.

Implies the area is safe and proper.

Le vieil homme a un âge respectable.

The old man is of a respectable age.

Polite way to say someone is old.

Nous avons marché une distance respectable.

We walked a respectable distance.

Means 'considerable' or 'long'.

C'est une profession très respectable.

It is a very respectable profession.

Refers to social esteem for a job.

Il gagne un salaire respectable.

He earns a respectable salary.

Means a salary that is decent/good.

Elle vient d'un milieu respectable.

She comes from a respectable background.

'Milieu' refers to social environment.

Le restaurant offre une portion respectable.

The restaurant offers a respectable portion.

Describes a good size of food.

C'est un citoyen respectable de la ville.

He is a respectable citizen of the city.

Implies a law-abiding person.

L'école a une réputation respectable.

The school has a respectable reputation.

Means the school is well-regarded.

Il a maintenu une distance respectable pendant la course.

He maintained a respectable distance during the race.

Refers to a physical gap that is noteworthy.

L'entreprise a une histoire longue et respectable.

The company has a long and respectable history.

Combines duration with honor.

Il est important de garder une apparence respectable.

It is important to maintain a respectable appearance.

Refers to looking proper and neat.

Le projet a reçu un soutien respectable.

The project received a respectable support.

Means the support was significant.

C'est une dame d'un certain âge, très respectable.

She is a lady of a certain age, very respectable.

A common formal description of an elderly woman.

Il a fait un choix respectable vu les circonstances.

He made a respectable choice given the circumstances.

Means the choice was honorable or correct.

La bibliothèque possède une collection respectable.

The library possesses a respectable collection.

Describes a collection of good size and quality.

Elle a toujours été une employée respectable.

She has always been a respectable employee.

Focuses on professional reliability.

Son ambition est tout à fait respectable, mais difficile à atteindre.

His ambition is quite respectable, but difficult to achieve.

Describes a noble or socially valid goal.

Malgré les critiques, il a laissé un héritage respectable.

Despite the criticisms, he left a respectable legacy.

Refers to the lasting impact of a person's life.

Le journal est connu pour son ton sérieux et respectable.

The newspaper is known for its serious and respectable tone.

Refers to the journalistic integrity of the publication.

Elle a réussi à obtenir un score respectable aux élections.

She managed to get a respectable score in the elections.

Implies a result that commands respect despite not winning.

L'institution refuse de traiter avec des partenaires peu respectables.

The institution refuses to deal with partners who are not very respectable.

Uses 'peu respectable' as a polite way to say 'dishonorable'.

Il s'est retiré des affaires avec une fortune respectable.

He retired from business with a respectable fortune.

A polite way to describe a large wealth.

Ce film traite de la vie d'une femme respectable dans les années 50.

This film deals with the life of a respectable woman in the 50s.

Highlights the social norms of a specific era.

Il est rare de trouver une voiture d'occasion dans un état aussi respectable.

It is rare to find a used car in such a respectable condition.

Means the condition is surprisingly good.

La façade respectable de cette entreprise cache des pratiques douteuses.

The respectable facade of this company hides dubious practices.

Uses the word to contrast appearance with reality.

Il a consacré sa vie à des œuvres respectables mais méconnues.

He dedicated his life to respectable but little-known works.

Refers to the moral and artistic value of the works.

Sa position académique est respectable, bien qu'elle soit contestée.

His academic position is respectable, although it is contested.

Suggests the work is valid enough to be taken seriously.

Elle s'est forgée une place respectable dans le monde de la haute couture.

She forged a respectable place for herself in the world of high fashion.

Refers to achieving status in a competitive field.

Le monument a retrouvé une allure respectable après sa restauration.

The monument regained a respectable appearance after its restoration.

Means it looks dignified and proper again.

L'auteur explore les limites de la bourgeoisie respectable.

The author explores the limits of the respectable bourgeoisie.

A common theme in French literature.

Il a agi selon des motifs tout à fait respectables.

He acted according to quite respectable motives.

Refers to the noble intentions behind an action.

Une distance respectable doit être maintenue entre l'art et la politique.

A respectable distance must be maintained between art and politics.

Metaphorical use for a necessary separation.

L'ironie de son discours sapait sa posture respectable.

The irony of his speech undermined his respectable posture.

Describes the loss of dignity through speech.

Peut-on encore parler de vie respectable dans une société en crise ?

Can we still speak of a respectable life in a society in crisis?

Questioning the very definition of the concept.

L'œuvre de Proust offre une analyse chirurgicale de la société respectable de son temps.

Proust's work offers a surgical analysis of the respectable society of his time.

Relates the word to deep literary analysis.

Il a fallu des décennies pour que ce genre musical devienne respectable aux yeux des critiques.

It took decades for this musical genre to become respectable in the eyes of critics.

Describes the process of social validation.

Sa déchéance fut d'autant plus brutale qu'il était autrefois considéré comme l'homme le plus respectable de la ville.

His fall was all the more brutal because he was once considered the most respectable man in town.

Contrasts past status with current ruin.

Le respect est un sentiment, mais être respectable est un statut social.

Respect is a feeling, but being respectable is a social status.

A philosophical distinction between the adjective and the noun.

Elle maniait l'art de la médisance sous des dehors de femme respectable.

She wielded the art of slander under the guise of a respectable woman.

Highlights hypocrisy using the word as a mask.

Le traité a été signé après une attente d'une durée tout à fait respectable.

The treaty was signed after a wait of quite a respectable duration.

Uses the word to describe a significant period of time.

よく使う組み合わせ

une somme respectable

un âge respectable

une distance respectable

une famille respectable

un score respectable

une profession respectable

une maison respectable

un citoyen respectable

une allure respectable

une vie respectable

よく使うフレーズ

tout à fait respectable

— Completely respectable. Used to emphasize that there is no doubt about the quality.

Son travail est tout à fait respectable.

d'un âge respectable

— Of a respectable age. A polite way to say someone is old.

Une dame d'un âge respectable est entrée.

paraître respectable

— To appear respectable. Often used when talking about outward appearance.

Il fait tout pour paraître respectable.

rendre respectable

— To make something respectable. Often used for things once considered bad.

Le temps a fini par rendre cette idée respectable.

peu respectable

— Not very respectable. A polite way to say shady or dishonorable.

Il fréquente des endroits peu respectables.

une personne respectable

— A person worthy of respect. A standard formal description.

C'est une personne respectable dans le village.

un niveau respectable

— A respectable level. Used for skills or achievements.

Il a un niveau de français respectable.

une carrière respectable

— A respectable career. Implies success and integrity.

Elle a eu une carrière respectable dans la banque.

un montant respectable

— A respectable amount. Usually refers to money.

Le montant respectable de la facture nous a surpris.

une institution respectable

— A respectable institution. Refers to organizations with a good name.

L'université est une institution respectable.

よく混同される語

respectable vs respectueux

Means 'showing respect' (active), while respectable means 'worthy of respect' (passive).

respectable vs respectif

Means 'respective' (individual), used for 'their respective homes'.

respectable vs honorable

Very similar, but 'honorable' is more about formal honor, 'respectable' is more about social standing.

慣用句と表現

"atteindre un âge respectable"

— To reach a grand old age. Used to show honor to the elderly.

Il a atteint l'âge respectable de 95 ans.

formal

"faire une somme respectable"

— To amount to a good sum. Used when small things add up to something big.

Avec les pourboires, cela fait une somme respectable.

neutral

"garder les apparences respectables"

— To keep up a respectable front. Implies hiding something messy behind a good image.

Ils gardent les apparences respectables malgré leurs dettes.

neutral

"une distance respectable"

— A safe or noteworthy distance. Used both literally and metaphorically.

Tenez-vous à une distance respectable du feu.

neutral

"être d'un milieu respectable"

— To come from a 'good' family or social background.

Il veut prouver qu'il est d'un milieu respectable.

formal

"un silence respectable"

— A period of silence that is long enough to be meaningful.

Après l'annonce, il y eut un silence respectable.

literary

"une défaite respectable"

— A loss where the loser still performed well and kept their dignity.

Ce fut une défaite respectable pour le jeune joueur.

journalistic

"une allure respectable"

— Looking decent or proper, often after being messy.

Il a enfin une allure respectable pour l'entretien.

neutral

"un passé respectable"

— A clean history or record.

Elle a un passé professionnel tout à fait respectable.

neutral

"les gens respectables"

— Proper people. Often used by the upper/middle class to define their group.

C'est ce que font les gens respectables.

slightly archaic/formal

間違えやすい

respectable vs respectueux

They share the same root and look similar.

Respectable is a quality of the person themselves. Respectueux is how that person treats others. A respectable person might not be respectueux to you.

Un homme respectable (He is good) vs Un homme respectueux (He is polite to you).

respectable vs respectif

Similar spelling.

Respectif relates to things belonging to different people. It has nothing to do with honor.

Ils sont rentrés dans leurs maisons respectives.

respectable vs estimable

Synonyms.

Estimable is more about inner qualities; respectable is more about social perception.

Il a un courage estimable.

respectable vs vénérable

Both used for age.

Vénérable is much stronger and implies great wisdom, often religious or very old.

Un vénérable sage.

respectable vs décent

Both used for quantities.

Décent is 'good enough'; respectable is 'impressively good enough'.

Un salaire décent.

文型パターン

C'est un/une [noun] respectable.

C'est un homme respectable.

Il/Elle a un [noun] respectable.

Il a un salaire respectable.

Venir d'un/une [noun] respectable.

Elle vient d'une famille respectable.

Paraître [adverb] respectable.

Il paraît tout à fait respectable.

Sous des dehors de [noun] respectable...

Sous des dehors de femme respectable, elle mentait.

Saper la [noun] respectable de...

Cela a sapé la réputation respectable du ministre.

Atteindre un âge respectable.

Mon oncle a atteint un âge respectable.

Une somme respectable de [money].

Une somme respectable de dix mille euros.

語族

名詞

respect (m)

respectabilité (f)

respectueuseté (f)

動詞

respecter

形容詞

respectable

respectueux

respectif

使い方

frequency

Common in written and spoken formal French.

よくある間違い

Using 'respectable' to mean 'polite'. → respectueux
Respectable refers to the person's worth; respectueux refers to their behavior toward others.
Stressing the 'spec' syllable. → Stress the 'table' syllable.
French word stress is almost always on the final syllable of the word or phrase.
Changing the spelling for feminine nouns (e.g., 'respectabel'). → respectable
The word is already in its feminine-friendly form because it ends in 'e'.
Using it for small, everyday things like a 'respectable apple'. → une bonne pomme
Respectable implies a certain weight, dignity, or significant size. It's too heavy for a simple piece of fruit.
Forgetting the 's' in the plural. → respectables
Even though the pronunciation doesn't change, the written form must agree in number with the noun.

ヒント

Gender Neutrality

Remember that 'respectable' is gender-neutral. This makes it a safe and easy adjective to use for any noun without worrying about complex agreement rules.

Beyond People

Try using 'respectable' for distances and amounts. Instead of 'une grande somme', try 'une somme respectable' to sound more advanced.

Stress the End

Always put the emphasis on the last syllable: res-pec-TABLE. This is the biggest giveaway of an English accent if done wrong.

Social Status

In France, calling a family 'respectable' is a high compliment in traditional circles. It validates their social standing and history.

Respectable vs. Respectful

Never say 'Je suis respectable' if you mean you are being polite. That means 'I am worthy of respect.' Say 'Je suis respectueux' instead.

Formal Letters

This is a great word for formal letters of recommendation or professional emails when describing a candidate's background.

Euphemism Alert

When you hear 'un âge respectable', the speaker is being polite about someone being old. It's a key social euphemism.

The Sarcastic Edge

Be aware that in literature, 'respectable' can be used sarcastically to mock people who are too obsessed with appearances.

Latin Roots

Knowing it comes from 'looking back' (respect) helps you remember that it's about how others see the person or thing.

Vary Your Words

If you find yourself using 'respectable' too much, try 'honorable' or 'estimable' for variety in formal writing.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of a 'TABLE' that is very strong and 'RESPECTED'. A 'RESPECTABLE TABLE' is solid and good.

視覚的連想

Imagine an old man in a perfectly ironed suit holding a large sack of gold coins. Both the man and the amount are 'respectable'.

Word Web

Honneur Société Argent Réputation Sérieux Dignité Somme Âge

チャレンジ

Try to use 'respectable' to describe a quantity (like a sum of money or a distance) instead of just using 'grand' or 'beaucoup'.

語源

Derived from the Latin 'respectabilis', which comes from 'respectare' (to look back at, to regard). The idea is that something respectable is something you 'look back at' with attention or honor.

元の意味： Worthy of being looked at or considered.

Romance (Latin root)

文化的な背景

Be careful using it sarcastically, as it can sound very elitist or mocking of someone's social class.

English speakers often use 'respectable' to mean 'not bad.' In French, it's usually more positive than that.

Balzac's 'La Comédie Humaine' frequently discusses 'gens respectables'. The phrase 'un âge respectable' is a staple of French obituary writing. French law often refers to 'un citoyen respectable' in character assessments.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Describing a person's character

Un homme respectable
Une femme respectable
Une personne de confiance
Quelqu'un de bien

Describing an amount of money

Une somme respectable
Un montant considérable
Un prix raisonnable
Une petite fortune

Describing an elderly person

Un âge respectable
Une personne âgée
Le troisième âge
Vénérable

Describing a professional reputation

Une maison respectable
Une entreprise sérieuse
Une carrière exemplaire
Bonne réputation

Describing a neighborhood

Un quartier respectable
Un endroit calme
Un bon voisinage
Une zone résidentielle

会話のきっかけ

"Pensez-vous qu'il soit important d'avoir une apparence respectable au travail ?"

"Quelles sont les qualités qui rendent une personne respectable selon vous ?"

"Est-ce qu'une somme de mille euros est considérée comme respectable pour un cadeau ?"

"Connaissez-vous une institution très respectable dans votre pays ?"

"Comment peut-on rester respectable tout en étant original ?"

日記のテーマ

Décrivez une personne respectable que vous admirez et expliquez pourquoi.

Est-ce que la notion de 'respectabilité' a changé depuis l'époque de vos grands-parents ?

Imaginez que vous gagnez une somme respectable au loto. Que feriez-vous ?

Est-il possible d'être respectable sans suivre toutes les règles de la société ?

Décrivez un quartier respectable dans lequel vous aimeriez vivre.

よくある質問

10 問

Yes, it is! In French, adjectives that end in 'e' in the masculine form do not change for the feminine form. So, you can say 'un homme respectable' and 'une femme respectable' without changing the spelling of the adjective.

Not always. While that is its main meaning for people, when used with quantities like 'somme' (sum) or 'distance', it means 'considerable' or 'significant'. For example, 'une somme respectable' means a good amount of money.

In French, the '-able' ending is pronounced with a very short 'a' and a crisp 'bl' sound. The final 'e' is mostly silent. It sounds like 'ah-bl' rather than the English 'uh-bul'.

You could, but it sounds very formal and a bit strange. It's better to use 'sage' (well-behaved) for a child. 'Respectable' is usually reserved for adults, families, or institutions.

'Honorable' is slightly more formal and implies a higher degree of prestige or moral victory. 'Respectable' is more about meeting the standard expectations of society and being decent.

Not really. It is a word from the 'courant' (standard) and 'soutenu' (formal) registers. Using it in a very casual setting might sound a bit sarcastic or overly proper.

Yes, but usually to describe their condition or size. For example, 'une voiture dans un état respectable' means the car is in surprisingly good condition for its age.

The plural is 'respectables'. You just add an 's' at the end, whether the noun is masculine or feminine. For example: 'des familles respectables'.

Yes, it is very common, especially in newspapers, books, and formal conversations. It is a key word for B1 level learners to know.

You can say 'peu respectable'. This is a very common way to politely describe something that is a bit shady or has a bad reputation.

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