conventionnel in 30 Seconds
- Conventionnel means following standard rules or social customs.
- It can describe a person's style, a legal agreement, or a type of medicine.
- The feminine form is conventionnelle and the plural is conventionnels.
- It is a direct cognate of the English word 'conventional' and used similarly.
The French adjective conventionnel (feminine: conventionnelle) is a versatile term that describes something which conforms to established standards, customs, or formal agreements. At its core, it refers to the 'status quo'—the way things are typically done because society or a specific group has agreed upon them. In English, it translates directly to 'conventional.' However, in French, the nuance can shift depending on whether you are discussing social behavior, international law, or artistic styles. It is a word that carries a sense of reliability and predictability, but it can also occasionally carry a slightly negative connotation of being unoriginal or overly formal.
- Social Etiquette
- When used in a social context, it refers to behavior that follows traditional manners. A 'politesse conventionnelle' is the standard politeness expected in professional or formal settings. It implies following the rules of the game without necessarily adding personal flair.
Il a choisi un costume très conventionnel pour son entretien d'embauche afin de paraître professionnel.
- Legal and Formal Contexts
- In legal or diplomatic terms, it relates to a 'convention' (a formal agreement or treaty). For example, 'obligations conventionnelles' are duties arising from a contract rather than from general law. This is a crucial distinction in French administrative and civil law.
Le respect des clauses conventionnelles est essentiel pour la validité du contrat de travail.
- Scientific and Technical Use
- In science, a 'signe conventionnel' is a symbol that everyone has agreed represents a specific concept, like the plus sign for addition. In medicine, 'médecine conventionnelle' refers to mainstream Western medicine as opposed to alternative therapies.
La cartographie utilise des symboles conventionnels pour indiquer les rivières et les montagnes.
Elle préfère la médecine conventionnelle aux remèdes naturels pour traiter cette infection.
Leurs idées sur l'éducation sont très conventionnelles et manquent de créativité.
Using 'conventionnel' correctly involves understanding the balance between 'standardized' and 'unimaginative.' In a professional setting, being conventionnel is usually a strength because it implies you are reliable and understand the norms. In a creative or romantic setting, however, being described as conventionnel might suggest you are a bit boring. It is a word that reflects the tension between the comfort of tradition and the excitement of the unknown.
Constructing sentences with conventionnel requires attention to its placement and agreement. Like most multi-syllabic adjectives in French, it typically follows the noun it modifies. Understanding its role as an adjective of quality or classification will help you use it naturally in conversation and writing.
- Placement after the Noun
- In almost all cases, 'conventionnel' follows the noun. You would say 'un style conventionnel' and never 'un conventionnel style.' This follows the standard French rule where longer adjectives or those indicating a specific category are placed after the object.
Nous avons adopté une approche conventionnelle pour résoudre ce problème technique.
- Agreement in Gender and Number
- Because it ends in '-el', the feminine form is created by doubling the 'l' and adding an 'e'. The plural is formed by adding an 's'. This leads to four distinct forms: conventionnel (m.s), conventionnelle (f.s), conventionnels (m.p), and conventionnelles (f.p).
Les méthodes conventionnelles ne fonctionnent plus dans ce nouveau marché numérique.
- Using Adverbs for Nuance
- To modify the intensity, you can pair it with adverbs like 'très' (very), 'assez' (quite), 'peu' (not very), or 'excessivement' (excessively). This allows you to express whether something is just standard or boringly traditional.
Leur décoration intérieure est assez conventionnelle, avec beaucoup de blanc et de bois.
Il refuse de suivre un parcours professionnel conventionnel et préfère l'entrepreneuriat.
Les armes conventionnelles sont distinguées des armes nucléaires dans les traités.
Whether you are writing a formal report or chatting about a movie, 'conventionnel' helps you categorize things based on their adherence to rules. It is a precise word that provides a clear contrast to 'original,' 'innovant' (innovative), or 'étrange' (strange). Master its agreement and you will sound much more fluent in your descriptions.
In French daily life, conventionnel appears in several specific domains. You won't hear it as often as 'normal' or 'classique' in casual street slang, but it is a staple of news broadcasts, professional meetings, and academic discussions. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize when a speaker is making a distinction between what is standard and what is exceptional.
- News and Politics
- Journalists frequently use this word when discussing international relations or military conflicts. You will often hear about 'forces conventionnelles' (conventional forces) or 'guerre conventionnelle' (conventional warfare) to distinguish these from cyber-attacks or nuclear threats.
Le ministre a souligné l'importance de maintenir un armement conventionnel moderne.
- Business and Employment
- In the French labor market, the term 'convention collective' (collective agreement) is omnipresent. While 'conventionnel' is an adjective, you will hear people talk about 'licenciement conventionnel' (a specific type of mutually agreed termination) or 'salaire conventionnel' (the minimum salary set by the industry agreement).
Il a négocié une rupture conventionnelle pour quitter son entreprise en bons termes.
- Art and Cultural Criticism
- When watching a film review on a show like 'Le Masque et la Plume,' critics might dismiss a movie as 'trop conventionnel.' This implies the plot followed every cliché in the book and didn't take any risks.
Bien que le film soit techniquement parfait, le scénario reste très conventionnel.
L'artiste a rompu avec les codes conventionnels de la peinture pour créer son propre style.
Nous vivons dans une société où le schéma familial conventionnel évolue rapidement.
In summary, while 'conventionnel' is a formal word, it is deeply embedded in the structures of French society—from how people are paid to how they fight wars and how they critique art. It is the linguistic marker for 'the expected' and 'the agreed-upon.'
While conventionnel seems straightforward because of its English cognate, there are several pitfalls that English speakers often encounter. These range from grammatical errors to subtle misinterpretations of tone and meaning.
- Confusing it with 'Traditionnel'
- While they are synonyms, they are not always interchangeable. 'Traditionnel' implies a connection to the past and history (like a traditional dish). 'Conventionnel' implies adherence to a set of rules or an agreement (like a conventional format for a letter). Using 'conventionnel' for food sounds very odd in French.
Correct: Une recette traditionnelle. Incorrect: Une recette conventionnelle.
- Gender Agreement Errors
- Many learners forget to double the 'l' for the feminine form. Writing 'une méthode conventionel' is a common spelling mistake. Always remember: masculine '-el', feminine '-elle'.
Elle a une attitude très conventionnelle (Make sure to pronounce the 'l' sound clearly).
- The 'Conformiste' Trap
- Sometimes learners use 'conventionnel' when they mean 'conformist' (someone who follows others). While related, 'conformiste' describes a person's personality or tendency to obey, while 'conventionnel' describes the thing itself (the style, the method, the rule).
Il est très conformiste (personality), donc il préfère les vêtements conventionnels (style).
Ne confondez pas conventionnel avec 'pratique' (practical). Ce qui est conventionnel n'est pas toujours ce qu'il y a de plus pratique.
N'oubliez pas le pluriel : des accords conventionnels.
By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the difference between tradition and convention, and the importance of gender agreement—you will avoid the most frequent errors made by intermediate learners.
To truly master the use of conventionnel, it is helpful to look at its synonyms and antonyms. This helps you choose the exact word that fits the register and nuance of your sentence. French is a language of precision, and 'conventionnel' is just one point on a spectrum of normality and tradition.
- Conventionnel vs. Traditionnel
- 'Traditionnel' emphasizes the passage of time and cultural heritage. 'Conventionnel' emphasizes the agreement or the standard rule. You have a traditional Christmas, but you use a conventional business letter format.
- Conventionnel vs. Classique
- 'Classique' often has a more positive connotation, implying elegance or timelessness. 'Conventionnel' is more neutral and can sometimes imply a lack of imagination. A 'costume classique' is elegant; a 'costume conventionnel' is just what everyone else is wearing.
Elle porte une robe classique qui ne se démodera jamais.
- Conventionnel vs. Formel
- 'Formel' specifically relates to the 'forme' (the structure or etiquette) of something. While often used as a synonym for 'conventionnel' in the context of language or dress, 'formel' is more about the strictness of the rules than the commonality of the practice.
L'invitation exige une tenue formelle.
Son style est tout sauf conventionnel ; il adore mélanger les couleurs vives.
Les artistes avant-gardistes rejettent souvent les méthodes conventionnelles.
C'est une solution originale à un problème très ancien.
Understanding these alternatives allows you to paint a more vivid picture in French. Instead of always relying on 'conventionnel,' you can decide if the subject is 'classique' (timeless), 'traditionnel' (rooted in history), or simply 'ordinaire' (commonplace).
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
During the French Revolution, the 'Convention Nationale' was the name of the sovereign assembly. Members were called 'conventionnels.' This historical context gives the word a strong political weight in France.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'n' in 'con' or 'ven' as a hard English 'n' instead of a nasal vowel.
- Missing the double 'l' sound in the feminine 'conventionnelle'.
- Stressing the first syllable like in English 'CON-ventional'.
- Confusing the 'en' sound with 'in'.
- Making the 'o' sound too much like 'oh' instead of the nasal 'on'.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize because of the English cognate.
Requires attention to the double 'll' in the feminine form.
Nasal vowels can be tricky for beginners.
Clear pronunciation in most contexts.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Agreement (Ending in -el)
Un accord conventionnel / Une méthode conventionnelle.
Adjective Placement
Il suit un protocole conventionnel (after the noun).
Nasal Vowels (on/en)
cON-vEN-tionnel.
Adverbs from Adjectives
Conventionnel -> Conventionnellement.
Negative Comparison
C'est moins conventionnel que prévu.
Examples by Level
Il porte un chapeau conventionnel.
He is wearing a conventional hat.
Conventionnel follows the noun 'chapeau'.
C'est une maison conventionnelle.
It is a conventional house.
Feminine agreement: conventionnelle.
Leur jardin est très conventionnel.
Their garden is very conventional.
Adverb 'très' modifies the adjective.
Il a un travail conventionnel.
He has a conventional job.
Masculine singular form.
Elle utilise une méthode conventionnelle.
She uses a conventional method.
Feminine singular form.
Ce sont des couleurs conventionnelles.
These are conventional colors.
Feminine plural: conventionnelles.
Le style de ce livre est conventionnel.
The style of this book is conventional.
Subject 'style' is masculine.
Il suit un chemin conventionnel.
He follows a conventional path.
Masculine singular.
Je préfère la médecine conventionnelle.
I prefer conventional medicine.
Refers to mainstream medical practice.
Le film était un peu trop conventionnel pour moi.
The movie was a bit too conventional for me.
Used as a mild critique.
Ils ont eu un mariage conventionnel.
They had a conventional wedding.
Implies following standard customs.
Ce n'est pas une réponse conventionnelle.
This is not a conventional answer.
Negative construction: ne... pas.
Il a choisi un parcours scolaire conventionnel.
He chose a conventional school path.
Refers to standard education steps.
Les signes conventionnels sont faciles à comprendre.
The conventional signs are easy to understand.
Masculine plural: conventionnels.
Elle a une vie très conventionnelle à la campagne.
She has a very conventional life in the countryside.
Feminine singular.
Nous utilisons des outils conventionnels pour ce projet.
We are using conventional tools for this project.
Masculine plural.
La rupture conventionnelle est une procédure courante en France.
Mutual termination is a common procedure in France.
Specific legal term in French labor law.
Son discours était poli mais très conventionnel.
His speech was polite but very conventional.
Implies it lacked original ideas.
L'artiste refuse de suivre les codes conventionnels de l'art.
The artist refuses to follow the conventional codes of art.
Object of the verb 'suivre'.
Nous devons respecter les normes conventionnelles de sécurité.
We must respect the conventional safety standards.
Feminine plural adjective.
C'est un traitement conventionnel contre la grippe.
It is a conventional treatment against the flu.
Masculine singular.
Leur relation est assez conventionnelle malgré les apparences.
Their relationship is quite conventional despite appearances.
Feminine singular.
Il a une vision très conventionnelle de la famille.
He has a very conventional vision of the family.
Describes a traditional viewpoint.
Les armes conventionnelles sont limitées par ce traité.
Conventional weapons are limited by this treaty.
Contrasts with nuclear or chemical weapons.
L'accord conventionnel prévoit une augmentation des salaires.
The conventional agreement provides for a salary increase.
Refers to an industry-wide agreement.
Il est difficile de sortir du cadre conventionnel de la pensée unique.
It is difficult to step out of the conventional framework of groupthink.
Abstract usage of 'cadre' (framework).
La cartographie repose sur des symboles conventionnels précis.
Cartography relies on precise conventional symbols.
Masculine plural.
Elle a mené une carrière conventionnelle avant de devenir artiste.
She led a conventional career before becoming an artist.
Feminine singular.
Les obligations conventionnelles lient les deux entreprises.
The conventional obligations bind the two companies.
Legal context: obligations from a contract.
Son style d'écriture est élégant mais reste conventionnel.
His writing style is elegant but remains conventional.
Contrast between quality and originality.
Le système conventionnel de chauffage est moins efficace que le solaire.
The conventional heating system is less efficient than solar.
Comparison: 'moins... que'.
Ils ont adopté une approche conventionnelle pour la gestion de crise.
They adopted a conventional approach to crisis management.
Refers to standard procedures.
Le récit déconstruit les structures conventionnelles du roman policier.
The narrative deconstructs the conventional structures of the detective novel.
Literary analysis context.
Il s'agit d'une interprétation conventionnelle de l'histoire de France.
It is a conventional interpretation of French history.
Implies the standard academic view.
La diplomatie conventionnelle a échoué à prévenir le conflit.
Conventional diplomacy failed to prevent the conflict.
Describes standard international relations.
Le poids des attentes conventionnelles peut freiner l'innovation.
The weight of conventional expectations can hinder innovation.
Abstract sociological concept.
Ce schéma conventionnel ne rend pas compte de la complexité du réel.
This conventional model does not account for the complexity of reality.
Critique of simplification.
Elle a rejeté la morale conventionnelle de son époque.
She rejected the conventional morality of her time.
Refers to social norms.
Les forces conventionnelles ont été déployées le long de la frontière.
Conventional forces have been deployed along the border.
Military terminology.
L'usage conventionnel du subjonctif s'efface dans certains dialectes.
The conventional use of the subjunctive is fading in some dialects.
Linguistic context.
L'œuvre interroge la dimension conventionnelle du langage.
The work questions the conventional dimension of language.
Philosophical context: language as a social contract.
Il fustige le conventionnalisme étroit de la bourgeoisie provinciale.
He lambasts the narrow conventionalism of the provincial bourgeoisie.
Uses noun form 'conventionnalisme' in a literary sense.
La rupture avec le mode de vie conventionnel fut totale et irréversible.
The break with the conventional lifestyle was total and irreversible.
Formal register.
Les signes conventionnels sont arbitraires par nature, selon Saussure.
Conventional signs are arbitrary by nature, according to Saussure.
Linguistic theory reference.
La sagesse conventionnelle est souvent remise en question par les crises économiques.
Conventional wisdom is often questioned by economic crises.
Economic and sociological idiom.
Il s'est enfermé dans un carcan conventionnel qui étouffe sa créativité.
He has locked himself in a conventional straitjacket that stifles his creativity.
Metaphorical use of 'carcan' (straitjacket/shackles).
L'architecture conventionnelle du quartier a été préservée malgré la modernisation.
The conventional architecture of the neighborhood was preserved despite modernization.
Describes aesthetic standards.
Le traité porte uniquement sur la réduction des armements conventionnels.
The treaty deals solely with the reduction of conventional armaments.
Highly specific diplomatic context.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— In a conventional way. Doing something as expected.
Il s'est comporté de manière conventionnelle.
— Unconventional. Something that breaks the rules slightly.
Il a un humour peu conventionnel.
— Too conventional. Often used as a criticism for being boring.
Le décor est trop conventionnel.
— Purely conventional. Something done only because of social rules.
C'était un geste purement conventionnel.
— Strictly conventional. Following rules to the letter.
Il suit un protocole strictement conventionnel.
— Very conventional. Used to emphasize standard behavior.
Ses parents sont très conventionnels.
— More conventional. Used for comparisons.
Ce choix est plus conventionnel que l'autre.
— Less conventional. Moving towards originality.
C'est une approche moins conventionnelle.
— Conventional framework. The standard environment or set of rules.
Il travaille dans un cadre conventionnel.
— Conventional methods. Standard ways of working.
Nous utilisons des méthodes conventionnelles.
Often Confused With
Traditionnel is about the past/culture; conventionnel is about rules/agreements.
Convenu often implies something is 'stiff' or 'pre-arranged' in a negative way.
Classique is usually positive (timeless); conventionnel is neutral or slightly negative (unoriginal).
Idioms & Expressions
— To think outside the box or break the rules.
Pour réussir, il faut parfois sortir du cadre conventionnel.
neutral— To do what is expected in life (school, job, marriage).
Il a toujours suivi le chemin conventionnel.
neutral— To break with social norms or traditions.
Cette artiste adore briser les conventions.
literary— To be very strict about following social rules.
Ma grand-mère est très à cheval sur les conventions.
informal— To free oneself from social expectations.
Il s'est affranchi des conventions pour vivre sa passion.
formal— The pressure to conform to social rules.
Elle ressent le poids des conventions dans sa famille.
neutral— Politeness that is fake or just for show.
C'était une simple politesse de convention.
formal— A marriage of convenience (often for money or status).
C'était un mariage de convention, pas d'amour.
literary— According to the agreement or standard.
On doit agir selon la convention établie.
formal— Done only because it is the rule, without sincerity.
Il a souri par pure convention.
neutralEasily Confused
Looks very similar.
Conventionné means a professional (like a doctor) who adheres to state pricing. Conventionnel is the general adjective for following rules.
Je cherche un médecin conventionné (pricing) qui utilise la médecine conventionnelle (methods).
Same root.
Convenable means 'suitable' or 'appropriate.' Conventionnel means 'following standards.'
Il porte une tenue convenable (appropriate) mais pas conventionnelle (standard).
Similar meaning.
Conformiste describes a person's personality. Conventionnel describes the thing or style.
Un homme conformiste choisit souvent des vêtements conventionnels.
Synonyms.
Ordinaire means common or everyday. Conventionnel means following a specific agreement or norm.
C'est un jour ordinaire, mais la réunion suit un protocole conventionnel.
Often used interchangeably in English.
Traditionnel implies history. Conventionnel implies a social or legal agreement.
Le repas est traditionnel, mais le service est conventionnel.
Sentence Patterns
C'est un [noun] conventionnel.
C'est un chapeau conventionnel.
Je préfère le/la [noun] conventionnel(le).
Je préfère la médecine conventionnelle.
Il a choisi de suivre un [noun] conventionnel.
Il a choisi de suivre un parcours conventionnel.
Bien que ce soit [adjective], c'est très conventionnel.
Bien que ce soit joli, c'est très conventionnel.
Le poids des [noun] conventionnel(les) empêche...
Le poids des attentes conventionnelles empêche l'innovation.
Il s'agit d'une remise en question de l'ordre conventionnel.
Il s'agit d'une remise en question de l'ordre conventionnel.
De manière conventionnelle, on dit que...
De manière conventionnelle, on dit que le client a raison.
Ce n'est pas très conventionnel.
Ce n'est pas très conventionnel comme idée.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in professional and academic French; less common in casual slang.
-
Une méthode conventionel
→
Une méthode conventionnelle
Forgot the feminine agreement (double 'l' and 'e').
-
Un conventionnel style
→
Un style conventionnel
Placed the adjective before the noun.
-
Pronouncing the 'n' like in 'conventional'
→
Using nasal vowels
In French, the 'n' is not fully pronounced; it changes the vowel sound.
-
Using 'conventionnel' for traditional food
→
Une recette traditionnelle
'Conventionnel' implies an agreement, not a culinary heritage.
-
Confusing 'conventionnel' with 'convenable'
→
C'est convenable (It is suitable)
'Conventionnel' means standard, while 'convenable' means appropriate for the situation.
Tips
Double the 'L'
Always remember to double the 'l' for the feminine form: conventionnelle. This is a standard rule for French adjectives ending in -el.
Context is King
Use 'conventionnel' for rules and agreements, and 'traditionnel' for history and culture. This distinction makes you sound like a native speaker.
Nasal Flow
Focus on the transition between the two nasals 'on' and 'en'. They are the most important part of the word's melody.
Avoid Repetition
If you use 'conventionnel' once, try 'classique' or 'établi' in the next sentence to keep your writing varied and interesting.
Workplace French
If you work in France, learn the term 'rupture conventionnelle'. It is the most common way to leave a job professionally.
Criticism Nuance
In an art gallery, use 'conventionnel' if you think the art is boring, but 'classique' if you think it is beautiful and traditional.
Technical Accuracy
In science, 'conventionnel' is used for standard units or symbols. It implies a global agreement among scientists.
Adverbial Use
Don't forget the adverb 'conventionnellement'. It’s a long word but very useful for describing how an action is performed.
Politeness
A 'politesse conventionnelle' is often just the minimum required. Use it to describe someone who is polite but not necessarily warm.
Cognate Power
Since it's almost the same as English, focus your energy on the gender agreement and the nasal pronunciation instead of the meaning.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'CONVENTION' center where everyone meets to agree on rules. What happens there is 'CONVENTIONNEL.'
Visual Association
Imagine a person in a grey suit (conventional) standing next to a clown (unconventional). The grey suit is the 'conventionnel' choice.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe your daily routine using 'conventionnel' for things that are standard and 'original' for things that are unique to you.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'conventionalis', which comes from 'conventio' (an assembly, agreement, or compact).
Original meaning: Pertaining to an agreement or a meeting between parties.
Romance (Latin root).Cultural Context
Be careful when calling an artist's work 'conventionnel' in France; it is a sharp criticism of their lack of creativity.
In English, 'conventional' often feels negative (boring). In French, it is more neutral and frequently used in legal and medical contexts without judgment.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Professional / Business
- Rupture conventionnelle
- Accord conventionnel
- Salaire conventionnel
- Cadre conventionnel
Medicine
- Médecine conventionnelle
- Traitement conventionnel
- Protocole conventionnel
- Soin conventionnel
Art & Criticism
- Style conventionnel
- Scénario conventionnel
- Esthétique conventionnelle
- Codes conventionnels
Military & Law
- Armes conventionnelles
- Guerre conventionnelle
- Droit conventionnel
- Obligations conventionnelles
Social Life
- Mariage conventionnel
- Éducation conventionnelle
- Vie conventionnelle
- Politesse conventionnelle
Conversation Starters
"Penses-tu que la médecine conventionnelle est toujours la meilleure solution ?"
"Préfères-tu un style de vie conventionnel ou plus original ?"
"Est-ce qu'un film trop conventionnel te dérange ?"
"Quels sont les signes conventionnels les plus importants sur la route ?"
"As-tu déjà entendu parler de la rupture conventionnelle au travail ?"
Journal Prompts
Décrivez un moment où vous avez choisi de ne pas être conventionnel.
Quels sont les avantages de suivre un parcours professionnel conventionnel ?
Pensez-vous que la société française est trop conventionnelle ?
Analysez un film que vous avez trouvé trop conventionnel. Pourquoi ?
Comment les conventions sociales ont-elles changé ces dix dernières années ?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is often neutral or even positive in professional contexts. For example, 'médecine conventionnelle' is simply the standard medical practice. However, in art and creativity, it can be a critique meaning 'unoriginal.' It depends entirely on the domain you are discussing.
The first syllable 'con' uses the nasal 'o' (like 'song' but without the 'g'). The second 'ven' uses the nasal 'a' sound (like 'en' in 'enfant'). Practice by vibrating the air in your nose without letting your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'.
It is a legal way in France for an employer and an employee to end a contract by mutual agreement. It allows the employee to receive unemployment benefits, which is why it is called 'conventionnelle'—it's based on a formal agreement between two parties.
It is rare. You would usually use 'traditionnel' or 'classique' for food. You might use 'conventionnel' only if you are talking about 'agriculture conventionnelle' (standard farming using pesticides) to contrast it with 'agriculture biologique' (organic farming).
Yes. 'Convenu' is often used to describe something that feels forced or artificial, like a 'sourire convenu' (a forced smile). 'Conventionnel' is broader and describes anything that follows standard rules or norms.
In 99% of cases, it comes after the noun. For example: 'Un style conventionnel.' Placing it before the noun would be a major grammatical error in French.
The feminine plural is 'conventionnelles.' You double the 'l', add 'e' for feminine, and 's' for plural. Example: 'Des méthodes conventionnelles.'
Yes, it is more formal than 'normal' or 'habituel.' You will find it in newspapers, legal documents, and professional reports. It's a great word to use to sound more sophisticated in French.
The opposite is 'médecine alternative' or 'médecine douce.' These refer to practices like acupuncture or homeopathy that do not follow the 'conventionnel' Western medical standards.
Yes, you can say 'Il est très conventionnel.' This means he follows social rules, dresses standardly, and has predictable opinions. It can be a neutral description or a slight jab at his lack of originality.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Describe a conventional outfit in French.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence using 'médecine conventionnelle'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe an unconventional person you know.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Why would someone choose a 'rupture conventionnelle'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Compare a conventional house with an original one.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain 'signes conventionnels' in your own words.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal sentence about a contract.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
What is a 'mariage conventionnel'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a conventional movie plot.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'conventionnellement' in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Is it better to be conventional or original? Why?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
What are 'armes conventionnelles'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a conventional garden.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence with 'peu conventionnel'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain 'sagesse conventionnelle'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
What is 'agriculture conventionnelle'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a conventional student.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Why is art criticism often against 'conventionnel'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'conventionnelle' (feminine plural) in a sentence.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
What is a 'politesse conventionnelle'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce: conventionnel
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronounce: conventionnelle
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronounce: une rupture conventionnelle
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronounce: médecine conventionnelle
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronounce: armes conventionnelles
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronounce: style conventionnel
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'C'est trop conventionnel.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Il est très conventionnel.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Une approche conventionnelle.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Les signes conventionnels.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Un parcours conventionnel.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'La sagesse conventionnelle.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Conventionnellement parlant.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Un accord conventionnel.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'C'est peu conventionnel.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Des méthodes conventionnelles.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Le cadre conventionnel.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Un ton conventionnel.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Une vie conventionnelle.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Le respect des conventions.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen and write: 'C'est un style conventionnel.'
Listen and write: 'La médecine conventionnelle.'
Listen and write: 'Une rupture conventionnelle.'
Listen and write: 'Des signes conventionnels.'
Listen and write: 'C'est trop conventionnel.'
Listen and write: 'Un accord conventionnel.'
Listen and write: 'Les armes conventionnelles.'
Listen and write: 'Une vision conventionnelle.'
Listen and write: 'Un parcours conventionnel.'
Listen and write: 'La sagesse conventionnelle.'
Listen and write: 'Peu conventionnel.'
Listen and write: 'Conventionnellement.'
Listen and write: 'Le cadre conventionnel.'
Listen and write: 'Une méthode conventionnelle.'
Listen and write: 'Leur vie est conventionnelle.'
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'conventionnel' is your go-to adjective for anything that follows the 'status quo.' Whether you're talking about a formal work contract (rupture conventionnelle) or a standard piece of art, it highlights adherence to agreed-upon norms. Example: 'Il a un style de vie très conventionnel' (He has a very conventional lifestyle).
- Conventionnel means following standard rules or social customs.
- It can describe a person's style, a legal agreement, or a type of medicine.
- The feminine form is conventionnelle and the plural is conventionnels.
- It is a direct cognate of the English word 'conventional' and used similarly.
Double the 'L'
Always remember to double the 'l' for the feminine form: conventionnelle. This is a standard rule for French adjectives ending in -el.
Context is King
Use 'conventionnel' for rules and agreements, and 'traditionnel' for history and culture. This distinction makes you sound like a native speaker.
Nasal Flow
Focus on the transition between the two nasals 'on' and 'en'. They are the most important part of the word's melody.
Avoid Repetition
If you use 'conventionnel' once, try 'classique' or 'établi' in the next sentence to keep your writing varied and interesting.
Related Content
More business words
à crédit
B1With deferred payment; on credit.
à défaut de
B1In the absence of; for lack of.
à jour
A2Up to date; current.
à la fois...et
B1Both...and.
à la suite de
B1Following; as a result of.
à l'exception de
B1With the exception of, except for.
à l'export
B1For export; relating to exporting.
à l'import
B1For import; relating to importing.
à l'ordre de
B1Payable to; specifies the beneficiary of a payment (e.g., on a check).
à mon avis
A2In my opinion; according to my point of view.
