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A2 adjective 10 min read

raisonnable

Examples Notes & Tips raisonnable in 30 Seconds
Explanation raisonnable in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn raisonnable primarily in the context of prices and basic behavior. It is a useful word when you are shopping or eating out. If you see a menu where a meal costs 10 euros, you can say, 'C'est un prix raisonnable.' This shows you understand the value of things. You also learn it as a simple adjective that doesn't change between 'he' and 'she' (il est raisonnable / elle est raisonnable), which makes it easy to use. Focus on the phrase 'C'est raisonnable' to express agreement with a suggestion or a cost. At this stage, don't worry about complex philosophy; just use it to mean 'okay' or 'fair'. You might also hear a teacher say 'Soyez raisonnables' to a loud class, meaning 'Be good' or 'Be quiet'. This word helps you participate in basic social interactions by expressing a judgment on whether something is 'too much' or 'just right'.
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At the A2 level, you begin to use raisonnable to describe decisions and simple logical steps. You can use it to talk about your daily routine or plans. For example, 'Il est raisonnable de dormir huit heures' (It is reasonable to sleep eight hours). You are expected to handle the plural form correctly by adding an 's' (des prix raisonnables). You also start to distinguish it from its antonym, déraisonnable. At this level, you can use the word to negotiate slightly, perhaps in a market or with a friend when deciding where to go. You should be able to use it with adverbs like très or assez. It becomes a tool for expressing your opinion on what is sensible. You might use it in a sentence like 'Je pense que c'est une décision raisonnable' when discussing a simple problem with a classmate. It moves from being just about money to being about actions and choices.
At the B1 level, raisonnable is used to discuss more abstract topics like work-life balance, health, and social issues. You should be able to incorporate it into your arguments during a debate. For instance, you might argue that a 'consommation raisonnable de plastique' is necessary for the environment. You will also encounter it in more formal structures like 'Il est raisonnable de penser que...'. At this stage, you should understand the nuance between raisonnable and sage or sensé. You can use it to describe a person's character in a job interview or a cover letter, such as saying you have a 'tempérament raisonnable'. You are also expected to recognize it in news articles and understand its role in describing political or economic stability. Your ability to use the word to reach a compromise or to describe a balanced viewpoint is a key indicator of reaching the B1 threshold.
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At the B2 level, you use raisonnable to navigate complex social and professional situations. You understand that the word often implies a cultural value of moderation. You can use it to critique an argument, perhaps saying, 'Bien que votre idée soit intéressante, elle n'est pas tout à fait raisonnable dans le contexte actuel.' You will also see it in legal or administrative contexts, such as 'un délai raisonnable'. You should be able to use the word to discuss ethics or philosophy, comparing what is 'rational' with what is 'reasonable'. At this level, you are aware of the 'false friend' trap with the English word 'sensible' and you never make that mistake. You can use raisonnable to express subtle shades of agreement or disagreement in a professional setting, helping you to sound more like a native speaker who values logic and consensus.
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At the C1 level, your use of raisonnable is nuanced and sophisticated. You can discuss the etymology and the philosophical roots of the word, linking it to the Enlightenment and the concept of 'Raison'. You use it in academic writing to qualify your statements, such as 'Il semble raisonnable d'avancer l'hypothèse que...'. You understand the subtle differences between raisonnable, légitime, and plausible. You can use the word to describe complex socio-political compromises with a high degree of precision. You also recognize when the word is being used ironically or as a rhetorical device to shut down more radical ideas. Your mastery of the word allows you to participate in high-level intellectual discourse where the boundaries of what is considered 'reasonable' are themselves the subject of debate. You can use it to express a deep understanding of French societal norms regarding balance and intellectual restraint.
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At the C2 level, you have a complete command of raisonnable in all its registers, from slangy dismissals to profound philosophical treatises. You can analyze how the concept of the 'reasonable person' functions in French law (the bon père de famille concept, though the term has evolved). You can play with the word in literary contexts, perhaps using it in a way that subverts its usual meaning of 'moderation'. You understand its historical weight and how it has shaped French identity. You can use it in highly formal speeches or in dense technical documents with perfect accuracy. For you, raisonnable is not just an adjective; it is a tool for navigating the finest nuances of human thought and social organization. You can effortlessly switch between its various meanings—fair, logical, moderate, well-behaved—depending on the context, and you can explain these differences to others with ease.
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Examples Notes & Tips

raisonnable in 30 Seconds

  • Raisonnable means fair, sensible, or moderate in French.
  • It is used for prices, behavior, and logical arguments.
  • The word does not change spelling for masculine or feminine singular.
  • It is a 'false friend' to 'sensible', which means 'sensitive' in French.

The French adjective raisonnable is a cornerstone of daily communication, serving as a bridge between logic, morality, and practicality. At its core, it derives from the word raison (reason), and its usage mirrors the English 'reasonable' but carries specific cultural nuances that are essential for a learner to grasp. When a French speaker uses this word, they are often appealing to a sense of balance and moderation. It is not merely about being 'smart' or 'correct,' but about finding the 'middle ground' that avoids excess. Whether you are discussing the price of a baguette, the behavior of a child, or the feasibility of a business plan, raisonnable is your go-to descriptor for anything that aligns with common sense and fairness.

Financial Context
In the marketplace, un prix raisonnable implies that the cost is fair and reflective of the value, neither a scam nor an unbelievable bargain. It suggests a price that a sensible person would be willing to pay without feeling exploited.
Behavioral Context
When applied to people, especially children or someone acting impulsively, être raisonnable means to be well-behaved, sensible, or to show restraint. A parent might say 'Sois raisonnable' to a child asking for a fifth scoop of ice cream.

Il est important de garder des attentes raisonnables lors du premier rendez-vous.

Translation: It is important to keep reasonable expectations during the first date.

Beyond these common uses, raisonnable also appears in more formal or philosophical discussions. It describes an argument that is logically sound or a compromise that satisfies all parties involved. In French culture, which values Cartesian logic and intellectual rigor, being described as raisonnable is a high compliment—it suggests you are a person of sound judgment who respects the limits of reality. It is the opposite of being excessif (excessive) or fou (crazy). If you are at a restaurant and decide not to order the most expensive bottle of wine because you have work tomorrow, you are being raisonnable.

Le loyer de cet appartement est tout à fait raisonnable pour le quartier.

Quantity and Measurement
It is used to describe amounts that are sufficient but not overwhelming. Une quantité raisonnable de sucre means just the right amount, not too much.

Après une heure de débat, ils ont enfin trouvé un accord raisonnable.

Using raisonnable correctly requires attention to its grammatical function as an adjective. In French, adjectives typically follow the noun they modify, and raisonnable is no exception. Because it ends in an 'e' in its base form, it does not change between masculine and feminine singular. However, you must add an 's' for plural forms. This makes it one of the easier adjectives to master for English speakers, as the spelling remains consistent across genders.

Noun Placement
While most adjectives follow the noun, raisonnable almost always does. For example, 'a reasonable man' is un homme raisonnable and 'a reasonable decision' is une décision raisonnable. Placing it before the noun is rare and usually reserved for poetic or highly stylized prose.
Agreement Rules
Singular (Masculine/Feminine): raisonnable. Plural (Masculine/Feminine): raisonnables. Example: Des prix raisonnables (Reasonable prices).

Elle a donné une réponse raisonnable à une question difficile.

Translation: She gave a reasonable answer to a difficult question.

The word is often used with the verb être (to be) to describe a person's state or a situation's status. For instance, 'C'est raisonnable' is a very common way to agree with a proposal or a price. It can also be modified by adverbs to change the intensity. Common modifiers include très (very), assez (quite), parfaitement (perfectly), and plus ou moins (more or less). Using these adverbs allows you to express nuance: 'C'est tout à fait raisonnable' (It is completely reasonable) conveys strong agreement.

Soyons raisonnables et ne dépensons pas tout notre argent ici.

Another important structure is the use of il est raisonnable de... followed by an infinitive verb. This is a formal way to say 'it is reasonable to...'. For example, 'Il est raisonnable de penser qu'il va pleuvoir' (It is reasonable to think it will rain). This construction is frequently found in news reports, essays, and intellectual discussions to introduce a logical conclusion. It sets a tone of objective observation rather than personal opinion.

Est-ce qu'il est raisonnable de partir maintenant ?

Negation
To say something is not reasonable, you can use pas raisonnable or the specific antonym déraisonnable. The latter is stronger and implies a lack of logic or sanity.

In France, raisonnable is a word you will hear in almost every social setting. It is deeply embedded in the 'art de vivre' (art of living) which emphasizes balance. If you are shopping at a local market like the Marché des Enfants Rouges in Paris, you might hear a customer and a vendor haggling. If the vendor drops the price slightly, the customer might nod and say, 'D'accord, c'est raisonnable'. In this context, it signals the end of a negotiation and the reaching of a fair agreement.

Le vendeur a fait un effort, le prix final est très raisonnable.

Translation: The seller made an effort; the final price is very reasonable.

In a family setting, raisonnable is frequently used by parents. French parenting often focuses on teaching children la sagesse (wisdom/good behavior). A parent might tell a teenager who wants to stay out until 3 AM, 'Sois raisonnable, tu as école demain' (Be reasonable, you have school tomorrow). Here, the word acts as an appeal to the child's developing sense of responsibility and logic. It's less about a strict command and more about an invitation to use one's own 'reason'.

Professional Life
In meetings, colleagues use raisonnable to evaluate deadlines and workloads. 'Est-ce que ce délai est raisonnable ?' (Is this deadline reasonable?) is a standard question to ensure that a project plan is realistic and won't lead to burnout.

You will also encounter the word in health and lifestyle contexts. Doctors often advise patients to have a consommation raisonnable d'alcool (reasonable consumption of alcohol) or to engage in une activité physique raisonnable. In these cases, it serves as a synonym for 'moderate'. It suggests that one doesn't need to be an ascetic, but rather should avoid the pitfalls of excess. This cultural nuance is vital: being raisonnable allows for pleasure, provided it is controlled.

Il faut manger de tout, mais en quantités raisonnables.

Legal and Official Use
In legal documents, the term délai raisonnable (reasonable timeframe) is a standard phrase, much like in English law, to denote a period that is fair under the circumstances.

One of the most frequent hurdles for English speakers is the 'False Friend' trap. While raisonnable translates well to 'reasonable,' learners often confuse it with the French word sensible. In English, 'sensible' means having good judgment (which is raisonnable or sensé), but in French, sensible means 'sensitive' (easily affected emotionally or physically). If you tell someone they are très sensible, you are calling them sensitive, not reasonable!

Attention : Ne confondez pas raisonnable (sensible) avec 'sensible' (sensitive).

Gender Agreement Confusion
Learners often try to change the ending for feminine nouns, writing raisonnablée or similar. Remember: adjectives ending in -e in the masculine form do not change for the feminine. Un homme raisonnable and une femme raisonnable are both correct.
Pluralization Errors
Forgetting the 's' in the plural is a common mistake in writing. Even though you don't hear the 's' in speech, it must be there in des choix raisonnables.

Another common error is the misplacement of the adjective. While English puts 'reasonable' before the noun ('a reasonable price'), French usually puts it after (un prix raisonnable). Putting it before the noun isn't always grammatically 'wrong' in a strict sense, but it sounds very unnatural and 'English-flavored' to a native ear. Stick to the post-noun position to sound more authentic.

Faux : Un raisonnable prix. Vrai : Un prix raisonnable.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the nuance between raisonnable and juste. While both can mean 'fair,' raisonnable focuses on the logical and moderate aspect, while juste often leans towards justice, correctness, or precision. If a price is 'exactly' right, it's juste; if it's 'fair and sensible,' it's raisonnable. Understanding this distinction helps in choosing the right word for the right situation.

Il est raisonnable de demander de l'aide quand on en a besoin.

To enrich your French vocabulary, it's helpful to know words that share a semantic field with raisonnable. Depending on the context, you might want to use a more specific or formal term. The most direct synonym for a person who is reasonable is sensé (sensible/level-headed). While raisonnable is very common, sensé sounds slightly more intellectual and focused on the quality of one's thinking.

Modéré vs. Raisonnable
Modéré (moderate) is used specifically when talking about quantity, intensity, or political views. While a prix raisonnable is fair, a prix modéré is specifically on the lower end of the scale.
Sage vs. Raisonnable
Sage can mean 'wise' or, when applied to children, 'well-behaved'. While a enfant raisonnable is one who listens to reason, an enfant sage is one who is simply quiet and follows rules.

Son point de vue est très sensé et bien argumenté.

Translation: His point of view is very sensible and well-argued.

In the context of logic and arguments, you might use logique (logical) or cohérent (coherent). A raisonnable argument is one that makes sense in a practical world, whereas a logique argument follows a strict sequence of thought. For prices, abordable (affordable) is a great alternative if you want to emphasize that something is easy to pay for, rather than just 'fairly priced'.

C'est une offre équitable pour les deux parties.

Plausible vs. Raisonnable
When evaluating a story or an excuse, plausible means it could be true. Raisonnable in this context means it is a sensible thing to believe.

On the opposite side, the antonyms are equally useful. Déraisonnable is the direct opposite, but you can also use exagéré (exaggerated/excessive), absurde (absurd), or excessif (excessive). If someone asks for a million euros for a bicycle, their demand is excessive and déraisonnable. Knowing these shades of meaning allows you to express your thoughts with much greater precision in French.

Fun Fact

The word 'ratio' in English and 'raison' in French both come from the same Latin root 'reri' (to think/calculate).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁɛ.zɔ.nabl/
US /ʁɛ.zɔ.nabl/
Stress is typically on the last syllable: rai-son-NABLE.
Rhymes With
aimable valable faisable agréable durable stable table capable
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' like 'ay'. It should be silent, just ending on the 'bl' sound.
  • Failing to make the 'on' nasal, sounding like 'on' in English 'on'.
  • Pronouncing the 'ai' like 'ay' in 'say'. It's usually more open like 'e' in 'bed'.
  • Stress on the first syllable.
  • Making the 'r' too soft like an English 'r'.
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Examples by Level

1

Le café est à deux euros, c'est raisonnable.

The coffee is two euros, it's reasonable.

Simple use of 'c'est' + adjective.

2

Il est un garçon raisonnable.

He is a reasonable boy.

Adjective follows the noun 'garçon'.

3

Est-ce que le prix est raisonnable ?

Is the price reasonable?

Question structure with 'est-ce que'.

4

Elle est toujours raisonnable.

She is always reasonable.

The adjective does not change for feminine.

5

C'est une quantité raisonnable de pain.

It is a reasonable amount of bread.

Adjective modifying 'quantité'.

6

Soyez raisonnables, s'il vous plaît.

Be reasonable, please.

Imperative form (plural).

7

Ce n'est pas raisonnable de courir ici.

It's not reasonable to run here.

Negation with 'ne... pas'.

8

Le loyer est raisonnable pour Paris.

The rent is reasonable for Paris.

Use of 'pour' to provide context.

1

Nous avons trouvé un hôtel à un prix raisonnable.

We found a hotel at a reasonable price.

Passé composé with 'trouvé'.

2

Il faut être raisonnable avec le sucre.

One must be reasonable with sugar.

Use of 'il faut' + infinitive.

3

Ses parents sont très raisonnables.

His parents are very reasonable.

Plural agreement with 'parents'.

4

Je cherche une voiture avec une consommation raisonnable.

I am looking for a car with reasonable fuel consumption.

Adjective modifying 'consommation'.

5

Est-il raisonnable d'acheter ce sac ?

Is it reasonable to buy this bag?

Inversion for a formal question.

6

Ils ont des attentes raisonnables pour le projet.

They have reasonable expectations for the project.

Plural agreement 'attentes raisonnables'.

7

Ma sœur est plus raisonnable que moi.

My sister is more reasonable than me.

Comparative 'plus... que'.

8

C'est une offre tout à fait raisonnable.

It is a completely reasonable offer.

Use of 'tout à fait' for emphasis.

1

Il est raisonnable de penser que la situation va s'améliorer.

It is reasonable to think that the situation will improve.

Formal construction 'Il est [adj] de [inf]'.

2

Le médecin conseille une activité physique raisonnable.

The doctor advises reasonable physical activity.

Adjective modifying 'activité'.

3

Nous devons trouver un compromis raisonnable pour tous.

We must find a reasonable compromise for everyone.

Use of 'devoir' + infinitive.

4

Elle a gardé une distance raisonnable pendant la marche.

She kept a reasonable distance during the walk.

Prepositional phrase 'pendant la marche'.

5

Ce n'est pas raisonnable de travailler autant d'heures.

It's not reasonable to work so many hours.

Negation with 'autant de'.

6

L'entreprise propose des salaires raisonnables.

The company offers reasonable salaries.

Plural noun-adjective agreement.

7

Sois raisonnable et écoute mes arguments.

Be reasonable and listen to my arguments.

Imperative mood.

8

Il a réagi de manière raisonnable face à la crise.

He reacted in a reasonable manner to the crisis.

Adverbial phrase 'de manière [adj]'.

1

Le gouvernement cherche un équilibre raisonnable entre économie et écologie.

The government is seeking a reasonable balance between economy and ecology.

Abstract noun 'équilibre'.

2

Il n'est pas raisonnable d'ignorer les avertissements des experts.

It is not reasonable to ignore the experts' warnings.

Negative formal construction.

3

Le tribunal a estimé que le délai était raisonnable.

The court considered that the timeframe was reasonable.

Legal context.

4

Peut-on considérer cette demande comme raisonnable ?

Can we consider this request as reasonable?

Interrogative with 'peut-on'.

5

Sa position sur le sujet est tout à fait raisonnable et nuancée.

His position on the subject is completely reasonable and nuanced.

Coordinated adjectives.

6

Il faut faire preuve d'un doute raisonnable dans cette affaire.

One must show reasonable doubt in this case.

Idiom 'faire preuve de'.

7

Les investisseurs attendent un rendement raisonnable.

Investors expect a reasonable return.

Financial terminology.

8

Il a toujours été un homme d'une prudence raisonnable.

He has always been a man of reasonable caution.

Compound noun phrase.

1

L'exigence de transparence doit rester dans des limites raisonnables.

The demand for transparency must stay within reasonable limits.

Prepositional phrase 'dans des limites'.

2

Il est raisonnable d'admettre que nous n'avons pas toutes les réponses.

It is reasonable to admit that we don't have all the answers.

Subordinate clause with 'que'.

3

La philosophie des Lumières prône l'usage raisonnable de la liberté.

Enlightenment philosophy advocates the reasonable use of freedom.

Historical/philosophical context.

4

Une répartition raisonnable des ressources est cruciale pour la paix.

A reasonable distribution of resources is crucial for peace.

Subject-adjective agreement.

5

Le projet a été rejeté car les coûts n'étaient plus raisonnables.

The project was rejected because the costs were no longer reasonable.

Causal conjunction 'car'.

6

Il a su garder une tête froide et un jugement raisonnable.

He managed to keep a cool head and a reasonable judgment.

Metaphorical language.

7

L'aménagement du territoire nécessite une planification raisonnable.

Land use planning requires reasonable planning.

Technical terminology.

8

Il est raisonnable de supposer que l'inflation va se stabiliser.

It is reasonable to assume that inflation will stabilize.

Infinitive 'supposer'.

1

L'exercice du pouvoir exige une retenue raisonnable de la part du dirigeant.

The exercise of power requires reasonable restraint on the part of the leader.

High-level political vocabulary.

2

La notion de 'personne raisonnable' est au cœur de nombreux débats juridiques.

The notion of the 'reasonable person' is at the heart of many legal debates.

Quotation marks for a specific concept.

3

Il serait raisonnable de reconsidérer nos postulats de départ.

It would be reasonable to reconsider our starting assumptions.

Conditional mood 'serait'.

4

L'esthétique de ce bâtiment allie audace et mesure raisonnable.

The aesthetics of this building combine boldness and reasonable measure.

Abstract coordination.

5

Une approche raisonnable de la technologie évite le technocentrisme.

A reasonable approach to technology avoids technocentrism.

Complex academic term 'technocentrisme'.

6

Le discours était empreint d'une sagesse tout à fait raisonnable.

The speech was imbued with a completely reasonable wisdom.

Literary phrase 'empreint de'.

7

Il est raisonnable de conclure que l'expérience est un succès.

It is reasonable to conclude that the experiment is a success.

Conclusion in a report.

8

Sa rhétorique, bien que passionnée, restait ancrée dans le raisonnable.

His rhetoric, although passionate, remained anchored in the reasonable.

Substantive use of 'le raisonnable'.

Common Collocations

Prix raisonnable
Délai raisonnable
Doute raisonnable
Quantité raisonnable
Attentes raisonnables
Position raisonnable
Accord raisonnable
Heure raisonnable
Argument raisonnable
Consommation raisonnable

Common Phrases

C'est raisonnable.

— That's fair / That makes sense.

Dix euros pour ça ? Oui, c'est raisonnable.

Sois raisonnable !

— Be sensible! / Don't be silly!

Sois raisonnable, on ne peut pas acheter un avion !

Dans la mesure du raisonnable.

— Within reason / As much as is sensible.

Je t'aiderai, dans la mesure du raisonnable.

Il est raisonnable de...

— It is reasonable to...

Il est raisonnable de vérifier les faits.

Plus que raisonnable.

— More than reasonable (often meaning very good).

Son offre est plus que raisonnable.

Garder la tête raisonnable.

— To stay level-headed.

Il faut garder la tête raisonnable malgré le succès.

Une limite raisonnable.

— A reasonable limit.

Il y a une limite raisonnable à tout.

Tout à fait raisonnable.

— Completely reasonable.

Votre demande est tout à fait raisonnable.

Pas très raisonnable.

— Not very sensible.

Sortir sans manteau n'est pas très raisonnable.

Rester raisonnable.

— To stay within limits.

Pendant les soldes, essayez de rester raisonnable.

Idioms & Expressions

"Entendre raison"

— To listen to reason or accept a sensible suggestion.

Il a fini par entendre raison et a accepté l'offre.

Neutral
"Mettre à la raison"

— To bring someone to their senses or force them to behave.

Le professeur a mis l'élève à la raison.

Formal
"Perdre la raison"

— To go crazy or lose one's mind.

Il a perdu la raison après cet accident.

Neutral
"Plus que de raison"

— More than is sensible or necessary.

Il a bu plus que de raison hier soir.

Formal
"Avoir raison de"

— To overcome or get the better of something.

La fatigue a eu raison de lui.

Neutral
"Raison garder"

— To maintain one's composure and logic (often used in politics).

Il faut savoir raison garder dans ces moments difficiles.

Formal
"La raison du plus fort"

— Might makes right (from La Fontaine's fables).

C'est souvent la raison du plus fort qui l'emporte.

Literary
"Sans rime ni raison"

— Without rhyme or reason (though 'sans queue ni tête' is more common).

Cette décision est sans rime ni raison.

Neutral
"Se faire une raison"

— To resign oneself to something or accept the inevitable.

Il a perdu son emploi, il a dû se faire une raison.

Neutral
"À plus forte raison"

— All the more so / Even more so.

Il ne sait pas nager, à plus forte raison il ne peut pas traverser la mer.

Formal

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Reason' + 'Able'. If a price or a person is 'able' to follow 'reason', they are 'raisonnable'.

Visual Association

Imagine a pair of scales perfectly balanced. This balance represents the 'middle ground' of being raisonnable.

Word Web

Prix Enfant Logique Sage Mo

Word Origin

Derived from the Old French word 'raison', which comes from the Latin 'rationem', meaning 'calculation, reason, or judgment'.

Original meaning: Originally referred to the ability to calculate or think logically.

Romance (Latin root).
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