renouvelable in 30 Seconds
- An adjective meaning 'renewable' or 'extendable'.
- Used primarily for green energy (solar, wind) and legal contracts.
- The spelling remains the same for masculine and feminine singular.
- Derived from the verb 'renouveler' (to renew).
The French word renouvelable is a versatile adjective that English speakers will primarily recognize in the context of environmental science and sustainability. At its core, it describes anything that can be replaced, restored, or replenished, either through natural biological processes or through human administrative action. While in English we often jump straight to 'green energy' when we hear 'renewable,' the French term carries a significant weight in legal and administrative contexts as well, particularly regarding contracts and leases. Understanding this word requires looking at its morphological roots: the prefix re- (again), the root nouvel (new), and the suffix -able (capable of). Thus, something that is renouvelable is literally 'capable of being made new again.'
- Environmental Context
- In the realm of ecology, renouvelable refers to resources that do not deplete over time because they are constantly replenished. This includes l'énergie solaire (solar energy), l'énergie éolienne (wind energy), and la biomasse. When a French person speaks about 'les énergies renouvelables,' they are referring to the entire sector of sustainable power that stands in opposition to fossil fuels, which are finite.
- Administrative and Legal Usage
- Outside of the lab or the power plant, you will encounter this word in everyday life when dealing with paperwork. A contrat renouvelable is a contract that can be extended or restarted once its initial term expires. If you are renting an apartment in France, you might hear about a bail renouvelable par tacite reconduction, meaning the lease renews automatically unless someone gives notice. This distinction is crucial for learners to grasp because it moves the word from a 'scientific' register to a 'practical daily life' register.
- Economic and Industrial Scope
- Economically, the term is used to describe business models or agricultural practices. A forest can be a ressource renouvelable if managed correctly through replanting. In modern French discourse, the word is increasingly associated with the concept of développement durable (sustainable development), serving as a pillar for future-proof economic planning.
La France s'est engagée à augmenter la part de l'énergie renouvelable dans sa consommation totale d'ici 2030.
The word is an adjective, which means it must agree in number with the noun it modifies. While the singular form renouvelable is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., un contrat renouvelable, une énergie renouvelable), the plural form adds an 's' (des sources renouvelables). This consistency makes it relatively easy for English speakers to integrate into their vocabulary once the basic concept of replenishment is understood. Whether you are discussing the climate crisis or signing a gym membership, this word will appear frequently in your French journey.
Ce contrat de travail est renouvelable une fois pour une durée de six mois.
- Comparison with 'Durable'
- It is important not to confuse renouvelable with durable. While they are related, durable translates to 'sustainable' or 'long-lasting.' An energy source can be renouvelable (it never runs out), but a practice is durable (it can be maintained indefinitely without harming the environment).
Using renouvelable correctly in French requires an understanding of its grammatical placement and its role as a qualifying adjective. In French, adjectives usually follow the noun they modify, and renouvelable is no exception. This differs from English where we say 'renewable energy'; in French, we say l'énergie renouvelable. This post-nominal position is standard for multi-syllabic adjectives and those describing technical or scientific properties.
Nous devons investir dans les ressources renouvelables pour protéger la planète.
When constructing sentences, pay close attention to the noun's gender and number. Since renouvelable ends in 'e' in its base form, it does not change between masculine and feminine singular. This simplifies matters significantly for learners. However, you must remember the plural 's'.
- The 'Bail' (Lease) Construction
- When talking about renting, you will often see the phrase un bail renouvelable. Note that 'bail' is masculine. Example: 'Le bail est renouvelable annuellement.' (The lease is renewable annually). Here, the adjective functions as an attribute of the subject, placed after the verb 'être'.
- The 'Énergie' (Energy) Construction
- Since 'énergie' is feminine, you might expect a change, but it remains renouvelable. Example: 'L'hydroélectricité est une énergie renouvelable majeure.' (Hydroelectricity is a major renewable energy). The adjective directly follows the noun it qualifies.
In more complex sentences, renouvelable can be modified by adverbs. You might say something is difficilement renouvelable (hardly renewable) or facilement renouvelable (easily renewable). This is common when discussing natural resources that take a long time to regenerate, like certain types of groundwater or old-growth forests.
Est-ce que votre abonnement est renouvelable automatiquement chaque mois ?
Finally, consider the use of the word in passive structures. 'Cette offre n'est pas renouvelable' (This offer is not renewable). Here, it negates the possibility of extension. This is a very common structure in commercial French, used to indicate limited-time promotions or one-off deals.
In contemporary France, you are most likely to hear the word renouvelable in three distinct environments: the evening news (le journal télévisé), administrative offices (la mairie or la préfecture), and educational settings. Because France is a global leader in the transition to green energy (particularly with its focus on nuclear vs. renewables), the term is at the heart of national political debate. You will hear politicians argue about 'la transition énergétique' and the necessity of shifting toward les énergies renouvelables.
Le gouvernement annonce de nouvelles subventions pour le secteur du renouvelable.
Another very common place to hear this word is during the process of la location (renting). When a real estate agent (un agent immobilier) explains your contract, they will specify if the lease is renouvelable. If you hear 'votre titre de séjour est renouvelable,' it's good news—it means your residency permit can be extended. In these contexts, the word is spoken with a sense of legal finality and clarity.
- In Schools and Universities
- Students in France learn about le développement durable from a young age. In geography or science classes (SVT - Sciences de la Vie et de la Terre), the distinction between énergies fossiles and énergies renouvelables is a core part of the curriculum. Therefore, even younger French speakers are very familiar with this term.
- In Commercial Advertising
- Companies often use 'renouvelable' as a marketing buzzword. You might see it on packaging for paper products (made from matières renouvelables) or in advertisements for electricity providers (e.g., EDF, Engie) claiming to provide '100% renewable' electricity plans.
Finally, you'll hear it in the context of professional development. A CDD (Contrat à Durée Déterminée - fixed-term contract) might be described as renouvelable une fois. This is a crucial piece of information for anyone working in France, as it determines the potential longevity of their employment. In summary, whether you are looking at a wind turbine, a legal document, or a job offer, renouvelable is the key word that signals continuity and future possibility.
Even for intermediate learners, renouvelable can present a few pitfalls. The most frequent errors involve spelling, pronunciation, and confusion with similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. Because the English word 'renewable' is so close, learners often try to apply English phonetic patterns to the French spelling, leading to mistakes in both writing and speaking.
- Spelling: The Double 'n' Myth
- A common mistake is writing 'rennouvelable' with two 'n's. While the word nouveau (new) exists, the verb renouveler and its adjective renouvelable only use one 'n'. Interestingly, the verb renouveler does double its 'l' in certain conjugations (e.g., je renouvelle), but the adjective renouvelable always has a single 'l'. This inconsistency is a classic French orthographic trap.
- Confusion with 'Neuf' or 'Nouveau'
- Learners sometimes use renouvelable when they simply mean 'new' or 'brand new.' Remember that renouvelable is a technical quality of a resource or contract. You wouldn't call a new car 'renouvelable' unless you were talking about its recyclable components or a lease agreement. Use nouveau for 'new to the person' and neuf for 'brand new/unused.'
Incorrect: C'est une énergie renouvellable.
Correct: C'est une énergie renouvelable.
Pronunciation is another area where English speakers stumble. The '-able' ending in French is pronounced /abl/, with a very short, crisp 'a' and a voiced 'bl' sound. English speakers tend to say '-able' like the word 'able' (/eɪbəl/). In French, ensure the 'a' sounds like the 'a' in 'father' but shorter, and don't let a 'u' sound creep into the end. Practice saying re-nou-ve-la-ble as five distinct, equal beats.
Lastly, be careful with the context of 'renewable energy.' While in English we might just say 'renewables' as a noun, in French, it is more common to keep the noun: les énergies renouvelables. Using les renouvelables as a standalone noun is becoming more common in casual speech and headlines, but in formal writing, always include the noun it modifies.
To truly master renouvelable, it helps to understand its 'neighbors' in the French language. Depending on whether you are talking about ecology, business, or science, there might be a more precise word you can use to sound more like a native speaker. Expanding your vocabulary with these synonyms and related terms will allow you to navigate complex discussions about the future and sustainability with greater ease.
- Durable (Sustainable)
- Often used in the phrase développement durable. While renouvelable focuses on the resource's ability to replenish, durable focuses on the long-term viability of an action or system. Comparison: Solar energy is renouvelable; a lifestyle that reduces waste is durable.
- Inépuisable (Inexhaustible)
- This is a stronger word than renouvelable. It suggests that no matter how much we use, the resource will never run out. It is often used for the sun or the wind. Example: 'Le soleil est une source d'énergie inépuisable.'
- Écologique / Vert (Ecological / Green)
- These are broader, more colloquial terms. If you want to describe something that is good for the environment in a general sense, you use écologique. Vert is often used in political and corporate contexts (e.g., la croissance verte - green growth).
- Reconductible (Extendable/Renewable)
- In legal and administrative contexts, reconductible is a very precise synonym for renouvelable. It specifically means a contract that can be continued under the same terms. You will see this on many official documents.
L'énergie éolienne est à la fois renouvelable et propre.
When you want to emphasize that something is NOT renewable, the word is non renouvelable. This is the standard term for fossil fuels like oil, coal, and gas. By learning these antonyms and synonyms, you can speak more nuancedly about the environment, shifting from simple 'good/bad' binaries to more technical and accurate descriptions.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The root 'novus' is the same one that gives us 'novel' in English (both the book and the adjective for 'new'). So every time you read a novel, you are reading something 'new'!
Pronunciation Guide
- Stressing the 'nou' syllable like in English 'renewable'.
- Pronouncing 'able' as the English word 'able' (ay-bul).
- Forgetting the guttural French 'r' at the start.
- Adding an extra 'e' sound at the very end.
- Merging the 've' and 'la' syllables.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize because of its similarity to English.
Watch out for the single 'l' and single 'n'.
Five syllables can be a mouthful for beginners.
Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to spot.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective agreement with gender and number.
Une énergie (f) renouvelable / Des contrats (m.pl) renouvelables.
Adjective position (usually after the noun).
Une ressource renouvelable (NOT une renouvelable ressource).
Formation of adjectives using the suffix '-able'.
Renouveler -> Renouvelable.
Use of 'être' + adjective.
Ce bail est renouvelable.
Adverbial modification of adjectives.
C'est une ressource difficilement renouvelable.
Examples by Level
Le soleil est une énergie renouvelable.
The sun is a renewable energy.
Note that 'énergie' is feminine, but 'renouvelable' stays the same.
Le vent est renouvelable.
The wind is renewable.
Here 'renouvelable' is used as an adjective after the verb 'être'.
C'est une ressource renouvelable.
It is a renewable resource.
Simple adjective-noun agreement.
J'aime l'énergie renouvelable.
I like renewable energy.
Direct object placement.
L'eau est renouvelable.
Water is renewable.
Another example of 'être' + adjective.
Est-ce renouvelable ?
Is it renewable?
Simple question structure.
Le bois est renouvelable.
Wood is renewable.
Focus on natural materials.
La nature est renouvelable.
Nature is renewable.
Abstract concept using the adjective.
Mon contrat de téléphone est renouvelable.
My phone contract is renewable.
Using the word in a daily administrative context.
Nous utilisons des énergies renouvelables.
We use renewable energies.
Plural agreement: 'énergies' + 'renouvelables'.
Le bail de l'appartement est renouvelable.
The apartment lease is renewable.
Common real estate vocabulary.
Cette offre n'est pas renouvelable.
This offer is not renewable.
Negative construction.
Est-ce que votre abonnement est renouvelable ?
Is your subscription renewable?
Interrogative form with 'est-ce que'.
Il y a beaucoup d'énergies renouvelables en France.
There are many renewable energies in France.
Using 'il y a' with plural adjectives.
C'est un projet renouvelable.
It is a renewable project.
Applying the word to a plan or project.
Le papier est une matière renouvelable.
Paper is a renewable material.
Describing materials.
Le gouvernement encourage l'usage de l'énergie renouvelable.
The government encourages the use of renewable energy.
Using the word in a political/social context.
Les ressources renouvelables sont essentielles pour le futur.
Renewable resources are essential for the future.
Plural subject-verb-adjective agreement.
Le contrat est renouvelable par tacite reconduction.
The contract is renewable by tacit agreement (automatically).
Introducing a common legal phrase.
Il est important de choisir une source d'énergie renouvelable.
It is important to choose a renewable energy source.
Impersonal 'il est' construction.
Cette forêt est gérée comme une ressource renouvelable.
This forest is managed as a renewable resource.
Passive voice context.
Les panneaux solaires produisent une électricité renouvelable.
Solar panels produce renewable electricity.
Direct object with adjective.
Mon adhésion au club est renouvelable chaque année.
My club membership is renewable every year.
Using 'chaque année' to specify frequency.
Le secteur du renouvelable crée beaucoup d'emplois.
The renewable sector creates many jobs.
Using 'le renouvelable' as a noun phrase (the sector).
L'investissement dans le renouvelable a triplé en dix ans.
Investment in renewables has tripled in ten years.
Using the word as a substantive noun in an economic context.
La directive européenne impose un quota d'énergie renouvelable.
The European directive imposes a quota of renewable energy.
Technical policy vocabulary.
Le caractère renouvelable de cette ressource est contesté par les experts.
The renewable nature of this resource is contested by experts.
Using the noun 'caractère' + adjective.
Bien que renouvelable, l'énergie hydraulique peut avoir un impact écologique.
Although renewable, hydraulic energy can have an ecological impact.
Concessive clause starting with 'bien que'.
Les entreprises se tournent vers des matières premières renouvelables.
Companies are turning toward renewable raw materials.
Business strategy context.
Le contrat de travail est renouvelable une seule fois.
The employment contract is renewable only once.
Specific legal limitation.
Le mix énergétique inclut une part croissante de renouvelable.
The energy mix includes a growing share of renewables.
Technical term 'mix énergétique'.
Cette technologie rend le dessalement de l'eau plus renouvelable.
This technology makes water desalination more renewable.
Comparative structure with 'plus'.
L'intermittence est le principal défi des énergies renouvelables.
Intermittency is the main challenge of renewable energies.
Abstract noun 'intermittence' paired with the word.
Le cadre législatif favorise les sources d'énergie renouvelable décentralisées.
The legislative framework favors decentralized renewable energy sources.
Advanced legal/technical phrasing.
L'exploitation forestière doit respecter le cycle renouvelable de la biomasse.
Logging must respect the renewable cycle of biomass.
Scientific/Environmental nuance.
La clause prévoit que le mandat est renouvelable par accord exprès.
The clause stipulates that the mandate is renewable by express agreement.
Formal legal terminology.
Le financement des projets renouvelables nécessite des garanties étatiques.
Financing for renewable projects requires state guarantees.
Complex economic sentence.
On assiste à une transition vers une économie fondée sur le renouvelable.
We are witnessing a transition toward an economy based on renewables.
Using 'fondée sur' (based on).
L'énergie géothermique est considérée comme une ressource inépuisable et renouvelable.
Geothermal energy is considered an inexhaustible and renewable resource.
Pairing synonyms for emphasis.
Le renouvelable ne peut suffire sans une réduction de la consommation.
Renewables cannot suffice without a reduction in consumption.
Using the word as a subject noun.
L'aporie du tout-renouvelable réside dans le stockage massif de l'électricité.
The paradox of the 'all-renewable' approach lies in the massive storage of electricity.
Highly academic 'aporie' and 'tout-renouvelable' prefixing.
L'épistémologie de la gestion renouvelable interroge notre rapport à la temporalité.
The epistemology of renewable management questions our relationship with temporality.
Philosophical register.
Le droit administratif encadre strictement les concessions renouvelables du domaine public.
Administrative law strictly regulates renewable concessions of the public domain.
Specialized legal French.
L'intégration systémique du renouvelable bouscule les paradigmes énergétiques traditionnels.
The systemic integration of renewables upends traditional energy paradigms.
High-level sociological/technical analysis.
L'aspect renouvelable d'une ressource est souvent une construction sociale autant que biologique.
The renewable aspect of a resource is often a social construction as much as a biological one.
Critical theory application.
Il convient d'analyser la viabilité des actifs renouvelables face aux aléas climatiques.
It is appropriate to analyze the viability of renewable assets in the face of climatic hazards.
Formal analytical style.
La rhétorique du renouvelable occulte parfois les externalités négatives de l'extraction minière.
The rhetoric of renewables sometimes hides the negative externalities of mining extraction.
Critique and nuanced vocabulary ('externalités').
La pérennité de notre civilisation dépend de l'adoption de cycles entièrement renouvelables.
The sustainability of our civilization depends on the adoption of entirely renewable cycles.
Grand philosophical statement.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Automatically renewed unless cancelled. Often follows 'renouvelable'.
Le contrat est renouvelable par tacite reconduction.
— A common synonym for renewable energies. Used in media.
La transition vers les énergies vertes.
— The process of moving toward renewable energy. Very common in news.
La transition énergétique est en marche.
— The combination of different energy sources, including renewables.
Le mix énergétique français évolue.
— Used figuratively to mean something can be repeated as much as desired.
C'est un plaisir renouvelable à souhait.
— The percentage of energy coming from renewable sources.
La part du renouvelable augmente.
— The entire industry or sector related to renewables.
La filière renouvelable recrute.
— Specifically limited to one extension. Common in job contracts.
Le CDD est renouvelable une fois.
— The opposite; used for fossil fuels or limited offers.
Le pétrole est une énergie non renouvelable.
— The capacity of a region or technology to provide renewable energy.
Cette région a un fort potentiel renouvelable.
Often Confused With
Durable means sustainable (long-term). Renouvelable means it can be replenished.
Nouveau means 'new'. Renouvelable means 'able to be made new again'.
Rechargeable is for batteries. Renouvelable is for energy sources or contracts.
Idioms & Expressions
— To undergo a complete renewal or makeover. Related to the concept of renewal.
La ville fait peau neuve avec de nouveaux parcs.
General— To start again from scratch, a form of renewal of a situation.
Après la dispute, ils sont repartis sur de nouvelles bases.
Informal— A new lease on life or fresh energy. Figurative renewal.
Ce projet donne un nouveau souffle à l'entreprise.
General— To make a fresh start. Related to 'renouveler' one's life.
Elle a déménagé pour prendre un nouveau départ.
General— Literally 'it's reheated'; used for ideas that are not truly new or renewed.
Son discours ? C'est du réchauffé !
Informal— To bring something back into fashion; to renew its popularity.
Le couturier a remis le velours au goût du jour.
General— To change one's tactics or ideas; a renewal of strategy.
Le politicien a changé son fusil d'épaule sur l'écologie.
General— To move on and start a new chapter (renewal of life path).
Il est temps de tourner la page sur cette affaire.
General— To wipe the slate clean in order to start something new.
Ils ont fait table rase du passé.
Formal— To rise from the ashes; the ultimate form of being renewable (like a phoenix).
L'entreprise a réussi à renaître de ses cendres.
LiteraryEasily Confused
It's the past participle of the verb.
Renouvelé means 'renewed' (it already happened). Renouvelable means 'can be renewed' (it is possible).
Le contrat est renouvelé (it is done). Le contrat est renouvelable (it can be done).
It's the noun form.
Renouvellement is the act of renewing. Renouvelable is the quality of the thing.
Le renouvellement du bail est cher.
Both relate to the environment.
Recyclable is for waste materials (paper, plastic). Renouvelable is for energy or natural resources.
Cette bouteille est recyclable.
Similar 're-' prefix.
Réutilisable means you can use the same object again (like a bag). Renouvelable means more of the resource is created.
Un sac réutilisable.
Sounds similar.
Rénover is to fix up a building. Renouveler is to extend a contract or replenish energy.
Je rénove ma maison.
Sentence Patterns
L'énergie [source] est renouvelable.
L'énergie solaire est renouvelable.
J'ai un [nom] renouvelable.
J'ai un contrat renouvelable.
Il faut utiliser des [nom pl] renouvelables.
Il faut utiliser des ressources renouvelables.
Le [nom] est renouvelable par [condition].
Le bail est renouvelable par accord mutuel.
Le caractère [adjectif] de [nom] est [verbe].
Le caractère renouvelable du bois est essentiel.
L'aporie de la gestion [adjectif] réside dans [nom].
L'aporie de la gestion renouvelable réside dans le stockage.
Ce n'est pas [adjectif].
Ce n'est pas renouvelable.
Le secteur du [nom] est en [état].
Le secteur du renouvelable est en croissance.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very high in news, science, and administrative contexts.
-
Writing 'renouvellable' with two 'l's.
→
renouvelable
The adjective always has a single 'l', unlike some conjugated forms of the verb 'renouveler'.
-
Saying 'une renouvelable énergie'.
→
une énergie renouvelable
In French, most multi-syllabic adjectives go after the noun.
-
Using 'renouvelable' to mean 'brand new'.
→
neuf / nouveau
'Renouvelable' means something can be replenished, not that it is currently new.
-
Pronouncing the ending like the English word 'able'.
→
/abl/
The French ending is a short 'a' followed by 'bl', not 'ay-bul'.
-
Forgetting the 's' in 'énergies renouvelables'.
→
énergies renouvelables
Adjectives must agree in number with the noun they modify.
Tips
Placement
Always place 'renouvelable' after the noun it describes. 'Une énergie renouvelable' is correct; 'Une renouvelable énergie' is not.
Single L
Remember: one 'n', one 'l'. It's a common mistake to double them because of words like 'nouveau' or the verb 'renouvelle'.
Five Beats
Count the syllables on your fingers: re-nou-ve-la-ble. This helps you maintain the correct French rhythm.
EnR
If you see 'EnR' in a French newspaper, it's just a short way of saying 'Énergies Renouvelables'.
Contract Renewal
When signing a contract, look for 'renouvelable par tacite reconduction'. This means it renews automatically!
Not just Solar
While solar is the most famous, remember that 'biomasse' and 'géothermie' are also 'renouvelables'.
Re-New-Able
The English and French words are almost identical. Just change the 'new' to 'nouvel' and you have the French version.
Gender Neutral
Don't stress about the gender of the noun. 'Renouvelable' works for both masculine and feminine singular.
Job Contracts
In a job offer, 'renouvelable' means your fixed-term contract might be extended.
vs Recyclable
Energy is 'renouvelable' (it comes back). Trash is 'recyclable' (it gets turned into something else).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'RE-NEW-ABLE'. 'Re' is the same, 'nouvel' sounds like 'new', and 'able' is the same. It's almost a direct translation!
Visual Association
Imagine a wind turbine (renewable energy) holding a giant lease contract (renewable contract). This links the two main meanings.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find three things in your house that are 'renouvelables' (like a subscription, a rechargeable battery, or a compost pile) and name them in French.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old French verb 'renouveler', which comes from the Latin 'renovare'. The Latin 're-' (again) + 'novare' (to make new), from 'novus' (new).
Original meaning: To restore to a new state or to repeat.
Romance (Latin-based).Cultural Context
No specific sensitivities; it is a technical and positive term.
English speakers often use 'renewables' as a noun, but in French, it's better to use 'les énergies renouvelables' in formal contexts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Environmental Discussion
- Sauver la planète
- Réduire le carbone
- Énergie propre
- Changement climatique
Legal/Business
- Signer un contrat
- Date d'échéance
- Prolonger la durée
- Conditions générales
Real Estate
- Payer le loyer
- Durée du bail
- Donner son congé
- État des lieux
Science Class
- Expérience scientifique
- Cycle de l'eau
- Photosynthèse
- Ressources naturelles
Shopping/Services
- Abonnement mensuel
- Offre limitée
- Service client
- Recharger
Conversation Starters
"Penses-tu que la France utilise assez d'énergies renouvelables ?"
"Est-ce que ton contrat de travail est renouvelable ?"
"Quelles sont les sources renouvelables les plus efficaces selon toi ?"
"Préfères-tu un abonnement renouvelable ou un achat unique ?"
"Comment peut-on rendre notre mode de vie plus renouvelable ?"
Journal Prompts
Décrivez l'importance des énergies renouvelables pour l'avenir de votre pays.
Avez-vous déjà eu un problème avec un contrat renouvelable automatiquement ?
Imaginez une invention qui utilise une source d'énergie renouvelable insolite.
Pourquoi est-il important que certaines ressources soient renouvelables ?
Expliquez la différence entre renouvelable et durable avec vos propres mots.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is both! Because it ends in 'e', the spelling is the same for masculine and feminine nouns. For example: 'un contrat renouvelable' (masculine) and 'une énergie renouvelable' (feminine).
Simply add an 's' at the end: 'renouvelables'. For example: 'les sources renouvelables'.
The most common use is in the phrase 'énergies renouvelables' (renewable energies), referring to solar, wind, and hydro power.
Generally, no. It is used for resources, energy, or legal documents. To say someone feels 'renewed', you would use 'se sentir ressourcé' or 'se sentir comme neuf'.
They are very similar. 'Renouvelable' is more general and used for energy. 'Reconductible' is strictly legal/administrative, used for contracts that continue automatically.
The verb is 'renouveler'. Note that it has two 'l's in some forms like 'je renouvelle' but only one in 'nous renouvelons' and in the adjective 'renouvelable'.
No, nuclear energy is considered 'décarbonée' (low-carbon) but not 'renouvelable' because uranium is a finite resource.
Yes, you can say 'le prêt du livre est renouvelable' (the book loan is renewable).
Yes, the prefix 're-' means 'again', similar to English.
It is a standard word used in both everyday conversation (about bills/contracts) and formal scientific or legal writing.
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write a sentence using 'énergie renouvelable'.
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Translate: 'The contract is renewable.'
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Write a sentence about wind energy being renewable.
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Translate: 'We need renewable resources.'
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Explain why solar energy is renewable in French (1 sentence).
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Translate: 'This lease is not renewable.'
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Write a sentence using the plural 'renouvelables'.
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Translate: 'Is your subscription renewable?'
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Write a sentence about government and renewables.
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Translate: 'A renewable raw material.'
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Write a sentence about the future and renewable energy.
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Translate: 'The renewable sector is growing.'
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Write a sentence using 'renouvelable' and 'durable'.
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Translate: 'Renewable by automatic extension.'
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Write a sentence about water as a resource.
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Translate: 'A renewable mandate.'
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Write a sentence about a gym membership.
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Translate: 'The renewable nature of wood.'
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Write a sentence about fossil fuels vs renewables.
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Translate: 'Renewable energy is clean.'
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Pronounce: 'renouvelable'.
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Say: 'énergie renouvelable'.
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Say: 'contrat renouvelable'.
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Say: 'ressources renouvelables'.
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Say: 'le vent est renouvelable'.
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Say: 'le soleil est renouvelable'.
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Say: 'c'est une source renouvelable'.
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Say: 'un bail renouvelable'.
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Say: 'énergies renouvelables'.
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Say: 'transition énergétique'.
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Say: 'développement durable'.
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Say: 'tacite reconduction'.
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Say: 'matière première renouvelable'.
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Say: 'le secteur du renouvelable'.
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Say: 'ce n'est pas renouvelable'.
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Say: 'est-ce renouvelable ?'.
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Say: 'mon abonnement est renouvelable'.
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Say: 'l'hydroélectricité'.
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Say: 'biomasse'.
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Say: 'géothermie'.
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Transcribe: 'L'énergie solaire est renouvelable.'
Transcribe: 'C'est un contrat renouvelable.'
Transcribe: 'Les énergies renouvelables sont l'avenir.'
Transcribe: 'Le bail est renouvelable.'
Transcribe: 'Ressources renouvelables.'
What word do you hear: 'renouvelable' or 'recyclable'?
Transcribe: 'Matières renouvelables.'
Transcribe: 'Offre non renouvelable.'
Transcribe: 'Le secteur du renouvelable.'
Transcribe: 'Transition vers le renouvelable.'
Transcribe: 'Abonnement renouvelable.'
Transcribe: 'Potentiel renouvelable.'
Transcribe: 'Une source renouvelable.'
Transcribe: 'Le cycle renouvelable.'
Transcribe: 'Mix énergétique renouvelable.'
Describe why a contract might be 'renouvelable'.
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Summary
The word 'renouvelable' is essential for discussing ecology and administration. Remember that it follows the noun (e.g., l'énergie renouvelable) and only changes by adding an 's' in the plural form.
- An adjective meaning 'renewable' or 'extendable'.
- Used primarily for green energy (solar, wind) and legal contracts.
- The spelling remains the same for masculine and feminine singular.
- Derived from the verb 'renouveler' (to renew).
Placement
Always place 'renouvelable' after the noun it describes. 'Une énergie renouvelable' is correct; 'Une renouvelable énergie' is not.
Single L
Remember: one 'n', one 'l'. It's a common mistake to double them because of words like 'nouveau' or the verb 'renouvelle'.
Five Beats
Count the syllables on your fingers: re-nou-ve-la-ble. This helps you maintain the correct French rhythm.
EnR
If you see 'EnR' in a French newspaper, it's just a short way of saying 'Énergies Renouvelables'.
Related Content
More nature words
à ciel ouvert
B1Open-air, under the open sky.
à fleur d'eau
B1At water level; just above the surface of the water.
à l'abri de
B1Sheltered from; safe from.
à l'approche de
B1As (something) approaches; nearing.
à l'aube
B1At dawn; at the very beginning of the day.
à l'écart de
B1Away from; apart from.
à l'état sauvage
B1In the wild; in an untamed state.
à l'extérieur de
A2Outside of.
à l'intérieur de
A2Inside of; within.
à pas lents
B1At a slow pace.
