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A1 adjective 7 min read

Robuste

Examples Notes & Tips Robuste in 30 Seconds
Explanation Robuste in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'robuste' is a helpful word because it doesn't change between masculine and feminine forms. You can use it to describe simple things around you, like a table, a chair, or a toy. Think of it as a step up from 'bon' (good) or 'grand' (big). It helps you explain why you like something: 'C'est une chaise robuste.' You are learning that objects have qualities beyond just color and size. Focus on using it with the verb 'être' (to be). For example, 'Mon sac est robuste.' This is a great way to start building descriptive sentences without getting bogged down in complex grammar. At this stage, just think of it as 'sturdy' or 'strong' for things you can touch. It is a very safe word for a beginner to use because it sounds natural and is almost identical to the English word 'robust'.
As an A2 learner, you can start using 'robuste' to describe people and their health. Instead of just saying someone is 'en bonne santé' (in good health), you can say they have a 'constitution robuste'. This shows a slightly higher level of vocabulary. You should also begin to notice 'robuste' in advertisements or while shopping for clothes or tools. If you see a jacket described as 'robuste', you know it's for outdoor work or hiking. You can also start using the plural form 'robustes'. Remember to add the 's' when talking about multiple things: 'Ces chaussures sont robustes.' You are moving beyond simple objects to describing the qualities of equipment and physical traits of animals or people. It's about expressing reliability.
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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'robuste' in more abstract contexts. You might use it to describe a plan, a system, or an economy. For example, 'Le système de santé est robuste' (The healthcare system is robust). Here, you aren't talking about something you can touch, but about the strength and resilience of an organization. You can also use it to describe flavors, like 'un café robuste' or 'un vin robuste'. You should be able to compare 'robuste' with synonyms like 'solide' or 'résistant'. You are beginning to understand that 'robuste' implies not just strength, but the ability to survive difficult conditions. In your writing, use it to add detail to your opinions about products or services.
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By B2, you should use 'robuste' with professional precision. In an essay or a business meeting, you might talk about a 'croissance économique robuste' or a 'méthodologie robuste'. You understand that 'robuste' carries a connotation of being well-tested and reliable. You can also use it to describe arguments in a debate: 'Votre argument est robuste, mais il manque de preuves.' You should also be aware of the register—'robuste' is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, whereas 'costaud' is for informal speech. You can use adverbs to refine the meaning, such as 'étonnamment robuste' or 'structurellement robuste'. This level is about nuance and using the word to sound more like a native speaker who chooses words for their specific weight.
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At C1, you use 'robuste' to describe complex interactions and subtle qualities. You might discuss the 'robustesse' (the noun form) of a philosophical theory or a scientific model. You understand the word's etymological roots and how it relates to other words like 'corroborer' (to corroborate/strengthen). You can use 'robuste' in literary analysis to describe a character's 'nature robuste' as a metaphor for their moral grounding. You are also sensitive to its use in technical fields like statistics ('un test robuste') or engineering. At this level, 'robuste' is part of a large repertoire of adjectives that you use to avoid repetition and to provide precise, high-level descriptions of both physical and intellectual structures.
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For a C2 speaker, 'robuste' is a tool for stylistic elegance. You might use it in a critique of a work of art, describing the 'robuste simplicité' of a sculpture. You understand the word's historical evolution and its place in the French linguistic landscape. You can use it ironically or metaphorically in ways that only a near-native speaker would. Your use of 'robuste' is perfectly integrated into complex sentence structures, often paired with other high-level adjectives to create a rich tapestry of meaning. You can discuss the 'caractère robuste' of a dialect or a tradition that has survived centuries. At this stage, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a building block for sophisticated, nuanced expression in any domain.
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Examples Notes & Tips

Robuste in 30 Seconds

  • Robuste means sturdy or strong. It is used for objects, health, and abstract systems like the economy.
  • It is an adjective that stays the same for masculine and feminine: 'un sac robuste' and 'une table robuste'.
  • It is common in marketing for tools, in wine/coffee descriptions, and in technical or economic news reports.
  • Synonyms include 'solide' and 'résistant', while 'fragile' and 'faible' are its primary antonyms.

The French word robuste is a versatile adjective that translates directly to 'robust' or 'sturdy' in English. At its core, it describes something that is strong, healthy, and capable of withstanding stress, pressure, or wear and tear without breaking or failing. Unlike the word 'fort' (strong), which can refer to raw power or intensity, robuste often implies a sense of durability and structural integrity. It is an essential word for English speakers because it bridges the gap between physical health, mechanical reliability, and abstract resilience. In French, the word does not change between masculine and feminine forms because it already ends in an 'e', making it a 'friendly' adjective for beginners to use without worrying about complex gender agreement rules.

Physical Objects
When describing furniture, machinery, or buildings, robuste suggests that the item is well-built and likely to last a long time. For example, a 'table robuste' is one you could stand on without fear of it collapsing.

Cette vieille armoire en chêne est incroyablement robuste.

Translation: This old oak wardrobe is incredibly sturdy.
Human Constitution
When applied to people, it refers to a solid physical build or a strong immune system. A 'santé robuste' means someone rarely gets sick and has a high level of physical endurance.

Malgré son âge avancé, le grand-père conserve une constitution robuste.

Flavors and Aromas
In the culinary world, particularly regarding wine and coffee, robuste describes a full-bodied, intense, and lasting flavor profile. This is why one of the two main species of coffee beans is called 'Robusta'.

J'aime commencer ma journée avec un café au goût robuste.

Ce vin rouge a une structure robuste qui s'accorde bien avec le gibier.

Les fondations de ce pont sont assez robuste pour supporter des camions lourds.

Using robuste correctly in a sentence requires understanding its placement and how it interacts with nouns. In French, adjectives usually follow the noun they describe. Because robuste is an epicene adjective (it has the same form for both masculine and feminine), you only need to worry about pluralization by adding an 's' at the end. It functions as both a qualitative adjective and a predicative adjective (following a verb like 'être').

Direct Description
Place the adjective after the noun to provide a direct characteristic. This is the most common usage. Example: 'Un outil robuste' (A sturdy tool).

Nous avons acheté des sacs à dos robustes pour notre randonnée en montagne.

Note: The 's' is added for the plural 'sacs'.
Using with State Verbs
You can use robuste after verbs like 'être' (to be), 'sembler' (to seem), or 'paraître' (to appear). This describes the state of the subject.

Ce système informatique semble très robuste face aux cyberattaques.

Adverbial Modification
You can enhance the meaning with adverbs like 'particulièrement' (particularly), 'assez' (quite), or 'incroyablement' (incredibly).

C'est une plante particulièrement robuste qui nécessite peu d'eau.

Leur amitié est robuste et a survécu à de nombreuses épreuves.

Les preuves présentées par le procureur sont robustes.

The word robuste is a staple of everyday French, but its frequency spikes in specific professional and social contexts. Understanding these domains helps you grasp the 'vibe' of the word. It is not a slang term, nor is it overly formal; it is a solid, reliable word used by everyone from laborers to academics.

In Hardware Stores (Magasins de Bricolage)
If you are buying tools in France, you will see 'robuste' on packaging everywhere. It is the primary marketing term for durability. A drill or a hammer will be marketed as 'conception robuste'.

Cherchez-vous une perceuse plus robuste pour vos travaux de rénovation ?

In Economic News (Les Actualités Économiques)
Journalists use 'robuste' to describe markets or indicators that are showing strength. If the GDP grows by a significant margin, they will call it 'une croissance robuste'.

Le secteur technologique affiche une performance robuste ce trimestre.

Medical and Veterinary Contexts
Doctors or vets might use the word to describe a patient's physical state. 'Un tempérament robuste' implies a body that recovers quickly from illness.

Ce chien est de race robuste, il a peu de problèmes de santé héréditaires.

La structure de cet avion est conçue pour être extrêmement robuste.

Nous avons besoin d'un plan robuste pour faire face à cette crise.

While robuste is a cognate (it looks like the English word), learners often make subtle errors in how they apply it compared to other French adjectives of strength. The most common pitfall is using it where 'fort' or 'solide' would be more natural, or forgetting that it does not change for gender.

Confusing 'Robuste' with 'Fort'
'Fort' is about power, intensity, or the ability to lift things. 'Robuste' is about the quality of the build. You wouldn't say a weightlifter is 'robuste' to mean they can lift 200kg; you'd say 'fort'. However, you could say they have a 'constitution robuste' to mean they are never injured.

Faux: Il est robuste en mathématiques. (Incorrect context for academic skill)

Correct: Il est fort en mathématiques.
Gender Agreement Errors
Beginners often try to change the ending for feminine nouns (e.g., adding another 'e'). Remember: 'Un homme robuste' and 'Une femme robuste' are both correct. Do not write 'robustie' or 'robustée'.

Correct: Cette étagère est très robuste.

Overusing for 'Solid'
While 'robuste' implies solidity, 'solide' is often better for physical states of matter or literal hardness. 'Une glace solide' (solid ice), not 'une glace robuste'.

Le pont est robuste, mais le sol n'est pas solide.

N'utilisez pas robuste pour dire 'épais'. Utilisez 'épais'.

Attention à la prononciation : ne prononcez pas le 'e' final comme un 'é'.

To truly master French, you need to know when to swap robuste for a synonym that carries a more precise nuance. French is a language of precision, and choosing the right 'strength' word can change the entire tone of your sentence.

Robuste vs. Solide
Solide is the most frequent alternative. Use it for things that are firm, stable, and unlikely to break. Use robuste when you want to emphasize that it can take a beating or heavy use.
Robuste vs. Costaud
Costaud is informal. It’s what you call a 'tough guy' or a 'beefy' person. You might call a heavy box 'costaud' if it's hard to lift, but you'd call the box 'robuste' if it's made of thick cardboard.

Mon frère est très costaud, il fait de la musculation.

Robuste vs. Vigoureux
Vigoureux is used for energy and life. A 'vigorous' plant grows fast and strong. A 'robuste' plant survives the winter. One is about active energy, the other about passive endurance.

Une défense résistante est souvent qualifiée de robuste.

L'acier est un matériau résistant et robuste.

Un climat rude demande une constitution robuste.

Fun Fact

The oak tree (robur) was the symbol of strength in Rome, which is why 'robuste' carries a sense of natural, organic power.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁɔ.byst/
US /roʊˈbʌst/
Even stress on both syllables in French, with a slight emphasis on the final 'st'.
Rhymes With
Juste Buste Auguste Injuste Vétuste Aduste Fruste Lacuste
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the final 'e' as 'ay' (it is silent).
  • Using the English 'u' sound (like 'oo') instead of the French 'u'.
  • Making the 'r' sound like an English 'r' instead of a French uvular 'r'.
  • Skipping the 's' sound before the 't'.
  • Nasalizing the 'o' (it should be an open 'o').
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Examples by Level

1

Ma table est robuste.

My table is sturdy.

Adjective follows the noun phrase.

2

C'est un jouet robuste.

It is a sturdy toy.

Masculine singular.

3

La chaise est robuste.

The chair is sturdy.

Feminine singular (same form).

4

Le sac est robuste.

The bag is sturdy.

Simple subject-verb-adjective.

5

Tes chaussures sont robustes.

Your shoes are sturdy.

Plural agreement (add -s).

6

Le lit est robuste.

The bed is sturdy.

Description of furniture.

7

Cette boîte est robuste.

This box is sturdy.

Demonstrative adjective 'cette'.

8

Un vélo robuste.

A sturdy bike.

Noun + adjective.

1

Il a une santé robuste.

He has robust health.

Describing health.

2

Ce chien est très robuste.

This dog is very sturdy.

Used with adverb 'très'.

3

Nous cherchons des meubles robustes.

We are looking for sturdy furniture.

Plural noun and adjective.

4

C'est une plante robuste.

It is a hardy plant.

Describing nature/plants.

5

L'enfant est robuste pour son âge.

The child is robust for his age.

Prepositional phrase 'pour son âge'.

6

Cette voiture semble robuste.

This car seems sturdy.

Verb 'sembler' (to seem).

7

Elle porte des bottes robustes.

She is wearing sturdy boots.

Plural agreement.

8

Le mur est robuste.

The wall is sturdy.

Describing construction.

1

Le café a un arôme robuste.

The coffee has a robust aroma.

Describing sensory qualities.

2

La structure du bâtiment est robuste.

The building's structure is robust.

Abstract physical description.

3

Il faut un plan robuste pour le projet.

We need a robust plan for the project.

Abstract/Metaphorical use.

4

C'est un vin rouge robuste.

It is a robust red wine.

Wine terminology.

5

Le système est robuste face aux erreurs.

The system is robust against errors.

Technical context.

6

Elle a un tempérament robuste.

She has a sturdy temperament.

Describing personality.

7

Le marché montre une reprise robuste.

The market shows a robust recovery.

Economic context.

8

Ce tissu est particulièrement robuste.

This fabric is particularly sturdy.

Adverbial modification.

1

La croissance économique reste robuste.

Economic growth remains robust.

Formal economic usage.

2

L'argumentation est robuste et logique.

The argument is robust and logical.

Describing logic/reasoning.

3

Le logiciel offre une solution robuste.

The software offers a robust solution.

IT/Tech industry term.

4

Ils ont établi une défense robuste.

They established a robust defense.

Competitive context.

5

La méthodologie de recherche est robuste.

The research methodology is robust.

Academic context.

6

Le châssis du camion est robuste.

The truck's chassis is robust.

Engineering context.

7

Sa constitution robuste l'a aidé à guérir.

His robust constitution helped him heal.

Causal sentence structure.

8

Les preuves sont suffisamment robustes.

The evidence is sufficiently robust.

Legal/Investigative context.

1

L'œuvre se distingue par sa robuste simplicité.

The work stands out for its robust simplicity.

Literary/Artistic description.

2

Il faut corroborer ces données par un test robuste.

These data must be corroborated by a robust test.

Scientific/Statistical usage.

3

Une démocratie robuste nécessite des institutions fortes.

A robust democracy requires strong institutions.

Political science context.

4

L'auteur utilise un style robuste et direct.

The author uses a robust and direct style.

Literary criticism.

5

Le cadre juridique est devenu plus robuste.

The legal framework has become more robust.

Legal/Institutional context.

6

Malgré les critiques, sa théorie reste robuste.

Despite the criticism, his theory remains robust.

Intellectual resilience.

7

La robustesse du modèle a été prouvée.

The robustness of the model has been proven.

Using the noun form 'robustesse'.

8

Il exprime une foi robuste et inébranlable.

He expresses a robust and unwavering faith.

Describing belief systems.

1

La robustesse systémique prévient l'effondrement.

Systemic robustness prevents collapse.

High-level systemic analysis.

2

L'édifice intellectuel est d'une robustesse rare.

The intellectual edifice is of a rare robustness.

Metaphorical/Academic phrasing.

3

Son discours, bien que robuste, manquait de finesse.

His speech, though robust, lacked finesse.

Concessive clause with 'bien que'.

4

On admire la robustesse du trait chez ce peintre.

We admire the robustness of the line in this painter.

Art history terminology.

5

La robustesse de la tradition orale est fascinante.

The robustness of the oral tradition is fascinating.

Sociological context.

6

Il s'agit d'une approche robuste aux problèmes climatiques.

It is a robust approach to climate problems.

Policy-making vocabulary.

7

La robustesse de l'écosystème est menacée.

The robustness of the ecosystem is threatened.

Environmental science context.

8

L'analyse souligne une corrélation robuste.

The analysis highlights a robust correlation.

Advanced data analysis.

Common Collocations

Santé robuste
Croissance robuste
Structure robuste
Café robuste
Argument robuste
Logiciel robuste
Constitution robuste
Outil robuste
Défense robuste
Plante robuste

Common Phrases

De construction robuste

— Built to be strong and long-lasting.

C'est un appareil de construction robuste.

Une performance robuste

— A strong and reliable showing or result.

L'entreprise a réalisé une performance robuste.

Un cadre robuste

— A strong framework, either physical or conceptual.

Le cadre robuste du vélo est en acier.

Une méthodologie robuste

— A well-founded and reliable way of doing something.

Nous suivons une méthodologie robuste.

Un goût robuste

— A strong, full-bodied flavor profile.

Ce fromage a un goût robuste.

Une réponse robuste

— A strong and decisive reaction to something.

Le gouvernement a apporté une réponse robuste.

Un système robuste

— A system that doesn't fail under pressure.

Le système immunitaire est robuste.

Un lien robuste

— A strong connection or bond between things or people.

Il existe un lien robuste entre ces deux faits.

Un tempérament robuste

— A resilient and strong personality or nature.

Elle possède un tempérament robuste.

Une base robuste

— A solid foundation for something.

Le projet repose sur une base robuste.

Idioms & Expressions

"Avoir les reins solides"

— To have the financial or moral strength to endure something (related to being robust).

Pour ce projet, il faut avoir les reins solides.

Informal
"Être bâti à chaux et à sable"

— To have a very strong, robust physical constitution.

Mon grand-père est bâti à chaux et à sable.

Old-fashioned
"Dur à cuire"

— Tough as nails; a robust person who is hard to influence or defeat.

C'est un vrai dur à cuire.

Informal
"Solide comme un roc"

— Solid as a rock; extremely robust and reliable.

Leur amitié est solide comme un roc.

Neutral
"Taillé dans le roc"

— Carved in rock; describing a person with a robust, muscular build.

Il est taillé dans le roc.

Literary
"Avoir une santé de fer"

— To have 'iron health'; to be extremely robust health-wise.

Elle a une santé de fer.

Neutral
"Tenir le choc"

— To withstand the impact; to be robust enough to survive a crisis.

L'entreprise a tenu le choc.

Neutral
"Vendre la peau de l'ours"

— To count your chickens before they hatch (often used when assuming a robust outcome too early).

Ne vendons pas la peau de l'ours.

Common
"C'est du béton"

— It's concrete; it's a robust/solid plan or argument.

Son alibi, c'est du béton.

Informal
"Faire front"

— To stand firm/robustly against something.

Ils ont fait front malgré les difficultés.

Neutral

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Robot' that is 'Bust'-proof. A ROBOT that won't BUST is ROBUSTE.

Visual Association

Imagine an old, thick oak tree that doesn't move even in a heavy storm. That is the essence of 'robuste'.

Word Web

Oak Strength Durability Health Coffee Economy Reliability Structure

Challenge

Go around your room and find three things that are 'robuste' and three things that are 'fragile'. Say them out loud: 'Ma table est robuste, mon verre est fragile.'

Word Origin

From the Latin 'robustus', meaning 'oaken' or 'made of oak'. This comes from 'robur', which refers to both the oak tree and physical strength.

Original meaning: Originally it specifically meant something as strong as an oak tree.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

No major sensitivities; it is a positive or neutral descriptive term.

The word is a 'true friend' (cognate), meaning it looks the same and means the same in both languages, making it easy to adopt.

The Robusta coffee bean species. The 'Robust' statistical methods in mathematics. Descriptions of the 'Garde Impériale' in Napoleonic history.
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