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A2 adjective #1,800 mais comum 10 min de leitura

durable

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas durable em 30 segundos

Explicação durable in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'durable' is a useful word for describing physical objects that are of good quality. You might use it to talk about clothes that don't tear easily or toys that last a long time. It is a step up from simply saying 'bon' (good) or 'solide' (solid). Learners at this stage should focus on the idea of 'lasting'. For example, if you buy a pair of shoes and they are still good after a year, they are 'durables'. It is also the first time you might encounter the phrase 'développement durable', even if you don't fully understand the complex science behind it. You can think of it as 'taking care of the world so it lasts'. The grammar is simple: it goes after the noun and doesn't change for masculine or feminine. Just remember to add an 's' if you are talking about more than one thing. This word helps you express the value of things beyond just their price.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'durable' in more varied contexts, especially regarding the environment and lifestyle. You are likely learning about 'les gestes écologiques' (eco-friendly actions), and 'durable' is the key adjective here. You might talk about 'une consommation durable' (sustainable consumption) or 'des produits durables'. You also start to use it for abstract things like 'un effet durable' (a lasting effect). For instance, if you learn a new skill, the benefit is 'durable'. At this level, you should be comfortable placing the adjective after the noun and ensuring agreement. You are also learning to distinguish 'durable' from 'dur' (hard). You understand that a 'hard' bed is 'un lit dur', but a 'long-lasting' bed is 'un lit durable'. This distinction is crucial for moving toward more precise French. You might also hear it in the context of 'un emploi durable', which is a very important concept in French society, referring to job security.

At the B1 level, 'durable' becomes a tool for discussing social and economic issues. You can now participate in debates about 'le développement durable' and explain why certain practices are or are not sustainable. You might use it to describe 'une paix durable' in history class or 'une amitié durable' in a personal essay. You are expected to use the word with more nuance, perhaps modifying it with adverbs like 'véritablement' (truly) or 'difficilement' (hardly). You understand that 'durable' implies a sense of responsibility and foresight. In a professional context, you might discuss 'des solutions durables' for a company's problems. You also begin to recognize the noun form 'la durabilité' and can use it in sentences. Your understanding of the word shifts from just 'lasting a long time' to 'being able to continue without causing problems'. This is a significant conceptual jump that reflects your growing maturity in the language.

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At the B2 level, you use 'durable' with technical precision. You can discuss 'les piliers du développement durable' (the pillars of sustainable development: economic, social, and environmental). You are able to read complex articles in 'Le Monde' or 'Libération' where 'durable' is used to critique government policy or corporate greenwashing. You understand the subtle difference between 'durable' and 'pérenne' or 'soutenable'. You might use 'durable' to describe 'une croissance durable' in an economics presentation, explaining the mathematical and social implications. At this stage, you are also aware of the word's rhetorical power; you know that calling a project 'durable' gives it a certain moral and logical weight. You can use it in the superlative, like 'la solution la plus durable', and you are comfortable with its placement in complex sentence structures. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'durable' as a starting point for deeper discussions about the future of society.

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At the C1 level, 'durable' is used to explore philosophical and abstract concepts. You might analyze the 'caractère durable' of a literary work or a political ideology. You are sensitive to the connotations of the word in different registers. For example, you know when to use 'durable' versus 'permanent' to describe a state of being. You can write sophisticated essays on the 'tension entre l'immédiat et le durable' in modern culture. You are also able to use the word in idiomatic or semi-idiomatic ways, and you understand its use in high-level academic discourse, such as 'l'aménagement durable du territoire'. Your use of the word is no longer just about communication; it's about nuance, tone, and precision. You can argue about the 'durabilité' of a system with native-level fluency, using a wide range of synonyms and related concepts to support your points. You see 'durable' as part of a larger web of concepts including 'résilience', 'viabilité', and 'éthique'.

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'durable' and its place in the French linguistic landscape. You can use it with irony, metaphor, or extreme technicality. You might engage in a deep ontological discussion about what it means for anything to be 'durable' in a changing universe. You understand the historical evolution of the word and how its meaning has been co-opted or refined by various movements. You can effortlessly switch between the physical, ecological, and philosophical meanings of the word in a single conversation. Your writing is characterized by the perfect choice of adjectives, where 'durable' is used only when it is the exact right fit, often contrasted with 'éphémère', 'fugace', or 'transitoire'. You are capable of interpreting the 'non-dit' (the unsaid) when a politician uses the word, recognizing the strategic implications of its use. For you, 'durable' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool that you use with the skill of a native speaker.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

durable em 30 segundos

Durable means 'lasting' or 'sustainable'. It is used for physical objects, relationships, and environmental topics.
It is a key word in 'développement durable' (sustainable development), a very common phrase in France.
Grammatically, it is the same for masculine and feminine nouns, adding only an 's' for plural.
It is a formal and positive word, often associated with quality, ethics, and long-term planning.

The French adjective durable is a polysemous term that serves as a cornerstone in both everyday conversation and specialized discourse. At its most fundamental level, it describes something that is designed to last, to resist the passage of time, or to remain effective over a long period. In the modern era, however, its meaning has expanded significantly to encompass the concept of sustainability—the ability of a process or state to be maintained indefinitely without depleting resources or causing harm to the environment. This dual nature makes it one of the most versatile adjectives in the French language.

Temporal Longevity: Refers to the physical or abstract quality of lasting a long time. For example, a 'paix durable' (lasting peace) or 'matériaux durables' (long-lasting materials).

Cette amitié est durable car elle repose sur la confiance mutuelle.

Ecological Sustainability: Relates to practices that do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. This is most commonly seen in the phrase 'développement durable'.

Nous devons adopter un mode de vie plus durable pour protéger la planète.

Historically, the word derives from the Latin 'durabilis', which itself comes from 'durare' (to last). This root is shared with the English word 'durable', but the French usage has become much more heavily associated with environmentalism in the last thirty years. When a French person speaks of 'consommation durable', they are not just talking about buying things that won't break; they are talking about ethical and ecological consumption. This nuance is vital for learners to grasp, as it bridges the gap between physical properties and ethical frameworks.

L'acier est un matériau très durable pour la construction.

Economic Stability: In finance, 'croissance durable' refers to a rate of growth that can be maintained without creating significant economic imbalances.

Une économie durable évite les cycles de bulles et de crises.

Les solutions durables sont souvent les plus complexes à mettre en œuvre.

To truly master 'durable', one must see it as a spectrum. On one end, you have the physical durability of a granite block. In the middle, you have the emotional durability of a long marriage. On the far end, you have the systemic durability of a global ecosystem. In each case, the core idea is 'resistance to cessation'. Whether it is resisting wear and tear, resisting conflict, or resisting resource depletion, 'durable' is the adjective of the long haul. It is the antithesis of 'éphémère' (ephemeral) or 'jetable' (disposable).

Using durable correctly requires an understanding of its placement and its connotations. In French, adjectives usually follow the noun, and 'durable' is no exception. You would say 'un effet durable' (a lasting effect) rather than 'un durable effet'. Because it is a relatively formal and precise word, it is often found in professional, academic, and journalistic contexts, though it is perfectly appropriate in casual conversation when discussing quality or long-term plans.

Agreement Rules: As an adjective ending in 'e', 'durable' is the same for both masculine and feminine nouns. You only need to add an 's' for plural nouns. Example: 'un meuble durable' (masc), 'une solution durable' (fem), 'des résultats durables' (plural).

Ces chaussures sont très durables malgré un usage intensif.

Collocation with 'Développement': The most common use today is 'le développement durable'. This is a fixed phrase. If you are discussing ecology, this is your go-to term.

Le gouvernement investit dans le développement durable.

In terms of intensity, you can modify 'durable' with adverbs like 'très' (very), 'particulièrement' (particularly), or 'peu' (not very). Saying something is 'peu durable' is a polite way of saying it is flimsy or unsustainable. In business meetings, you might hear 'une stratégie durable', which implies a plan that won't fall apart after the first quarter. In this context, it is a high compliment, suggesting foresight and stability.

Il cherche un emploi durable avec un contrat à durée indéterminée.

Abstract vs. Concrete: Concrete: 'un plastique durable'. Abstract: 'un souvenir durable'. Both are equally valid and common.

Ce voyage a laissé une impression durable sur les enfants.

L'impact de cette loi sera durable pour les générations futures.

Finally, consider the register. While 'durable' is standard, in very formal writing you might see 'pérenne' to mean something that lasts forever or is perennial. However, 'durable' remains the most functional and widely understood term for anything that isn't temporary. When in doubt, 'durable' is almost always the safe and correct choice for expressing the idea of longevity or sustainability.

You will encounter durable in a variety of environments, ranging from the evening news to the labels on your clothing. Its ubiquity in modern French life reflects the society's increasing focus on environmental responsibility and long-term planning. Understanding where you are likely to hear it will help you tune your ear to its specific nuances in different contexts.

In the Media: Journalists frequently use 'durable' when discussing climate change, international treaties, or economic trends. It is a staple of political discourse.

Le présentateur a parlé de l'importance d'une croissance durable.

In Shopping and Marketing: Brands use 'durable' to signal quality and eco-friendliness. You'll see it on tags for organic cotton or recycled materials.

Cette marque propose des vêtements conçus de manière durable.

In educational settings, 'durable' is a key vocabulary word in geography and science classes. Students learn about 'l'agriculture durable' and 'la gestion durable des forêts'. If you visit a museum or a national park in France, the signage will almost certainly feature this word when explaining how they preserve history or nature for the future. It is a word associated with 'wisdom' and 'responsibility'.

Le parc national promeut un tourisme durable.

In Personal Relationships: While less common than in technical fields, people use it to describe deep, long-lasting bonds. It sounds more serious and committed than 'longue'.

Ils ont construit une relation durable au fil des ans.

La paix durable est l'objectif de ces négociations.

In summary, 'durable' is a word that moves from the macro (global climate) to the micro (a pair of boots). Whether you are reading a policy paper from the EU or a product description on Amazon.fr, the word serves as a promise of longevity. Hearing it should immediately trigger thoughts of the future and the quality of preservation.

Even though durable seems straightforward, learners often stumble over its specific French nuances and its relationship with similar-sounding words. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your French sound much more natural and precise.

Confusing 'Dur' and 'Durable': 'Dur' means hard (physically) or difficult. 'Durable' means lasting. You cannot say 'un travail durable' to mean 'hard work'; that would mean 'a job that lasts a long time'.

Incorrect: C'est un examen durable. (Correct: C'est un examen dur/difficile.)

Misusing 'Soutenable': In English, 'sustainable' is the primary word for ecology. In French, 'soutenable' exists but is often used for 'bearable' or 'defensible' (like a thesis). For ecology, 'durable' is the standard.

La douleur n'était plus soutenable. (Here, 'durable' would be wrong.)

Another mistake is forgetting the agreement in plural forms. Because 'durable' ends in 'e', it looks the same in masculine and feminine, leading some students to forget to add the 's' for plural nouns. Always check if you are describing one thing or many. Also, be careful with the noun form 'durabilité' (durability/sustainability). Don't use the adjective when you need the noun.

Nous étudions la durabilité de ce projet. (Noun usage)

Overusing it for People: Avoid saying 'un homme durable'. It sounds like he is a piece of furniture. Use 'un homme solide' or 'un homme fidèle'.

Leur engagement est durable. (Correct: describing the commitment, not the person.)

Ce sont des changements durables pour la société.

Lastly, be aware of the difference between 'durable' and 'permanent'. 'Permanent' implies something that never stops or changes, while 'durable' simply means it lasts a long time or is sustainable. A 'permanent marker' is 'un feutre indélébile', not necessarily 'durable'. Use 'durable' when you want to emphasize the quality of lasting or the ethics of sustainability.

To expand your vocabulary beyond durable, it is helpful to look at its synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different flavor and is used in specific contexts. By learning these, you can avoid repetition and express yourself with greater precision.

Pérenne: A more formal synonym for 'durable'. It often refers to things that are perpetual or recurrent. Used frequently in administrative or botanical contexts.

Une solution pérenne est nécessaire pour ce problème.

Solide: Focuses on physical strength and the ability to withstand pressure. A 'solide' object is often 'durable', but the focus is on its current state rather than its future.

Cette table est très solide.

Other related words include 'stable' (stable), 'permanent' (permanent), and 'constant' (constant). If you are talking about materials, you might use 'résistant' (resistant). If you are talking about a feeling, 'profond' (deep) might be a better fit than 'durable' depending on what you want to emphasize. For example, 'un amour profond' sounds more romantic than 'un amour durable', which sounds more like a successful long-term partnership.

Leur succès est constant depuis dix ans.

Soutenable: Often used in economics ('dette soutenable') to mean a debt that can be managed. It is closer to the literal English 'sustainable' but used in narrower contexts.

Le rythme de travail n'est plus soutenable.

C'est une amitié indéfectible.

Finally, consider 'robuste'. This word is great for technology or physical objects that can take a beating. A 'téléphone robuste' is one that won't break if you drop it. While 'durable' could also apply, 'robuste' gives a stronger sense of physical toughness. Choosing the right synonym allows you to paint a clearer picture in the mind of your listener or reader.

How Formal Is It?

Nível de dificuldade

Gramática essencial

Adjective agreement

Adjective placement

Adverb formation from adjectives

Comparative and superlative

Noun-adjective collocations

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Exemplos por nível

C'est un jouet durable.

It is a durable toy.

Adjective follows the noun.

J'aime les vêtements durables.

I like durable clothes.

Plural agreement with 's'.

Cette table est très durable.

This table is very durable.

Modified by 'très'.

Est-ce que ce sac est durable ?

Is this bag durable?

Question form.

Il veut un vélo durable.

He wants a durable bike.

Masculine singular.

Ma montre est durable.

My watch is durable.

Feminine singular (no change).

Nous achetons des produits durables.

We buy durable products.

Plural 'des'.

C'est une solution durable.

It is a durable solution.

Abstract usage.

Le développement durable est important.

Sustainable development is important.

Fixed phrase.

Nous cherchons un emploi durable.

We are looking for a long-term job.

Context: job security.

Cette amitié est durable.

This friendship is long-lasting.

Describing a relationship.

Il faut une paix durable.

A lasting peace is needed.

Political context.

Ce matériau est durable et léger.

This material is durable and light.

Two adjectives after the noun.

Elle a un impact durable sur moi.

She has a lasting impact on me.

Abstract impact.

Les piles durables coûtent plus cher.

Long-lasting batteries cost more.

Comparison context.

C'est un changement durable.

It is a lasting change.

Singular masculine.

L'agriculture durable protège le sol.

Sustainable agriculture protects the soil.

Technical context.

Ils ont établi un partenariat durable.

They established a long-term partnership.

Business context.

Le succès durable demande du travail.

Lasting success requires work.

Abstract noun phrase.

C'est une méthode peu durable.

It is a not very sustainable method.

Modified by 'peu'.

Nous voulons des résultats durables.

We want lasting results.

Plural noun.

La gestion durable des forêts est cruciale.

Sustainable forest management is crucial.

Complex noun phrase.

Il a laissé un souvenir durable.

He left a lasting memory.

Emotional context.

Cette loi favorise le commerce durable.

This law favors sustainable trade.

Legal context.

La croissance durable concilie économie et écologie.

Sustainable growth reconciles economy and ecology.

Economic theory.

L'entreprise adopte une stratégie durable.

The company is adopting a sustainable strategy.

Corporate register.

L'effet de serre a des conséquences durables.

The greenhouse effect has long-term consequences.

Scientific context.

Il est difficile de maintenir un rythme durable.

It is difficult to maintain a sustainable pace.

Metaphorical use.

Le projet manque de viabilité durable.

The project lacks long-term viability.

Formal critique.

Les énergies durables remplacent le charbon.

Sustainable energies are replacing coal.

Energy sector.

C'est un engagement durable envers la communauté.

It is a long-term commitment to the community.

Social context.

L'architecture durable utilise moins d'énergie.

Sustainable architecture uses less energy.

Professional field.

L'œuvre d'art possède une valeur durable.

The work of art possesses a lasting value.

Aesthetic context.

L'aménagement durable du territoire est un défi.

Sustainable land planning is a challenge.

Administrative terminology.

La pérennité d'un système dépend de sa nature durable.

The longevity of a system depends on its sustainable nature.

Philosophical phrasing.

Ils prônent une sobriété durable.

They advocate for a sustainable sobriety/frugality.

Sociopolitical concept.

L'impact psychologique est profond et durable.

The psychological impact is deep and lasting.

Clinical nuance.

Le traité vise une stabilité durable dans la région.

The treaty aims for lasting stability in the region.

Geopolitical register.

La mode durable s'oppose à la 'fast fashion'.

Sustainable fashion opposes fast fashion.

Cultural critique.

Il s'agit d'une transformation durable des mentalités.

It is a lasting transformation of mindsets.

Sociological context.

L'ontologie du durable interroge notre rapport au temps.

The ontology of the sustainable questions our relationship with time.

Philosophical register.

Le paradigme du développement durable est en mutation.

The paradigm of sustainable development is changing.

Academic jargon.

L'ancrage durable des traditions assure la cohésion.

The lasting anchoring of traditions ensures cohesion.

Anthropological context.

Cette politique s'inscrit dans une perspective durable.

This policy is part of a long-term perspective.

Strategic phrasing.

L'équilibre précaire menace la paix durable.

The precarious balance threatens lasting peace.

Literary contrast.

La durabilité systémique est au cœur du débat.

Systemic sustainability is at the heart of the debate.

Technical noun form.

Il convient d'instaurer un dialogue durable.

It is appropriate to establish a lasting dialogue.

Formal recommendation.

L'héritage durable de ce penseur est immense.

The lasting legacy of this thinker is immense.

Intellectual history.

Colocações comuns

développement durable

paix durable

croissance durable

matériau durable

amitié durable

effet durable

solution durable

consommation durable

énergie durable

succès durable

Frases Comuns

De manière durable

À long terme et durable

Un engagement durable

Une mode durable

Un investissement durable

Une agriculture durable

Un tourisme durable

Une gestion durable

Un impact durable

Une relation durable

Frequentemente confundido com

durable vs dur

durable vs soutenable

durable vs permanent

Expressões idiomáticas

"Bâtir sur du durable"

"S'inscrire dans la durée"

"Faire durer le plaisir"

"Rien n'est durable"

"Un amour durable"

"La force du durable"

"Le choix du durable"

"Viser le durable"

"Le défi durable"

"L'esprit durable"

Fácil de confundir

durable vs dur

Means hard/difficult, not necessarily long-lasting.

durable vs soutenable

Means bearable or defensible.

durable vs pérenne

More formal and implies eternal/perennial.

durable vs stable

Means steady, not necessarily long-lasting.

durable vs robuste

Focuses on physical strength.

Padrões de frases

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Como usar

frequency

Very high in modern French.

false friend

English 'durable' is more physical; French 'durable' is more ecological/temporal.

Erros comuns

Using 'dur' instead of 'durable' for lasting things.
Forgetting the 's' in the plural form.
Translating 'sustainable' as 'soutenable' in ecological contexts.
Using 'durable' to describe a person's physical strength.
Mispronouncing the 'u' as 'oo'.

Dicas

Context Matters

Always check if you are talking about time or the environment. Both use 'durable'.

Easy Agreement

Since it ends in 'e', you don't have to worry about gender agreement!

Eco-Friendly

Use this word when you want to sound environmentally conscious in France.

Clear 'U'

Practice the French 'u' sound to make the word sound authentic.

Professionalism

Use 'durable' in business letters to show you are thinking about the long term.

News Keyword

If you hear 'durable' on the news, they are likely talking about the climate.

Duration

Link it to 'duration' to remember it means lasting.

Avoid 'Dur'

Don't say 'un travail durable' for 'hard work'.

Pérenne

Use 'pérenne' if you want to sound more academic or formal.

Fixed Phrases

Memorize 'développement durable' as one single unit of meaning.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'duration'. Something with a long duration is durable.

Origem da palavra

Latin 'durabilis'

Contexto cultural

France is a leader in sustainable fashion and agriculture.

The French value quality over quantity, which aligns with the concept of 'durable'.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Iniciadores de conversa

"Est-ce que tu penses que la mode peut être durable ?"

"Quelles sont tes habitudes pour un mode de vie durable ?"

"Préfères-tu acheter des objets durables ou bon marché ?"

"Comment définirais-tu une amitié durable ?"

"Le développement durable est-il possible dans tous les pays ?"

Temas para diário

Décrivez un objet durable que vous possédez depuis longtemps.

Pourquoi le développement durable est-il important pour vous ?

Imaginez une ville parfaitement durable dans le futur.

Réfléchissez à une relation durable dans votre vie.

Quels changements durables aimeriez-vous voir dans le monde ?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It is better to use 'solide' or 'fidèle'. 'Durable' sounds like you are talking about an object.

'Écologique' means it doesn't hurt nature; 'durable' means it can last a long time without running out.

Yes, it is the standard term in French.

Usually, but a 'problème durable' (lasting problem) is obviously negative.

Add '-ment' to the feminine form (which is the same): 'durablement'.

It is standard, but used very often in formal contexts like news and business.

No, that is 'dur'. 'Durable' only refers to time or sustainability.

'Éphémère' (ephemeral) or 'jetable' (disposable).

Yes, very often in ecology, biology, and materials science.

Yes, it is a very common and beautiful way to describe a long friendship.

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