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B1 adjective 10 min de leitura

intangible

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas intangible em 30 segundos

Explicação intangible in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'intangible' is a very advanced word, but you can understand it by comparing it to things you can touch. Think of a ball or a book—these are tangible. Now think of air or a feeling like love—these are 'intangible.' You cannot hold love in your hand, but it is real. At this level, just remember that some things in French don't have a body you can touch. For example: 'L'air est intangible.' This helps you start thinking about abstract words in French.

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At the A2 level, you might see 'intangible' when talking about digital things or emotions. Since you are learning to describe your feelings, you can use 'intangible' to say that a feeling is not a physical object. For example, 'Le bonheur est intangible' (Happiness is intangible). You should also notice that the word looks like the English word 'intangible,' which makes it easier to remember. Just be careful with the pronunciation, as the 'in' sound is different in French.

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At the B1 level, you should start using 'intangible' in more formal situations. You might use it to talk about work or society. For example, 'La réputation d'une entreprise est un actif intangible' (A company's reputation is an intangible asset). You are now moving beyond simple descriptions and starting to discuss concepts that are important but not physical. You should also understand that 'intangible' doesn't change between masculine and feminine singular, which makes it easier to use in sentences.

At the B2 level, you need to understand the 'sacred' or 'unalterable' nuance of 'intangible.' It's not just that you can't touch it; it's that it should not be changed. You will hear this in the news about 'l'intangibilité des frontières' (the inviolability of borders). You should be able to use it in essays to discuss values, rights, and complex economic ideas. You should also be able to distinguish it from 'immatériel' (not material) and 'insaisissable' (elusive).

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At the C1 level, 'intangible' becomes a tool for precise legal, philosophical, and literary analysis. You will use it to describe the 'caractère intangible' of a law or a contract. You should be comfortable using it in academic writing to discuss 'le patrimoine culturel intangible' and the philosophical implications of existence without matter. You will also notice its use in high-level literature to describe subtle atmospheres or spiritual states that are 'intangibles.'

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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'intangible.' you understand its historical roots and its specific applications in international law and metaphysics. You can use it with total precision to describe the most subtle nuances of thought. You might debate the 'nature intangible de la conscience' or analyze the 'principes intangibles' that underpin modern democracy. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, incorporating it into complex sentence structures with ease.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

intangible em 30 segundos

Intangible means 'untouchable' or 'not physical.' It describes abstract things like ideas, feelings, or legal rights.
It is a direct cognate of the English word 'intangible' and follows standard French adjective rules.
In formal contexts, it means 'inviolable' or 'sacrosanct,' especially regarding laws, borders, or human rights.
Commonly used in business (intangible assets) and culture (intangible heritage) to describe non-physical value.

The French word intangible is a sophisticated adjective that English speakers will find remarkably familiar, as it is a direct cognate. At its core, it describes something that cannot be perceived by the sense of touch, lacking physical substance or a material body. However, its usage in French often carries a weight of permanence, sanctity, or abstract value that goes beyond mere 'untouchability.' It is frequently employed in legal, economic, and cultural contexts to describe things that are real but not physical, such as a company's reputation or a nation's traditions.

Philosophical Context: In philosophy, it refers to concepts that exist purely in the mind or spirit. For example, the 'intangible' nature of the soul or human dignity. It suggests a level of existence that is superior to the fleeting nature of physical objects.
Economic Context: In business, 'actifs intangibles' (intangible assets) include intellectual property, brand recognition, and goodwill. These are often more valuable than a company's buildings or machinery.
Cultural Context: UNESCO uses the term 'patrimoine culturel immatériel' more often, but 'intangible' is frequently used in general discourse to describe the 'intangible heritage' of a people—their songs, stories, and beliefs.

La dignité humaine est un droit intangible qui doit être protégé en toutes circonstances.

When using this word, imagine a boundary that cannot be crossed. It isn't just that you *can't* touch it; it's often that you *shouldn't* or *mustn't* alter it. In legal terms, 'intangible' can mean 'inviolable'—something that cannot be touched by the law or changed by human whim. This nuance is crucial for B1 learners moving into B2 and C1 levels. You will encounter it in political speeches regarding the 'intangibilité des frontières' (the inviolability of borders), a principle in international law asserting that existing borders should not be changed by force.

Le bonheur est souvent lié à des moments intangibles plutôt qu'à des possessions matérielles.

Furthermore, 'intangible' is used to describe things that are difficult to define or quantify. An 'intangible feeling' of dread or a 'quality' in a piece of art that makes it a masterpiece but cannot be pointed to specifically. In these cases, it functions as a more poetic version of 'insaisissable' (ungraspable). Whether you are discussing the stock market or the depths of human emotion, 'intangible' provides a bridge between the seen and the unseen, the measurable and the felt.

Grammatically, intangible is an adjective that follows the standard rules of French agreement, though it is relatively simple because it ends in '-e'. This means the masculine and feminine singular forms are identical. For plural usage, you simply add an 's'. It typically follows the noun it modifies, which is the standard position for multi-syllabic adjectives in French.

Masculine Singular: Un concept intangible (An intangible concept). Here, the word modifies a masculine noun, but its form remains 'intangible'.
Feminine Singular: Une valeur intangible (An intangible value). Even though 'valeur' is feminine, the adjective does not change its spelling.
Plural Forms: Des bénéfices intangibles / Des idées intangibles. In both cases, the 's' is added to show plurality.

L'entreprise possède de nombreux actifs intangibles, comme ses brevets et sa réputation.

One of the most common sentence structures involves using 'intangible' with the verb 'être' (to be). This allows you to define the nature of an object or concept directly. For instance, 'L'air est intangible' (Air is intangible). However, as you progress to B1 and B2, you should start using it to qualify more complex nouns. In legal writing, you might see 'Le caractère intangible du contrat' (The intangible/inviolable character of the contract), where it acts as a formal descriptor of the contract's permanence.

Il y a une atmosphère intangible de mystère dans cette vieille bibliothèque.

When discussing emotions, 'intangible' often pairs with words like 'sentiment,' 'émotion,' or 'impression.' It emphasizes that the feeling is real but hard to pin down. 'J'ai ressenti une peur intangible' suggests a fear that has no clear physical cause. In more academic or journalistic writing, you will see it used to describe political principles, such as 'la liberté d'expression est une valeur intangible de notre République.' Here, it means 'non-negotiable' or 'sacrosanct.'

While you might not hear 'intangible' every day at the bakery while ordering a croissant, it is a staple of French news, business meetings, and academic lectures. If you listen to France Inter or read Le Monde, you will encounter it frequently in discussions about law, ethics, and the economy. It is a word that signals a certain level of education and precision in the speaker's vocabulary.

In the News: Journalists often speak of 'l'intangibilité des frontières' when discussing international conflicts. This refers to the principle that borders cannot be changed without mutual agreement.
In Business: During financial reports, CEOs might discuss 'les investissements dans l'intangible,' referring to spending on research, development, and training rather than physical equipment.
In Law: Lawyers use 'intangible' to describe rights that cannot be stripped away, such as 'le droit intangible à un procès équitable' (the inviolable right to a fair trial).

Le ministre a rappelé que la laïcité est un principe intangible de la constitution française.

In literary circles or art criticism, the word is used to describe the 'soul' of a work. A critic might say, 'La beauté de ce poème réside dans son essence intangible.' This implies that while you can analyze the words and the meter, the true magic of the poem is something that cannot be physically touched or easily explained. It is also used in psychology to discuss 'les besoins intangibles' of a human being—like the need for belonging or self-actualization—which are just as vital as physical needs like food and water.

Dans le monde numérique, nous échangeons constamment des biens intangibles.

Finally, you will hear it in the context of 'patrimoine' (heritage). France is very proud of its 'patrimoine intangible,' which includes its culinary traditions, the 'art de vivre,' and regional languages. When the baguette was added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage, the word 'intangible' (or its close cousin 'immatériel') was everywhere in the media. This highlights how the word is used to protect things that define an identity but cannot be held in one's hand like a monument.

Even though 'intangible' is a cognate, English speakers often stumble when using it in French due to subtle differences in nuance and pronunciation. One of the most common mistakes is confusing it with other words that mean 'untouchable' in a more literal or physical sense, such as intouchable or insaisissable.

Intangible vs. Intouchable: 'Intouchable' literally means 'cannot be touched' (often for physical reasons, like a hot stove) or refers to a social status (the 'Untouchables'). 'Intangible' is for things that lack physical substance entirely, like an idea or a right.
Intangible vs. Insaisissable: 'Insaisissable' means 'ungraspable' or 'elusive.' While they are similar, 'insaisissable' is often used for a fugitive or a fleeting thought, whereas 'intangible' is used for stable, abstract concepts.
Pronunciation Pitfalls: English speakers often say 'in-TAN-ji-bul.' In French, the stress is more even, and the 'in' is a nasal sound [ɛ̃]. The 'g' is soft [ʒ], and the final 'e' is mostly silent.

Incorrect: Cet objet est intangible parce qu'il est trop haut.
Correct: Cet objet est inaccessible parce qu'il est trop haut.

Another mistake is overusing 'intangible' when 'immatériel' would be more natural. In technical or computer science contexts, 'données immatérielles' (digital data) is more common than 'données intangibles.' 'Intangible' carries a poetic or legal weight that 'immatériel' lacks. If you are talking about software, use 'logiciel' or 'immatériel.' If you are talking about the 'sacred nature of the soul,' use 'intangible.' Mixing these up won't make you misunderstood, but it will sound slightly 'off' to a native speaker.

Il est faux de dire que les émotions sont intangibles dans le sens où elles ne peuvent pas être ressenties physiquement; elles le sont car elles n'ont pas de corps.

Finally, be careful with the English meaning of 'intangible' in a casual sense. In English, we might say 'The benefits are intangible,' meaning they are vague. In French, 'intangible' is much more precise. It doesn't mean 'vague'; it means 'not physical' or 'unalterable.' If you mean 'vague,' use 'vague' or 'flou.' If you mean 'intangible' in the sense of a business asset, then 'intangible' is perfect.

Understanding the synonyms and related terms for intangible will help you choose the right word for the right situation. French is a language of nuances, and while 'intangible' is versatile, it isn't always the best fit. Here are some alternatives and how they compare.

Immatériel: This is the most direct synonym. It means 'not material.' It is used more often in technical, economic, and philosophical contexts (e.g., 'travail immatériel').
Abstrait: While 'intangible' describes the physical state (or lack thereof), 'abstrait' describes the conceptual nature. An 'idée abstraite' is one that is removed from specific examples.
Insaisissable: Meaning 'ungraspable.' Use this for things that are difficult to catch, understand, or define, like a subtle scent or a fleeting dream.
Incorporel: A more formal or religious term meaning 'without a body.' It is often used for spirits or legal entities that exist without a physical presence.

Bien que l'amour soit intangible, ses effets sur le monde sont très concrets.

When deciding between 'intangible' and its alternatives, consider the context. If you are talking about something that cannot be changed by law, 'intangible' is the only choice. If you are talking about something that doesn't have a physical form like a computer file, 'immatériel' is better. If you are talking about a ghost, 'incorporel' is the classic term. This richness of vocabulary allows you to be much more specific than simply saying 'not physical.'

La frontière entre le réel et l'imaginaire est souvent intangible dans les rêves.

In summary, 'intangible' is a high-level word that adds elegance and precision to your French. It bridges the gap between the material world and the world of ideas, laws, and emotions. By mastering its use, you move away from simple descriptions and toward more complex, abstract thought in your second language.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"L'intangibilité du domaine public est un principe juridique."

Neutro

"La marque est un actif intangible de l'entreprise."

Informal

"C'est un sentiment un peu intangible, difficile à expliquer."

Child friendly

"L'air est partout mais il est intangible, on ne peut pas le tenir."

Gíria

"N/A - Not typically used in slang."

Curiosidade

The root 'tangere' is also the source of 'tangent' in math and 'tango' the dance (though 'tango' has a more complex history, one theory links it to 'touching').

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ɛ̃.tɑ̃.ʒibl/

US /ɛ̃.tɑ̃.ʒibl/

French words generally have stress on the final syllable of a group of words, but individually, the syllables are pronounced with relatively even emphasis.

Rima com

éligible visible possible sensible terrible horrible flexible crédible

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'n' in 'in-' or 'tan-'.
Using a hard 'g' sound like in 'goat'.
Stressing the second syllable like in English 'in-TAN-gible'.
Making the 'i' too long like 'ee'.
Pronouncing the final 'e' as a strong 'uh'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate, but requires context to understand the 'inviolable' nuance.

Escrita 4/5

Requires correct agreement and placement after the noun.

Expressão oral 4/5

Nasal vowels 'in' and 'an' can be challenging for English speakers.

Audição 3/5

Clearly articulated in formal speech, but can be missed in fast conversation.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

toucher visible idée sentiment droit

Aprenda a seguir

immatériel insaisissable inviolable patrimoine souveraineté

Avançado

ontologie métaphysique jurisprudence actif incorporel

Gramática essencial

Adjective Agreement with '-e'

Un concept intangible (m), Une valeur intangible (f).

Pluralization of Adjectives

Des droits intangibles.

Adjective Position

Une règle intangible (after the noun).

Nasal Vowels (in, an)

Pronunciation of 'intangible'.

Using 'Quelque chose de' + Adjective

Quelque chose d'intangible.

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Exemplos por nível

L'air est intangible.

Air is intangible.

Simple subject + verb + adjective.

L'amour est un sentiment intangible.

Love is an intangible feeling.

Adjective follows the noun 'sentiment'.

Le vent est invisible et intangible.

The wind is invisible and intangible.

Two adjectives connected by 'et'.

Une idée est intangible.

An idea is intangible.

Feminine singular usage.

On ne peut pas toucher l'intangible.

One cannot touch the intangible.

'L'intangible' is used here as a noun.

La musique est intangible.

Music is intangible.

Feminine subject 'musique'.

Le temps est intangible.

Time is intangible.

Masculine subject 'temps'.

C'est une force intangible.

It is an intangible force.

Adjective modifying the feminine noun 'force'.

Le bonheur est quelque chose d'intangible.

Happiness is something intangible.

Use of 'quelque chose de' + adjective.

Il y a des choses intangibles dans la vie.

There are intangible things in life.

Plural agreement with 'choses'.

Internet est un monde intangible.

The internet is an intangible world.

Masculine singular usage.

Le respect est une valeur intangible.

Respect is an intangible value.

Modifying the feminine noun 'valeur'.

Les rêves sont des expériences intangibles.

Dreams are intangible experiences.

Plural agreement with 'expériences'.

Sa présence est presque intangible.

His/her presence is almost intangible.

Adverb 'presque' modifying the adjective.

La paix est un but intangible.

Peace is an intangible goal.

Modifying the masculine noun 'but'.

Elle a un talent intangible.

She has an intangible talent.

Modifying the masculine noun 'talent'.

La marque d'une entreprise est un actif intangible.

A company's brand is an intangible asset.

Business terminology: 'actif intangible'.

Nous devons protéger notre patrimoine intangible.

We must protect our intangible heritage.

Cultural terminology: 'patrimoine intangible'.

Il existe une frontière intangible entre le bien et le mal.

There exists an intangible boundary between good and evil.

Abstract usage of 'frontière'.

Le savoir est une richesse intangible.

Knowledge is an intangible wealth.

Modifying the feminine noun 'richesse'.

L'atmosphère de la ville était intangible mais pesante.

The atmosphere of the city was intangible but heavy.

Using two contrasting adjectives.

Ses souvenirs sont devenus intangibles avec le temps.

His/her memories have become intangible over time.

Verb 'devenir' + adjective.

La confiance est un lien intangible entre deux personnes.

Trust is an intangible bond between two people.

Modifying the masculine noun 'lien'.

Cette œuvre d'art a une qualité intangible.

This work of art has an intangible quality.

Modifying the feminine noun 'qualité'.

L'intangibilité des frontières est un principe du droit international.

The inviolability of borders is a principle of international law.

Noun form: 'l'intangibilité'.

Le droit à la vie est considéré comme intangible.

The right to life is considered intangible/inviolable.

Legal context for 'intangible'.

Il a investi massivement dans le capital intangible de sa société.

He invested heavily in the intangible capital of his company.

Economic context: 'capital intangible'.

La poésie capture l'essence intangible des choses.

Poetry captures the intangible essence of things.

Literary usage.

Certains aspects de la culture sont totalement intangibles.

Certain aspects of culture are totally intangible.

Adverb 'totalement' modifying the adjective.

L'autorité du chef reposait sur quelque chose d'intangible.

The leader's authority rested on something intangible.

'Quelque chose d'intangible' structure.

Il y a une part intangible dans chaque décision humaine.

There is an intangible part in every human decision.

Modifying the feminine noun 'part'.

La liberté est un trésor intangible qu'il faut défendre.

Liberty is an intangible treasure that must be defended.

Modifying the masculine noun 'trésor'.

La Constitution garantit des droits fondamentaux et intangibles.

The Constitution guarantees fundamental and inviolable rights.

Formal legal plural usage.

L'auteur explore la dimension intangible de l'existence humaine.

The author explores the intangible dimension of human existence.

Philosophical context.

La valeur d'une monnaie repose sur une confiance intangible.

The value of a currency rests on an intangible trust.

Economic theory usage.

Il s'agit d'une règle intangible à laquelle on ne peut déroger.

It is an unalterable rule from which one cannot deviate.

Usage meaning 'unalterable'.

L'immatérialité du numérique rend les données plus intangibles que jamais.

The immateriality of the digital makes data more intangible than ever.

Comparing 'immatérialité' and 'intangible'.

Le sacré est, par définition, un domaine intangible.

The sacred is, by definition, an intangible domain.

Religious/Sociological context.

Elle possède cette grâce intangible qui fascine tout le monde.

She possesses that intangible grace that fascinates everyone.

Describing a personal quality.

Les bénéfices intangibles de cette réforme sont difficiles à mesurer.

The intangible benefits of this reform are difficult to measure.

Policy analysis usage.

L'ontologie s'intéresse à la réalité des entités intangibles.

Ontology is interested in the reality of intangible entities.

Highly academic philosophical usage.

La pérennité de l'État dépend de principes considérés comme intangibles.

The sustainability of the State depends on principles considered unalterable.

Political science context.

Il existe une corrélation entre les actifs intangibles et la valeur boursière.

There exists a correlation between intangible assets and stock market value.

Advanced economic analysis.

Le texte souligne l'aspect intangible de la souveraineté nationale.

The text highlights the inviolable aspect of national sovereignty.

Geopolitical terminology.

L'esthétique de ce film repose sur une émotion pure et intangible.

The aesthetics of this film rest on a pure and intangible emotion.

Film criticism context.

Certains mathématiciens voient les nombres comme des objets intangibles.

Some mathematicians see numbers as intangible objects.

Mathematical philosophy.

La transcendance est la quête de l'intangible par excellence.

Transcendence is the search for the intangible par excellence.

Metaphysical usage.

L'intangibilité du dogme est souvent remise en question par la modernité.

The unalterability of dogma is often questioned by modernity.

Theological/Sociological debate.

Colocações comuns

actif intangible

patrimoine intangible

valeur intangible

frontière intangible

droit intangible

caractère intangible

capital intangible

réalité intangible

principe intangible

qualité intangible

Frases Comuns

L'intangibilité des frontières

— The principle that borders should not be changed. It is a key term in international relations.

L'ONU défend l'intangibilité des frontières.

Un bien intangible

— An intangible good. Used in economics for services or digital products.

Le conseil est un bien intangible.

Une émotion intangible

— An intangible emotion. A feeling that is hard to define or touch.

J'ai ressenti une émotion intangible en entrant dans l'église.

Investissement intangible

— Intangible investment. Spending on R&D, training, or marketing.

L'investissement intangible est en hausse cette année.

Le patrimoine immatériel et intangible

— Intangible cultural heritage. Often used by UNESCO.

La gastronomie française est un patrimoine intangible.

Règle intangible

— A rule that cannot be changed. Absolute and fixed.

C'est une règle intangible dans notre famille.

Actifs incorporels et intangibles

— Intangible assets. Used in accounting.

Le bilan montre les actifs intangibles.

La part intangible

— The intangible part. The non-physical aspect of something.

La part intangible du succès est souvent oubliée.

Liberté intangible

— Inviolable freedom. Freedom that cannot be taken away.

La liberté d'expression doit rester intangible.

Un rêve intangible

— An intangible dream. A dream that feels out of reach or non-physical.

Il poursuit un rêve intangible de perfection.

Frequentemente confundido com

intangible vs intouchable

Means 'cannot be touched' physically or socially. 'Intangible' means 'lacks physical substance' or 'inviolable'.

intangible vs insaisissable

Means 'elusive' or 'ungraspable.' Used for things hard to catch or understand.

intangible vs immatériel

The most common synonym for 'non-physical,' but lacks the 'sacred' or 'legal' weight of 'intangible'.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Graver dans l'intangible"

— To fix something in memory or spirit rather than on a physical surface. Often used metaphorically.

Leurs noms sont gravés dans l'intangible de notre histoire.

literary

"Toucher l'intangible"

— To reach a state of spiritual or emotional depth that seems beyond the physical world.

À travers sa musique, il semble toucher l'intangible.

poetic

"L'intangible devient tangible"

— When an abstract idea becomes a physical reality.

Avec ce prototype, l'intangible devient enfin tangible.

neutral

"Se perdre dans l'intangible"

— To focus too much on abstract ideas and lose sight of reality.

Il a tendance à se perdre dans l'intangible et à oublier les faits.

informal

"Le mur de l'intangible"

— An invisible or abstract barrier that cannot be crossed.

Ils se sont heurtés au mur de l'intangible bureaucratie.

neutral

"Vendre de l'intangible"

— To sell services, ideas, or promises rather than physical products.

Dans le conseil, on vend surtout de l'intangible.

business

"L'intangible au service du tangible"

— Using abstract ideas or technology to improve physical things.

L'intangible du logiciel est au service du tangible des machines.

technical

"Une frontière intangible"

— A limit that is not physically marked but strictly respected.

Il y a une frontière intangible qu'un ami ne doit pas franchir.

neutral

"L'essence intangible"

— The core spirit of something that cannot be seen or touched.

L'essence intangible de l'art est la liberté.

literary

"Valeurs intangibles"

— The core, non-negotiable beliefs of a person or group.

Nous partageons les mêmes valeurs intangibles.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

intangible vs inaccessible

Both imply you can't reach or touch something.

'Inaccessible' means you can't reach it because of a physical barrier. 'Intangible' means it has no physical form to reach.

Le sommet est inaccessible, mais le vent est intangible.

intangible vs invisible

Many intangible things are also invisible.

'Invisible' refers only to sight. 'Intangible' refers to touch and physical presence.

Le gaz est invisible et intangible.

intangible vs vague

In English, 'intangible' can mean 'vague'.

In French, 'vague' means unclear. 'Intangible' means non-physical but can still be very clear (like a law).

Une promesse vague vs. Une règle intangible.

intangible vs abstrait

Both deal with non-physical concepts.

'Abstrait' is the opposite of 'concret' (ideas vs examples). 'Intangible' is the opposite of 'tangible' (no body vs body).

Un concept abstrait peut décrire une réalité intangible.

intangible vs spirituel

Spiritual things are intangible.

'Spirituel' relates to the soul/religion. 'Intangible' is a broader physical/legal descriptor.

Un guide spirituel discute de vérités intangibles.

Padrões de frases

[Subject] est intangible.

L'air est intangible.

C'est un(e) [Noun] intangible.

C'est une idée intangible.

[Noun] est un actif intangible.

Le savoir est un actif intangible.

L'intangibilité de [Noun] est [Adjective].

L'intangibilité des frontières est essentielle.

Un droit considéré comme intangible.

La liberté est un droit considéré comme intangible.

Dans sa dimension purement intangible...

Dans sa dimension purement intangible, l'âme échappe à la science.

Quelque chose d'intangible.

Il y a quelque chose d'intangible dans cet air.

Un patrimoine culturel intangible.

Nous célébrons notre patrimoine culturel intangible.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

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Como usar

frequency

Common in professional, academic, and journalistic settings.

Erros comuns

Using 'intangible' to mean 'hard to reach'. → inaccessible
You can't reach a high shelf, but the shelf is still tangible. Use 'inaccessible' for distance/barriers.
Pronouncing it like the English word. → [ɛ̃.tɑ̃.ʒibl]
The nasal vowels and the soft 'g' are essential for being understood in French.
Forgetting the 's' in 'des valeurs intangibles'. → des valeurs intangibles
Even though it ends in 'e', it must agree in number with the plural noun.
Using it for a person who is 'untouchable' socially. → intouchable
Social status uses 'intouchable'. 'Intangible' is for abstract concepts or inviolable laws.
Confusing 'intangible' with 'invisible'. → intangible
Something can be visible but intangible (like a hologram) or invisible but tangible (like air - though air is usually called intangible in a general sense).

Dicas

Placement Matters

Always place 'intangible' after the noun. 'Une intangible idée' sounds like old poetry; 'Une idée intangible' is correct modern French.

Business Buzzword

If you work in tech or finance, 'actifs intangibles' is a great term to know for meetings and reports.

The Nasal Bridge

Practice moving from the 'in' nasal to the 'an' nasal. It's a great workout for your French pronunciation skills.

UNESCO Link

Remember the word by thinking of UNESCO. They protect 'patrimoine intangible' like traditional dances and food.

Legal Weight

Use 'intangible' when discussing rights or laws to show that you understand they are sacred and unchangeable.

The Ghost Rule

If a ghost can walk through it, it's intangible. This simple visual helps distinguish it from physical objects.

Avoid Repetition

Switch between 'intangible' and 'immatériel' in your essays to show a broad vocabulary.

News keywords

When you hear 'frontières' in the news, listen for 'intangibilité' right after it.

Soft G

Make sure the 'g' is a 'zh' sound. A hard 'g' is one of the biggest clues that you are an English speaker.

Not just vague

Remember that an intangible thing can be very real and very specific, like a digital contract.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'IN-TOUCH-ABLE'. The 'tang' part comes from 'tangere' (to touch). If it's 'IN-tangible', you can't touch it.

Associação visual

Imagine a ghost. You can see it, but your hand passes right through it. The ghost is intangible.

Word Web

immatériel abstrait inviolable sacré esprit idée sentiment actif

Desafio

Try to find three things in your room that are 'tangibles' and three things in your life that are 'intangibles'. Say them out loud in French.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Medieval Latin 'intangibilis,' which combines 'in-' (not) and 'tangibilis' (capable of being touched).

Significado original: That which cannot be touched.

Romance (Latin root 'tangere' meaning 'to touch').

Contexto cultural

None. It is a neutral, formal term.

In English, 'intangible' is often used more loosely to mean 'vague.' In French, it is more formal and precise.

UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The 'intangibilité des frontières' in the African Union charter. Philosophical works by Henri Bergson regarding the intangible nature of time.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Business & Economics

actifs intangibles
capital intangible
investissements intangibles
valeur intangible

Law & Politics

droits intangibles
intangibilité des frontières
principes intangibles
caractère intangible

Culture & Heritage

patrimoine intangible
traditions intangibles
culture intangible
héritage intangible

Philosophy & Psychology

essence intangible
réalité intangible
émotions intangibles
besoins intangibles

Daily Life (Abstract)

quelque chose d'intangible
un lien intangible
une atmosphère intangible
un rêve intangible

Iniciadores de conversa

"Pensez-vous que les biens intangibles ont plus de valeur que les biens matériels ?"

"Quels sont les principes intangibles de votre pays ?"

"Comment peut-on mesurer le succès intangible d'un projet ?"

"Est-ce que l'amour est purement intangible selon vous ?"

"Quel patrimoine intangible de votre région aimeriez-vous protéger ?"

Temas para diário

Décrivez une émotion intangible que vous avez ressentie récemment.

Quels sont les actifs intangibles (compétences, réputation) que vous possédez ?

Réfléchissez à une règle intangible dans votre vie personnelle.

Comment le monde numérique a-t-il rendu nos vies plus intangibles ?

Imaginez un monde où tout ce qui est intangible deviendrait soudainement tangible.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, 'intangible' ends in an 'e', so the masculine and feminine singular forms are identical. For example, 'un concept intangible' and 'une valeur intangible'.

Use 'immatériel' for technical, digital, or economic contexts where you simply mean 'not physical' (e.g., 'données immatérielles'). Use 'intangible' when you want to emphasize that something is sacred, unalterable, or a formal asset.

It is common in the news, business, and formal writing. In casual conversation, people might use 'abstrait' or 'qu'on ne peut pas toucher,' but 'intangible' is well-understood by all native speakers.

It is a major political principle stating that borders established by treaties or history should not be changed by force. It is a very common phrase in French geopolitical news.

Only metaphorically, to mean they are elusive or have a presence that is hard to define. It is not common to describe a person as 'intangible' in a literal sense.

No, it is a true cognate. It has the same basic meaning in both languages, though the French usage is often more formal and carries a sense of 'inviolability'.

It is a nasal vowel [ɛ̃]. Your tongue should be flat, and air should come out of both your nose and mouth. It sounds like the 'an' in the English word 'bank' but without the 'n' sound.

Yes, you can say 'l'intangible' to refer to the abstract or non-physical realm in general. Example: 'Il s'intéresse à l'intangible'.

The most direct opposite is 'tangible'. Other opposites include 'concret' and 'matériel'.

Yes, 'actifs intangibles' (or 'actifs incorporels') are assets like patents, trademarks, and goodwill that have no physical form but provide value.

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