indispensable
indispensable 30秒了解
- Indispensable means 'absolutely necessary'. You cannot do without it.
- It is an adjective that stays the same for masculine and feminine nouns.
- Commonly used with prepositions 'à' (for abstract) and 'pour' (for goals).
- Triggers the subjunctive mood when used in the phrase 'Il est indispensable que...'.
The French word indispensable is a powerful adjective used to describe something that is absolutely necessary, essential, or impossible to do without. It stems from the Latin indispensabilis, suggesting something that cannot be 'dispensed' with or set aside. In everyday French, it carries a weight similar to 'essential' but often implies a higher degree of necessity—if something is indispensable, the system, process, or life itself would fail or be significantly diminished without it.
- Core Concept
- Absolute necessity where no substitute exists.
L'eau est indispensable à la vie.
When you use this word, you are making a definitive statement about value. It is not just 'useful' (utile) or 'important' (important); it is a requirement. In a professional context, an employee might be described as indispensable if their skills are unique and vital to the company's success. In a technical sense, a part of a machine is indispensable if the machine cannot function without it. The word remains the same for both masculine and feminine nouns, making it versatile for learners.
Un bon dictionnaire est indispensable pour apprendre une langue.
- Grammar Note
- It is an invariable adjective regarding gender, but it takes an 's' in the plural: indispensables.
Ces outils sont indispensables pour le jardinage.
Le repos est indispensable après un long effort.
- Nuance
- It is stronger than 'nécessaire'. 'Nécessaire' is what you need; 'indispensable' is what you cannot exist without.
Votre aide nous est indispensable.
Using indispensable correctly involves understanding its placement and the prepositions that often follow it. Most commonly, it follows the verb être (to be). For example, 'C'est indispensable' (It is essential). When you want to specify what it is essential for, you typically use the preposition à or pour. 'À' is frequently used for abstract goals or biological needs, while 'pour' is often used for specific tasks or purposes.
- Sentence Structure
- [Subject] + être + indispensable + [à/pour] + [Noun/Verb].
Il est indispensable de réserver votre place à l'avance.
In formal writing, you will often see the impersonal construction 'Il est indispensable de...' followed by an infinitive verb. This is a standard way to give instructions or express requirements. For instance, 'Il est indispensable de porter un casque' (It is essential to wear a helmet). Note that in this construction, 'de' is used before the verb. If you are describing a person, you can say 'Elle se rend indispensable' (She makes herself indispensable), which implies she has become so useful that the group cannot function without her.
Ce logiciel est indispensable au bon fonctionnement du réseau.
- Common Pairing
- Often paired with 'absolument' for emphasis: 'absolument indispensable'.
Une connexion internet est devenue indispensable pour travailler.
Il est indispensable que vous soyez présent.
- Subjunctive Alert
- When followed by 'que', it triggers the subjunctive mood.
C'est un accessoire indispensable pour l'hiver.
You will encounter indispensable in a variety of settings, from professional environments to casual conversations about lifestyle. In the workplace, managers use it to describe critical tasks or key personnel. In marketing and advertising, brands frequently use it to convince consumers that their product is a 'must-have'. You'll see headlines like 'Les 10 objets indispensables pour vos vacances' (The 10 essential items for your vacation).
- Professional Context
- Used in performance reviews and project planning to denote critical path items.
Votre expertise est indispensable à ce projet.
In educational settings, teachers might say a certain book or concept is indispensable for passing an exam. In political discourse, leaders might argue that a certain reform is indispensable for the country's future. It is also common in scientific and medical contexts, where certain nutrients or conditions are described as indispensable for health. The word carries an air of authority and certainty, making it a favorite for persuasive speech.
La paix est indispensable au développement économique.
- Media Usage
- Frequently found in 'Top 10' lists and lifestyle magazines.
Ce film est indispensable pour comprendre l'histoire du cinéma.
Le sel est indispensable pour relever le goût.
- Daily Life
- Used when talking about personal habits or needs (e.g., coffee in the morning).
Mon café du matin est indispensable.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with indispensable is confusing it with the English word 'dispensable'. While they share a root, 'indispensable' means you cannot do without it, whereas 'dispensable' (less common in French as 'dispensable', more often 'superflu') means you can. Another common error is using the wrong preposition. Learners often use 'de' when they should use 'à' or 'pour' when describing the target of the necessity.
- Preposition Error
- Incorrect: Indispensable de la vie. Correct: Indispensable à la vie.
C'est indispensable pour réussir (Correct use of 'pour' for a goal).
Spelling is another pitfall. In English, 'indispensable' ends in '-able', and fortunately, it's the same in French. However, learners sometimes try to feminize it by adding an extra 'e' (indispensablee), which is incorrect. The word is already 'e'-ended and serves both genders. Also, remember the plural 's'. In speech, the 's' is silent, but in writing, it is mandatory when modifying a plural noun.
Ces documents sont indispensables.
- Overuse
- Avoid using it for trivial things unless you are being hyperbolic. If it's just 'useful', use 'utile'.
Il est indispensable de vérifier les sources.
Il est indispensable que tu viennes.
- Pronunciation
- The 'in' at the start is a nasal vowel /ɛ̃/. Don't pronounce the 'n' like in English.
C'est un outil indispensable.
Understanding the synonyms of indispensable helps you choose the right level of intensity for your sentence. While 'nécessaire' is the most common alternative, it is often weaker. 'Essentiel' is very close but can sometimes refer to the nature of something rather than its necessity. 'Crucial' and 'capital' are used when the success of a whole operation depends on that one thing. 'Vital' is used for things related to life or survival.
- Indispensable vs. Nécessaire
- Nécessaire = needed; Indispensable = cannot do without.
L'oxygène est vital (stronger than indispensable in biological terms).
In more formal or literary contexts, you might see 'requis' (required) or 'obligatoire' (mandatory). 'Requis' is often used for qualifications or conditions, while 'obligatoire' implies a rule or law. 'Fondamental' is used for base principles or building blocks. Choosing between these depends on whether you want to emphasize the logic (nécessaire), the importance (essentiel), the survival (vital), or the absolute requirement (indispensable).
C'est un élément essentiel du dossier.
- Indispensable vs. Facultatif
- Facultatif is the opposite; it means optional.
Cette étape est cruciale pour la suite.
Une formation adéquate est indispensable.
- Summary of Intensity
- Utile < Nécessaire < Essentiel < Indispensable < Vital.
C'est une ressource capitale.
How Formal Is It?
难度评级
需要掌握的语法
Subjunctive mood after expressions of necessity.
Adjective agreement in number.
Impersonal constructions (Il est + adjective + de).
Prepositions following adjectives (à vs pour).
Nasal vowel pronunciation rules.
按水平分级的例句
L'eau est indispensable.
Water is essential.
Simple subject + verb + adjective.
Le soleil est indispensable.
The sun is essential.
Masculine noun with 'est'.
Manger est indispensable.
Eating is essential.
Infinitive used as a subject.
L'air est indispensable.
Air is essential.
Abstract noun as subject.
Le repos est indispensable.
Rest is essential.
Noun + est + adjective.
Un ami est indispensable.
A friend is essential.
Singular masculine noun.
Le sommeil est indispensable.
Sleep is essential.
Basic necessity.
C'est indispensable.
It is essential.
Impersonal 'C'est'.
Le passeport est indispensable pour voyager.
A passport is essential for traveling.
Use of 'pour' + infinitive.
Ce livre est indispensable pour le cours.
This book is essential for the class.
Use of 'pour' + noun.
Les vitamines sont indispensables pour la santé.
Vitamins are essential for health.
Plural agreement: 'indispensables'.
Il est indispensable de boire de l'eau.
It is essential to drink water.
Impersonal 'Il est ... de' + infinitive.
Un bon couteau est indispensable en cuisine.
A good knife is essential in the kitchen.
Contextual necessity.
Ces outils sont indispensables pour réparer le vélo.
These tools are essential for fixing the bike.
Plural noun and adjective.
Le calme est indispensable pour étudier.
Quiet is essential for studying.
Abstract noun + pour + infinitive.
Votre aide est indispensable pour finir le projet.
Your help is essential to finish the project.
Possessive adjective + noun.
Il est indispensable que vous fassiez du sport.
It is essential that you do some sport.
Triggers the subjunctive: 'fassiez'.
La confiance est indispensable à toute amitié.
Trust is essential to any friendship.
Use of 'à' for abstract connection.
Une bonne connexion est indispensable pour le télétravail.
A good connection is essential for remote work.
Modern context.
Il est indispensable de respecter les règles.
It is essential to respect the rules.
Formal advice structure.
Ce logiciel est devenu indispensable à mon quotidien.
This software has become essential to my daily life.
Verb 'devenir' + adjective.
L'éducation est indispensable au développement d'un pays.
Education is essential to a country's development.
Abstract social concept.
Il est indispensable que nous trouvions une solution.
It is essential that we find a solution.
Subjunctive mood: 'trouvions'.
Un dictionnaire est indispensable pour apprendre le français.
A dictionary is essential for learning French.
Specific goal with 'pour'.
Elle s'est rendue indispensable dans son service.
She made herself indispensable in her department.
Reflexive verb 'se rendre' + adjective.
La liberté d'expression est indispensable à la démocratie.
Freedom of expression is essential to democracy.
Political/Formal context.
Il est indispensable que le gouvernement agisse rapidement.
It is essential that the government acts quickly.
Subjunctive mood: 'agisse'.
Ces réformes sont indispensables pour l'avenir de l'économie.
These reforms are essential for the future of the economy.
Plural agreement and 'pour'.
Une formation continue est indispensable dans ce métier.
Continuous training is essential in this profession.
Professional context.
Le dialogue est indispensable pour résoudre ce conflit.
Dialogue is essential to resolve this conflict.
Problem-solving context.
Il est indispensable de prendre en compte tous les facteurs.
It is essential to take all factors into account.
Analytical context.
Votre présence est absolument indispensable à cette réunion.
Your presence is absolutely essential at this meeting.
Adverb 'absolument' for emphasis.
L'introspection est indispensable à la connaissance de soi.
Introspection is essential to self-knowledge.
Philosophical context.
Il est indispensable que l'éthique guide les avancées technologiques.
It is essential that ethics guide technological advances.
Subjunctive with abstract subject.
Cette nuance est indispensable pour saisir la pensée de l'auteur.
This nuance is essential to grasp the author's thought.
Literary analysis.
La solidarité est indispensable face aux crises mondiales.
Solidarity is essential in the face of global crises.
Societal context.
Il est indispensable de déconstruire les préjugés pour avancer.
It is essential to deconstruct prejudices to move forward.
Critical thinking context.
Une vision à long terme est indispensable pour tout dirigeant.
A long-term vision is essential for any leader.
Leadership context.
L'art, bien que non utilitaire, est indispensable à l'âme humaine.
Art, though not utilitarian, is essential to the human soul.
Concessive clause + adjective.
Il est indispensable que nous repensions notre mode de consommation.
It is essential that we rethink our consumption patterns.
Subjunctive mood: 'repensions'.
La rigueur méthodologique est indispensable à toute recherche scientifique.
Methodological rigor is essential to any scientific research.
Academic/Scientific register.
Il est indispensable que la justice soit rendue de manière impartiale.
It is essential that justice be served impartially.
Passive subjunctive: 'soit rendue'.
L'altérité est indispensable à la constitution de l'identité.
Otherness is essential to the constitution of identity.
Philosophical/Psychological register.
Une remise en question permanente est indispensable à la création.
Permanent questioning is essential to creation.
Abstract creative context.
Il est indispensable de préserver la biodiversité pour l'équilibre planétaire.
It is essential to preserve biodiversity for planetary balance.
Global ecological context.
La maîtrise de la langue est indispensable à l'exercice de la citoyenneté.
Mastery of the language is essential to the exercise of citizenship.
Civic/Political register.
Il est indispensable que s'instaure un véritable débat démocratique.
It is essential that a true democratic debate be established.
Pronominal subjunctive: 's'instaure'.
L'oubli est parfois aussi indispensable que la mémoire.
Forgetting is sometimes as essential as memory.
Comparative structure with 'aussi ... que'.
常见搭配
常用短语
容易混淆的词
习语与表达
容易混淆
Less intense than indispensable.
Means 'useful', not necessarily 'essential'.
Usually related to life or survival specifically.
Very similar, but can refer to the core nature of something.
Implies a legal or rule-based requirement.
句型
词族
相关
如何使用
Stronger than 'nécessaire'.
Suitable for all registers.
Use 'à' for abstract/biological, 'pour' for functional.
-
Use 'à' for abstract necessities.
-
Requires the subjunctive mood.
-
Do not add an extra 'e' for feminine nouns.
-
Must agree in number with plural nouns.
-
More natural phrasing in formal French.
小贴士
Subjunctive Trigger
Always use the subjunctive after 'Il est indispensable que...'. It's a classic exam trap!
Cognate Power
Use this word to sound more advanced with minimal effort, as it's the same in English.
Nasal Check
Don't let the 'n' or 'm' sounds slip out. Keep the vowels nasal and clean.
Hyperbole
French speakers often use it hyperbolically for things like coffee or their favorite pen.
Plural Agreement
In essays, double-check for that final 's' in plural contexts.
Emphasis
Stress the last syllable 'sable' slightly to sound more natural.
The Bread Rule
In France, bread is the 'indispensable' accompaniment to every meal.
Adverb Pairing
Listen for 'absolument' or 'totalement' before it for extra emphasis.
Workplace
Use it in job interviews to describe your skills: 'Mes compétences sont indispensables pour...'.
Necessity
Before using it, ask: 'Can I survive/succeed without this?' If no, use 'indispensable'.
记住它
词源
Latin
文化背景
Magazines like Vogue FR often list 'les indispensables' for each season.
Bread is indispensable on a French table.
Existentialists might argue about what is truly indispensable for human freedom.
在生活中练习
真实语境
对话开场白
"Quels sont les trois objets indispensables dans ton sac ?"
"Penses-tu qu'internet soit indispensable au bonheur ?"
"Quel ingrédient est indispensable dans ta cuisine ?"
"Est-il indispensable de parler plusieurs langues aujourd'hui ?"
"Quel vêtement est indispensable pour toi en hiver ?"
日记主题
Décrivez une personne qui est indispensable dans votre vie.
Quelles sont les choses indispensables pour passer une bonne journée ?
Est-ce que l'art est indispensable à la société ? Pourquoi ?
Imaginez une vie sans technologie. Qu'est-ce qui deviendrait indispensable ?
Pourquoi le repos est-il indispensable pour vous ?
常见问题
10 个问题It is both! The form doesn't change because it already ends in 'e'.
Yes, it becomes 'indispensables' when modifying plural nouns.
Use 'à' for abstract targets, like 'indispensable à la paix' or 'indispensable à la vie'.
Use 'pour' for specific goals or tasks, like 'indispensable pour réussir'.
Yes, when you say 'Il est indispensable que...', the following verb must be in the subjunctive.
The most direct opposite is 'facultatif' (optional) or 'inutile' (useless).
Yes, 'Elle est indispensable' means she is essential to the group or task.
It can be used in both formal and informal French, but it sounds quite strong and professional.
It's a nasal vowel /ɛ̃/, like the 'in' in 'vin' (wine).
Yes, much stronger. 'Important' means it matters; 'indispensable' means you can't do without it.
自我测试 180 个问题
Write: 'Water is essential.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'A passport is essential for traveling.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'It is essential to sleep.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Your help is essential to us.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Art is essential to the human soul.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'It is essential.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'These tools are essential.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'It is essential that you stay.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Dialogue is essential for peace.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Rigor is essential to research.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Air is essential.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'A book is essential.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'It is essential to eat.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'She is indispensable.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Education is essential.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Sun is essential.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Vitamins are essential.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'It is essential that we go.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'This software is essential.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write: 'Justice is essential.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say: 'L'eau est indispensable.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Un passeport est indispensable.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Il est indispensable de dormir.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Votre aide est indispensable.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'L'art est indispensable à l'âme.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'C'est indispensable.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Ces outils sont indispensables.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Il est indispensable que tu viennes.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'La liberté est indispensable.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Air est indispensable.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Vitamines indispensables.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Il est indispensable de lire.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Une formation indispensable.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Vision indispensable.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Dormir est indispensable.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Un livre indispensable.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Il est indispensable de manger.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'Elle est indispensable.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say: 'La justice est indispensable.'
Read this aloud:
你说的:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Listen and write: 'L'eau est indispensable.'
Listen and write: 'Un passeport est indispensable.'
Listen and write: 'Il est indispensable de dormir.'
Listen and write: 'Votre aide est indispensable.'
Listen and write: 'L'art est indispensable.'
Listen and write: 'C'est indispensable.'
Listen and write: 'Ces outils sont indispensables.'
Listen and write: 'Il est indispensable que tu viennes.'
Listen and write: 'La liberté est indispensable.'
Listen and write: 'La rigueur est indispensable.'
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'indispensable' is your go-to term for expressing absolute necessity in French. Whether you're talking about biological needs like water or professional needs like a computer, it conveys a level of importance that 'important' or 'nécessaire' simply cannot match. Example: 'L'air est indispensable à la vie.'
- Indispensable means 'absolutely necessary'. You cannot do without it.
- It is an adjective that stays the same for masculine and feminine nouns.
- Commonly used with prepositions 'à' (for abstract) and 'pour' (for goals).
- Triggers the subjunctive mood when used in the phrase 'Il est indispensable que...'.
Subjunctive Trigger
Always use the subjunctive after 'Il est indispensable que...'. It's a classic exam trap!
Cognate Power
Use this word to sound more advanced with minimal effort, as it's the same in English.
Nasal Check
Don't let the 'n' or 'm' sounds slip out. Keep the vowels nasal and clean.
Hyperbole
French speakers often use it hyperbolically for things like coffee or their favorite pen.
例句
Cette compétence est indispensable pour le poste.
相关内容
这个词在其他语言中
相关表达
更多business词汇
à crédit
B1With deferred payment; on credit.
à défaut de
B1In the absence of; for lack of.
à jour
A2最新的;已更新的。我的文件是最新的。
à la fois...et
B1Both...and.
à la suite de
B1Following; as a result of.
à l'exception de
B1这个短语的意思是“除……之外”或“除去”。它用于在正式场合将某物或某人从一个群体或规则中排除。
à l'export
B1涉及向国外销售或运送货物。
à l'import
B1For import; relating to importing.
à l'ordre de
B1Payable to; specifies the beneficiary of a payment (e.g., on a check).
à mon avis
A2依我看;在我看来。用于表达个人的观点、看法或判断。