French Word of the Day: Débrouillard
This French expression can be used to describe the characters in a post-apocalypse show and your friend who made the coffee machine work again.
Why do I need to know débrouillard?
Because you might want to use this very handy adjective to describe yourself or someone you know.
What does it mean?
Débrouillard – roughly pronounced day-bwee-yarrd – is an adjective that describes a person who is very resourceful or clever.
It comes from the French verb ‘débrouiller’ which technically means to untangle something. When used in a reflexive sense (se débrouiller) means to “find a way” or “to arrange for”.
The term débrouillard goes a bit beyond simply being intelligent though - it describes someone who can get by in complicated situations. In English, you might also call this person quick-witted or adaptable.
For example, you might hear a character on “Koh-Lanta” (basically France’s version of Survivor) described as a débrouillard after building a shelter from themselves with very few materials available.
You might also see this word on French job postings - if the employer is looking for someone who is a self-starter and resourceful.
Use it like this
Après le crash de l'avion, l'homme débrouillard a survécu seul sur l'île pendant plusieurs mois. – After the plane crash, the resourceful man survived on the island alone for several months.
Vous devez être débrouillard si vous voulez gagner le concours ! Aucune aide extérieure ne sera proposée. – You have to be resourceful if you want to win the competition. No outside help will be offered.
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Why do I need to know débrouillard?
Because you might want to use this very handy adjective to describe yourself or someone you know.
What does it mean?
Débrouillard – roughly pronounced day-bwee-yarrd – is an adjective that describes a person who is very resourceful or clever.
It comes from the French verb ‘débrouiller’ which technically means to untangle something. When used in a reflexive sense (se débrouiller) means to “find a way” or “to arrange for”.
The term débrouillard goes a bit beyond simply being intelligent though - it describes someone who can get by in complicated situations. In English, you might also call this person quick-witted or adaptable.
For example, you might hear a character on “Koh-Lanta” (basically France’s version of Survivor) described as a débrouillard after building a shelter from themselves with very few materials available.
You might also see this word on French job postings - if the employer is looking for someone who is a self-starter and resourceful.
Use it like this
Après le crash de l'avion, l'homme débrouillard a survécu seul sur l'île pendant plusieurs mois. – After the plane crash, the resourceful man survived on the island alone for several months.
Vous devez être débrouillard si vous voulez gagner le concours ! Aucune aide extérieure ne sera proposée. – You have to be resourceful if you want to win the competition. No outside help will be offered.
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