Différent (or its feminine form, différente) is the most common way to say “different” in French. But did you know there are many other ways to express this idea?

As you expand your French vocabulary, you’ll find that using a variety of words can make your conversations more nuanced and interesting. Why stick to just one word when you can express a whole spectrum of differences?

Let’s dive into 9 different ways to say “different” in French, adding richness to your vocabulary!

The standard 'different' – différent/différente

Différent(e) is the most straightforward and common adjective to express 'different' in French.

Like most French adjectives, différent must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. You'll encounter it as:différent - masculine singular (e.g., un avis différent)différente - feminine singular (e.g., une opinion différente)différents - masculine plural (e.g., des points de vue différents)différentes - feminine plural (e.g., des cultures différentes)

This adjective is highly versatile and can be used in almost any context, from casual conversation to formal writing, making it your go-to word for 'different'.

While différent simply means 'different', it's often used with prepositions to specify how or from what something is different.

The most common construction you'll encounter is être différent de (to be different from). This phrase is essential for making comparisons. For example, Mon livre est différent du tien (My book is different from yours).

So, Ce film est très différent de ce à quoi je m'attendais (This film is very different from what I expected) clearly shows a comparison. Similarly, Leurs cultures sont différentes des nôtres (Their cultures are different from ours) uses the plural form with de.

While différent de is primary, you might also see différent pour (different for, e.g., C'est différent pour moi - It's different for me) or différent en (different in, e.g., différent en taille - different in size). Différemment is the adverbial form, meaning 'differently'.

Remember that correct agreement in gender and number is crucial for différent(e). Always match its form to the noun it describes to ensure grammatical accuracy in your sentences.

Understanding différent(e) goes beyond just its definition; it's about recognizing its role in expressing contrast, variety, and uniqueness within the French language, often setting the stage for more complex comparative statements.

💡 * Ce n'est pas le même, c'est différent. (It's not the same, it's different.)

Elle a une approche très différente. (She has a very different approach.)

Nos opinions sont souvent différentes. (Our opinions are often different.)

Le climat ici est différent de celui de mon pays. (The climate here is different from that of my country.)

Ils ont des goûts différents en musique. (They have different tastes in music.)

The 'other' (implying different) – autre

The “other” (implying different) – autre

The French word autre is a highly versatile term, most commonly translating to “other” or “another” in English. It signifies difference, addition, or an alternative.

When used as an adjective, autre always precedes the noun it modifies. For example, un autre livre means “another book,” and une autre personne means “another person.” It maintains the same form for masculine and feminine nouns but changes for plural: d'autres livres (“other books”).

Autre can also function as a pronoun, referring to “the other one” or “the others.” In this case, it's often preceded by a definite article: l'autre (the other one, singular) or les autres (the others, plural).

Many idiomatic expressions incorporate autre. For instance, d'une manière ou d'une autre means “one way or another,” and entre autres translates to “among others.” L'un l'autre means “each other” or “one another.”

A key point to remember is that autre is invariable in gender (it doesn't change for masculine or feminine nouns) but does change for number, becoming autres in the plural.

💡 * J'ai une autre idée. (I have another idea.)

Où sont les autres? (Where are the others?)

Nous nous aidons l'un l'autre. (We help each other.)

Je préfère l'autre option. (I prefer the other option.)

Il y a d'autres choses à faire. (There are other things to do.)

The 'distinctive' or 'distinguished' – distingué/distinguée

The "distinctive" or "distinguished" – distingué/distinguée

The French adjective distingué (masculine singular) or distinguée (feminine singular) translates to "distinguished," "distinctive," or "refined." It describes someone or something that stands out due to elegance, class, or a notable quality.

Like many French adjectives, distingué agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies:distingué: masculine singular (e.g., un homme distingué)distinguée: feminine singular (e.g., une femme distinguée)distingués: masculine plural (e.g., des airs distingués)distinguées: feminine plural (e.g., des manières distinguées)

When describing a person, distingué often implies a sense of sophistication, good manners, and refined appearance. It suggests an inherent elegance rather than just expensive clothing.

Beyond people, distingué can also describe a style, a place, or even a manner that is elegant, classic, and of high quality. For instance, un hôtel distingué (a distinguished hotel) or un goût distingué (a refined taste).

While similar to élégant (elegant) or chic (stylish), distingué often carries a connotation of innate class and a subtle, understated refinement that is less about fleeting fashion and more about enduring quality.

💡 * Elle a toujours eu des manières très distinguées. (She always had very distinguished manners.)

C'est un restaurant distingué, parfait pour une occasion spéciale. (It's a distinguished restaurant, perfect for a special occasion.)

Son style vestimentaire est simple mais toujours distingué. (His clothing style is simple but always distinguished.)

Il a une voix très distinguée. (He has a very distinctive/refined voice.)

La famille royale a un comportement distingué. (The royal family has distinguished behavior.)

The 'varied' or 'diverse' – varié/variée

The French adjective varié (masculine singular) and variée (feminine singular) translates to “varied” or “diverse” in English. It describes something that encompasses a wide range of different elements or types.

As with all French adjectives, varié must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The masculine forms are varié (singular) and variés (plural), while the feminine forms are variée (singular) and variées (plural).

This adjective is frequently used to describe things that offer a wide array of options, types, or characteristics. You’ll often hear it in contexts related to diets, landscapes, activities, or selections of items, implying richness and diversity.

💡 * La cuisine française est très variée et délicieuse. (French cuisine is very varied and delicious.)

Nous avons un programme d'activités variées pour les enfants. (We have a program of varied activities for the children.)

Le paysage de cette région est très varié, avec des montagnes et des lacs. (The landscape of this region is very varied, with mountains and lakes.)

J'aime lire des livres aux sujets variés. (I like to read books with varied subjects.)

Elle a une garde-robe très variée. (She has a very varied wardrobe.)

The 'diverse' or 'various' – divers/diverse

The French adjectives divers (masculine plural) and diverses (feminine plural) translate to "diverse" or "various" in English. They are essential for expressing variety and multiplicity.

Like most French adjectives, divers/diverses must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. Use divers for masculine plural nouns and diverses for feminine plural nouns. (Note: The singular forms divers (m) and diverse (f) also exist but are less common for "various".)

When placed before the noun, divers/diverses often convey the idea of "various" or "several different." This emphasizes the quantity or range of items.

When positioned after the noun, these adjectives tend to mean "diverse" or "of different kinds," highlighting the variety or difference within a group.

While similar to différents (different) or variés (varied), divers/diverse often imply a natural or inherent variety rather than just a distinction. Pay attention to context to choose the most appropriate word.

Remember that the placement of divers/diverses relative to the noun can subtly shift its meaning from "various" (before) to "diverse" (after). Practice both usages to master their nuances.

💡 * J'ai vu divers oiseaux dans le jardin. (I saw various birds in the garden.)

Elle a présenté diverses solutions au problème. (She presented various solutions to the problem.)

Les opinions sur ce sujet sont très diverses. (Opinions on this subject are very diverse.)

Nous avons exploré des cultures diverses lors de notre voyage. (We explored diverse cultures during our trip.)

Il a reçu divers prix pour son travail. (He received various awards for his work.)

The 'dissimilar' or 'unlike' – dissemblable

The French adjective dissemblable translates directly to “dissimilar” or “unlike” in English. It is used to describe two or more things that do not resemble each other or that possess distinct qualities.

Unlike more common adjectives like différent, dissemblable carries a more formal, literary, or academic tone. You're more likely to encounter it in written texts, scientific reports, philosophical discussions, or when precise distinctions are crucial, rather than in casual conversation.

As an adjective, dissemblable agrees in number with the noun it modifies (e.g., des idées dissemblables). While différent is a general synonym, dissemblable often implies a more fundamental lack of resemblance. Other close synonyms include distinct or hétérogène.

The direct opposite of dissemblable is semblable, meaning "similar," "alike," or "resembling." Understanding semblable can help solidify the meaning of its negative counterpart.

💡 *Ces deux approches sont entièrement dissemblables. (These two approaches are entirely dissimilar.)
*Leurs opinions politiques étaient si dissemblables qu'un accord était impossible. (Their political opinions were so unlike that an agreement was impossible.)
*Il a noté les caractéristiques dissemblables des deux espèces. (He noted the dissimilar characteristics of the two species.)
*Malgré leur origine commune, leurs cultures sont devenues dissemblables. (Despite their common origin, their cultures have become dissimilar.)

The 'unequal' or 'different in quality/quantity' – inégal/inégale

The adjective inégal (masculine singular) and inégale (feminine singular) translates to 'unequal' or 'different in quality/quantity'.

Like many French adjectives, inégal/inégale must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The masculine plural is inégaux, and the feminine plural is inégales.

It describes situations where things are not balanced, not uniform, or not equivalent, whether in size, strength, quality, or opportunity. It can refer to physical attributes, abstract concepts, or social conditions.

💡 * Leurs forces sont inégales. (Their strengths are unequal.)

Elle a des chances inégales de réussir. (She has unequal chances of succeeding.)

Les salaires sont inégaux entre les hommes et les femmes. (Salaries are unequal between men and women.)

Ce terrain est très inégal. (This ground is very uneven/unequal.)

Nous vivons dans un monde inégal. (We live in an unequal world.)

The 'peculiar' or 'particular' (different from the norm) – particulier/particulière

The adjective particulier (masculine) and particulière (feminine) translates to “peculiar,” “particular,” or “specific.” It describes something that stands out from the norm or is unique in some way.

When used to mean “peculiar” or “unusual,” particulier/particulière highlights a distinctive or odd quality. It suggests something that isn't typical or common.

Alternatively, it can mean “particular” or “specific,” referring to a distinct individual or item within a group, or a precise detail. In this sense, it is often equivalent to 'specific'.

Like most French adjectives, particulier must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Remember: particulier (m.sg.), particulière (f.sg.), particuliers (m.pl.), particulières (f.pl.).

💡 * Il a un sens de l'humour très particulier. (He has a very peculiar sense of humor.)

C'est une situation particulière. (It's a particular/unusual situation.)

J'ai une demande particulière. (I have a particular/specific request.)

Ces mesures s'appliquent à des cas très particuliers. (These measures apply to very specific cases.)

Elle a un style vestimentaire très particulier. (She has a very peculiar/distinctive dressing style.)

The 'singular' or 'unique' (different from others) – singulier/singulière

In French, the adjective singulier (masculine) and singulière (feminine) primarily translates to 'singular' in a grammatical sense, referring to one item. However, it also extensively means 'unique,' 'unusual,' or 'peculiar,' distinguishing something as different from the norm.

Like all French adjectives, singulier/singulière must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use singulier for masculine singular nouns and singulière for feminine singular nouns. The plural forms are singuliers (masculine plural) and singulières (feminine plural).

Beyond its grammatical use, singulier/singulière often describes something that stands out. It can mean 'unique,' 'distinctive,' 'odd,' or 'peculiar.' This connotation highlights a quality that is different, sometimes surprisingly so, from what is common or expected.

When describing a person, object, or situation as singulier/singulière, you are emphasizing its distinctiveness. It can be used positively to praise uniqueness or negatively to note an oddity. For instance, a 'style singulier' is a unique style, while a 'comportement singulier' might be unusual behavior.

💡 * C'est un homme avec un talent singulier. (He is a man with a unique talent.)

Elle a une manière singulière de voir le monde. (She has a peculiar/unique way of seeing the world.)

Le mot 'cheval' est singulier. (The word 'horse' is singular.)

Les événements de cette journée étaient assez singuliers. (The events of that day were quite unusual.)

Ce tableau présente une beauté singulière. (This painting exhibits a unique beauty.)

Are there other ways to say 'different' in French?

Are there other ways to say “different” in French?

Our list features the most common ways to say “different” in French. But there are other terms, from old-fashioned ones, to regional ones, to up-and-coming slang ones this middle-aged author might not even be aware of!

You can also do an online search for “comment dire différent en ___” followed by a specific Francophone country or region.

You might find some interesting synonyms for différent on this list. Of course, make sure to check a word’s definition and try to see it used in context before you use it.

Pay attention as you read, watch, and listen to things in French — you may discover different ways to express 'different'.

And if you’re looking for ways to express different nuances of 'different' or words related to variety in French, the WordReference entry for différent is a great place to start!

I hope you found this article helpful. Here’s what I think is a perfect thought to finish it with: C'est la différence qui nous enrichit. (It is difference that enriches us.)

9 ways to say "different" in French