⚠️ Financial false friend: solvable in English ≠ solvable in French
The English word solvable is often mistranslated as solvable in French, which can cause serious misunderstandings in finance, law, or business.
👉 In reality, solvable means:
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soluble (in chemistry or physics)
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resolvable / capable of being solved (in abstract, mathematical, or problem-solving contexts)
🔬 In science and mathematics: solvable = résoluble / soluble
Examples (EN → FR):
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A solvable equation → Une équation résoluble
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This problem is solvable → Ce problème est résoluble / a une solution
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❌ The salt is solvable in water → (incorrect!)
✅ The salt is soluble in water → Le sel est soluble dans l’eau
👉 English makes a clear distinction between solvable and soluble.
💰 In finance: French solvable = solvent / creditworthy
In French, solvable refers to the ability to pay one’s debts or to financial soundness.
It is never translated as solvable in English. This is a trap that runs through a whole family of business-law terms, much like the contrast between a subsidiary and a branch, where graphic similarity hides distinct legal realities.
Examples (FR → EN):
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Une entreprise solvable → A solvent company / A creditworthy company (banking context)
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Il n’est pas solvable → He is not solvent / He is unable to pay his debts
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La solvabilité d’un débiteur → The solvency of a debtor
The same care applies to structured financial deals, where translating a tender offer agreement means faithfully rendering common-law terminology.
✅ Quick Reference
| English term |
Correct French translation |
False friend to avoid |
| Solvable problem |
Problème résoluble |
Problème solvable |
| Solvent person / company |
Personne / société solvable |
Solvable (EN) |
| Solvency |
Solvabilité |
(OK in this sense) |
📌 TransLex Tip
Before translating solvable, ask yourself:
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Are we talking about a problem to be solved, a scientific context, or a financial situation?
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Is the usage abstract, scientific, or economic?
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Does the term refer to ability to pay debts (→ solvent) or simply something that can be resolved (→ résoluble)?
👉 Solvable = résoluble / soluble / having a solution
👉 Solvent = solvable (in the financial sense)
👉 Never translate solvable as solvable… unless you’re writing in French.
❓ FAQ: Translating "solvable" into French
Does English "solvable" mean "solvable" in French?
No. The English adjective describes something that can be solved or, in chemistry, something that dissolves. French solvable is a financial term meaning able to pay one's debts. The graphic resemblance hides two unrelated meanings.
How do you say French "solvable" in English?
In finance, French solvable corresponds to solvent or creditworthy, and solvabilité to solvency. A solvent company can meet its financial obligations; the term has nothing to do with solving a problem.
