English–French
“constraint” in French
Pronunciation
IPA/kaʁkɑ̃/
Example
Il considère les règles comme un carcan qui le freine.
He considers the rules a constraint that holds him back.
How to say “constraint” in French
“Constraint” in French is carcan.
A rigid iron collar that leaves its wearer unable to move freely, later standing for rules that hold action in place.
Example sentences with carcan
Pour lui, les traditions sont un carcan qu'il faut dépasser.
For him, traditions are a constraint that must be overcome.
Tips for using carcan
- Carcan is masculine, so the usual form is un carcan, and its figurative use is more formal or literary than everyday contrainte.
Other French words for “constraint”
La contrainte principale, c'est le temps.
The main constraint is time.