Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| attitude | /a.ti.tyd/ |
| état d'esprit | /e.ta d‿ɛs.pʁi/ |
The French attitude often refers more specifically to a person's outward manner, posture or way of behaving toward others. Use état d'esprit when referring to a person's internal psychological state or general mindset, whereas attitude is more frequently used to describe a visible or observable stance toward a situation.
Which one should you use?
While English uses "attitude" for both a state of mind and outward behavior, the French attitude often refers more specifically to a person's outward manner, posture or way of behaving toward others. For a person's internal psychological state or general mindset, use état d'esprit instead.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.ti.tyd/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use 'attitude' to mean a person's general outlook on life, but in French, using attitude in this context can sometimes sound like you are describing a specific physical pose or a specific behavioral reaction.
Did you know?
- In artistic or dance contexts, attitude refers to a specific classical ballet position where the leg is held in a turned-out position.
- While an English speaker might say someone 'has an attitude' to imply they are being rude, a French speaker would likely use être désagréable or avoir un comportement déplorable.
- The French word attitude is a linguistic relative of the English word 'aptitude', as both stem from the same Latin root for being 'fit' or 'suitable'.
Examples in context
- Mon attitude a changé.My attitude has changed.This sentence is useful for showing how to use attitude to describe a change in demeanor.Tatoeba #13279372 by Rovo, translation #9231580 by Nylez
- Son attitude me dégoûte.His attitude disgusts me.This sentence shows how attitude can describe something that causes disgust.Tatoeba #133793 by Micsmithel, translation #287093 by shekitten
- C'est la bonne attitude.That's the attitude.This sentence demonstrates using attitude to describe a positive stance.Tatoeba #4982770 by epsilom68, translation #2251261 by CK
- Le comportement de cet employé envers ses collègues est remarquable.The attitude of this employee towards their colleagues is remarkable.
- La conduite de ce diplomate lors de la conférence était exemplaire.The attitude of this diplomat during the conference was exemplary.
- 83 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are talking about a new coworker at the office.
- ManonSon attitude est très positive.His attitude is very positive.
- HugoOui, j'aime beaucoup son attitude.Yes, I really like his attitude.
- ManonIl aide tout le monde avec enthousiasme.He helps everyone with enthusiasm.
- HugoC'est un vrai plaisir de travailler avec lui.It is a real pleasure to work with him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “attitude” translations and entries attitude, état d'esprit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries attitude, état, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
