sois gentil
The English phrase "be kind" is translated into French as sois gentil.
In practice, gentil is very frequently used in French to mean "nice" or "well-behaved", particularly when speaking to children. To indicate the recipient of the kindness, you typically follow the phrase with the preposition avec (with) or envers (towards).
Which one should you use?
While sois gentil is the default, the meaning of the adjective gentil can range from being kind to simply being a nice or well-behaved person.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to a female, change the adjective to the feminine form sois gentille.
Did you know?
- The English word 'gentle' is a direct cousin of gentil, both evolving from the same Latin root describing high-born people of a certain 'clan'.
- French uses the word gentil for 'nice', but to describe a 'kind heart', they use the specific phrase avoir le cœur sur la main, meaning to have one's heart on one's hand.
- In certain regions of France, calling someone gentil can be a backhanded compliment, implying they are 'nice' but perhaps a bit naive or simple-minded.
Examples in context
- Sois gentil avec les autres !Be kind to others!This sentence shows how to use sois gentil to tell someone to be kind to others.Tatoeba #129087 by sacredceltic, translation #274677 by sacredceltic
- Sois gentil envers les aînées.Be kind to old people.This sentence demonstrates using sois gentil in the context of being kind to old people.Tatoeba #129835 by dominiko, translation #64128 by CK
- Sois gentil avec ton entourage.Be kind to those around you.This sentence illustrates the use of sois gentil when referring to those around you.Tatoeba #128344 by sacredceltic, translation #266295 by CK
- S'il vous plaît, soyez gentil avec mes collègues pendant la réunion.Please be kind to my colleagues during the meeting.
- Ayez de la gentillesse envers nos invités lors de l'événement de ce soir.Have kindness towards our guests during tonight's event.
- Sois gentil avec ton petit frère, il a besoin de ton soutien.Be kind to your little brother, he needs your support.
- Soyez sympa, aidez-moi avec ce projet, s'il vous plaît.Be kind, help me with this project, please.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas is giving advice to Léa before she meets his family.
- LucasS'il te plaît, sois gentil avec ma mère.Please, be kind to my mother.
- LéaNe t'inquiète pas, je le serai.Don't worry, I will be.
- LucasC'est important pour moi.It's important to me.
- LéaJe promets d'être adorable.I promise to be lovely.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
