sois gentil
The English phrase "be nice" is translated into French as sois gentil.
This phrase is used as a request or a command to tell someone to behave in a kind and friendly manner toward others.
What does it mean word for word?
The word sois is the imperative command form of the verb être (to be) for the singular tu subject.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form you use depends on who you are addressing. Use the masculine sois gentil when addressing a male, and the feminine sois gentille when addressing a female. If you are addressing a group of people or using the formal vous form, use soyez gentils. If you are addressing a group consisting only of females, use soyez gentilles.
Did you know?
- In modern French slang, calling someone a gentil can sometimes be used sarcastically to mean they are naive or overly gullible.
- While sois gentil is a direct translation of 'be nice', French speakers often use the phrase sois sage when telling a child to behave. Sage literally means 'wise'.
- The word gentil shares an ancient root with the English word 'gentle', both originating from the Latin 'gentilis', meaning 'of the same clan' or 'belonging to a family'.
Examples in context
- Sois gentil avec elle !Be nice to her.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase sois gentil when telling someone to be nice to a specific female.Tatoeba #4931310 by sacredceltic, translation #308934 by CK
- Sois gentille avec elles.Be nice to them.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase sois gentil when telling someone to be nice to a group of females.Tatoeba #13388581 by lbdx, translation #3906963 by CH
- Sois gentille avec ta sœur.Be nice to your sister.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase sois gentil when telling someone to be nice to a sister.Tatoeba #12178474 by lbdx, translation #10205313 by Hybrid
- Soyez gentil, et aidez les personnes âgées avec leurs achats.Be nice and help elderly people with their shopping.
- Soyez aimable envers vos collègues et favorisez un environnement de travail positif.Be nice to your colleagues and foster a positive work environment.
- Sois gentil avec ton frère, il est encore jeune.Be nice to your brother, he is still young.
- Sois sympa et aide-moi à préparer le dîner, s'il te plaît.Be nice and help me prepare dinner, please.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa is advising Lucas on how to talk to a new neighbor.
- LéaSois gentil avec le nouveau voisin.Be nice to the new neighbor.
- LucasD'accord, je vais faire un effort.Okay, I will make an effort.
- LéaC'est important pour bien l'accueillir.It's important to welcome him well.
- LucasJe serai très poli, promis.I will be very polite, I promise.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gentil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
