caractéristiques
The English phrase "characteristics" is translated into French as caractéristiques.
In a formal context, you might use more specific phrases such as Les traits distinctifs for "distinctive traits", Les particularités individuelles for "individual peculiarities" or Les attributs physiques et psychologiques for "physical and psychological attributes".
Which one should you use?
While caractéristiques is a noun meaning "characteristics", the related form caractéristique can also function as an adjective meaning "characteristic" or "typical".
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective, the form caractéristiques takes an s at the end to agree with plural nouns, which matches the spelling of the noun caractéristiques.
Did you know?
- The term caractérisé (characterized) is often used in French to describe something that has been marked or stamped, linking the idea of a trait to a physical mark.
- In French, the word caractéristique can be used as a noun to describe a specific technical specification of a product, such as the battery life of a phone.
- The word caractéristiques is a true cognate, but in scientific or technical French, you will often see the word propriétés used to describe the characteristics of a substance.
Examples in context
- Le Japon a de nombreux traits caractéristiques.The Japanese language has many distinctive characteristics.This sentence uses caractéristiques to describe distinctive features of a language.Tatoeba #1045961 by sacredceltic, translation #4321172 by monahxo
- La Chine a des traits caractéristiques chinois.China has Chinese characteristics.This sentence uses caractéristiques to describe national characteristics.Tatoeba #2508165 by U2FS, translation #2367530 by eastasiastudent
- La plupart des stéréotypes attribuent des caractéristiques négatives à un groupe.Most stereotypes ascribe negative characteristics to a group.This sentence uses caractéristiques to describe negative qualities attributed to a group.Tatoeba #11453502 by lbdx, translation #11453501 by ddnktr
- Il/Elle est grand(e)He/She is tall.
- Il/Elle a les cheveux blondsHe/She has blond hair.
- Il/Elle a une barbeHe/She has a beard.
- Il/Elle est sympathiqueHe/She is friendly.
- Il/Elle est travailleur/travailleuseHe/She is hardworking.
- Il/Elle est timideHe/She is shy.
- Il/Elle est généreux/généreuseHe/She is generous.
- Il/Elle a des qualités et des défautsHe/She has qualities and flaws.
- Il/Elle est à la fois courageux/courageuse et impulsif/impulsiveHe/She is both brave and impulsive.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are discussing a new job candidate.
- NathanQuelles sont les caractéristiques du candidat idéal ?What are the characteristics of the ideal candidate?
- ChloéIl doit être organisé et autonome, Nathan.He must be organized and autonomous, Nathan.
- NathanCes caractéristiques sont essentielles pour ce poste.These characteristics are essential for this position.
- ChloéJe suis d'accord avec toi, Chloé.I agree with you, Chloé.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
