intelligent
/ɛ̃.tɛ.li.ʒɑ̃/
The English word clever can be translated into French as intelligent or malin.
Meaning: mentally quick or sharp (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| intelligent | /ɛ̃.tɛ.li.ʒɑ̃/ /ɛ̃.te.li.ʒɑ̃/ |
|
| malin | /ma.lɛ̃/ | masculine |
Both words describe someone who is mentally quick or sharp. malin is an informal way to describe someone who is cunning or quick-witted.
Which one should you use?
Malin is more informal than intelligent and can sometimes carry a connotation of being sly or tricky.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Malin is considered informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of intelligent is intelligente, and the feminine form of malin is maligne.
How do you pronounce it?
intelligent is pronounced /ɛ̃.tɛ.li.ʒɑ̃/ and has 4 syllables.
When do people say it?
The phrase C'est malin ! can be used sarcastically to mean 'That's a bright idea!' when someone has done something foolish.
Did you know?
- In traditional French folklore, the Devil is often referred to as le Malin. This use of the word highlights the 'cunning' and 'tricky' side of being clever.
- The word malin is a backformation from the adjective maligne, which is the root of the English word 'malignant'.
- French speakers often use malin to describe animals, such as a fox or a crow, to describe a type of intelligence based on instinct and trickery rather than schooling.
Examples in context
- Comme c'est malin !How clever!This sentence is useful for expressing 'How clever!' using malin.Tatoeba #9416635 by Micsmithel, translation #2111819 by CK
- Te crois-tu malin ?Do you think you're clever?This sentence is useful for asking if someone thinks they are clever using malin.Tatoeba #9535502 by Julien_PDC, translation #5738411 by CM
- Tu es vraiment malin.You're a clever one.This sentence is useful for stating someone is a clever one using malin.Tatoeba #1066699 by sysko, translation #4737000 by paper1n0
- Il est intelligentHe is clever.
- Elle est ingénieuseShe is clever.
- Leur approche ingénieuse a permis de résoudre le problème rapidement.Their clever approach allowed them to solve the problem quickly.
- Julien est vraiment malin, il trouve toujours une solution efficace.Julien is really clever, he always finds an effective solution.
- 95 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are discussing a colleague at work.
- GabrielEst-ce que ta nouvelle collègue est intelligente ?Is your new colleague intelligent?
- EmmaOui, elle est extrêmement intelligente.Yes, she is extremely intelligent.
- GabrielC'est une bonne nouvelle pour l'équipe.That is good news for the team.
- EmmaAbsolument, Gabriel, elle va beaucoup nous aider.Absolutely, Gabriel, she is going to help us a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clever” translations and entries intelligent, malin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries intelligent, malin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
