décent
/de.sɑ̃/
The English word 'decent' can be translated into French as décent.
Décent is used to describe something that is fair, good enough or okay. However, it can also carry a stronger connotation of being morally proper, respectable or socially appropriate, such as a decent way to behave.
Meaning: fair, good enough, okay (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, so use the feminine form décente for feminine nouns. The masculine plural form is décents. The feminine plural form is décentes.
How do you pronounce it?
/de.sɑ̃/
Did you know?
- If a French speaker says they are not décent, they might be joking that they are not fully dressed, reflecting the word's strong link to modesty and clothing.
- While décent means 'fair' or 'proper', French speakers often use the word correct to describe a 'decent' grade or a 'decent' level of quality in a more casual way.
- The word décent is a 'faux ami' or false friend when used to describe a 'decent person' in the sense of being 'kind'. In that context, a French speaker would prefer honnête or gentil.
Examples in context
- Il a un revenu décent.He has a decent income.This sentence is useful for describing a décent income.Tatoeba #8463638 by Aiji, translation #7968026 by AlanF_US
- Trouvez-vous un costume décent.Find yourself a decent suit.This sentence is useful for describing a décent suit.Tatoeba #7967402 by Aiji, translation #7828781 by AlanF_US
- Si les paysans ne retirent pas un revenu décent de la culture des cacahuètes, ils essayeront d'autres cultures.If farmers don't make a decent living growing peanuts, they will try growing other crops.This sentence is useful for describing a décent living.Tatoeba #4220317 by sacredceltic, translation #1144604 by CK
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are discussing a restaurant they just visited.
- LucasComment était le repas ?How was the meal?
- EmmaC'était décent, mais sans plus.It was decent, but nothing more.
- LucasLe prix était-il raisonnable ?Was the price reasonable?
- EmmaOui, c'est un prix décent.Yes, it is a decent price.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “decent” translations and entries décent, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
