gentleman
The French word for gentleman is gentleman.
In French, gentleman refers to a man who is well-bred, well-mannered or charming.
Meaning: well-bred, well-mannered, or charming man (noun)
Which one should you use?
While gentleman describes a man with good manners, the French word gentilhomme is used to refer specifically to a man of noble birth or a historical gentleman.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the borrowed word gentleman is gentlemen.
Did you know?
- The French expression un gentleman is frequently used in literature to describe a 'gentleman thief', a romanticized archetype of a criminal with impeccable manners.
- During the 17th century, the concept of the honnête homme was the French equivalent of the 'gentleman', emphasizing social grace and versatility over noble birth.
- In modern French, calling someone a gentleman can sometimes carry a slightly ironic or playful tone among friends, suggesting he is being 'too' perfect.
Examples in context
- Ziri est un gentleman.Ziri is a gentleman.This sentence is useful for describing a specific person using gentleman.Tatoeba #11964229 by Amastan, translation #10222383 by Amastan
- Je connais ce gentleman.I know the gentleman.This sentence is useful for identifying someone you know using gentleman.Tatoeba #7122 by sysko, translation #254518 by CK
- C'est un vrai gentleman.He is a real gentleman.This sentence is useful for emphasizing that someone is a true gentleman.Tatoeba #584728 by qdii, translation #284369 by CK
- 32 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are discussing a person they recently met at a party.
- ChloéNathan, est-ce que Paul est un gentleman ?Nathan, is Paul a gentleman?
- NathanOui, c'est un gentleman très poli.Yes, he is a very polite gentleman.
- ChloéIl a été très charmant avec moi.He was very charming with me.
- NathanJe savais que tu l'apprécierais.I knew you would like him.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
