doucement
/dus.mɑ̃/
The English phrase "gently" is translated into French as doucement.
doucement is used to describe doing something in a gentle, soft or mild manner. Depending on the context, it can also mean "slowly" to indicate performing an action at a low speed.
Meaning: in a gentle manner (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The adverb doucement is formed from the adjective doux (meaning soft or sweet) and the suffix -ment (the equivalent of the English suffix "-ly").
Which one should you use?
While doucement is the standard way to say "gently", it is important to note that it can also mean "slowly" depending on how it is used in a sentence. To intensify the meaning to "very gently" or "very slowly", you can use the phrase tout doucement.
How do you pronounce it?
The word doucement has two syllables and is pronounced /dus.mɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- In French, doucement can be used as a command to tell someone to 'calm down' or 'take it easy', even if they are not moving physically.
- The adverb doucement shares its roots with the English word 'dulcet', which is used to describe sweet or soothing sounds.
- While doucement describes physical gentleness, using it to mean 'slowly' can sometimes sound slightly condescending if spoken too sharply to a person.
Examples in context
- Tenez le bébé doucement.Hold the baby gently.This sentence shows how to use doucement when handling a baby.Tatoeba #453000 by sacredceltic, translation #272378 by Luornu
- Je vais rouler tout doucement.I'm going to drive very gently.This sentence demonstrates using doucement to mean very gently or slowly while driving.Tatoeba #8729754 by Julien_PDC, translation #11684953 by tieguy
- Elle coucha doucement l'enfant.She laid the child down gently.This sentence illustrates the use of doucement when laying a child down.Tatoeba #4775409 by sacredceltic, translation #313995 by CK
- Veuillez délicatement soulever le couverclePlease gently lift the lid
- Pourriez-vous ouvrir la porte avec douceur ?Could you please open the door gently?
- Pourriez-vous s'il vous plaît déplacer le vase délicatement ?Could you please move the vase gently?
- Pose-le doucement sur la tablePut it gently on the table
- Pose le bébé doucement dans son berceau, s'il te plaîtPlease gently put the baby in the crib
- Ouvre le cadeau avec délicatesseOpen the gift gently
- Relâche la pression tout en douceurRelease the pressure gently
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan is helping Chloé close a fragile box.
- NathanFerme le couvercle doucement, Chloé.Close the lid gently, Chloé.
- ChloéD'accord, je fais attention.Okay, I'm being careful.
- NathanOui, il ne faut pas forcer.Yes, you mustn't force it.
- ChloéVoilà, c'est fait tout doucement.There, it's done very gently.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry doucement, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries doucement, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
