Comme c'est gentil
The English phrase "how nice" can be translated into French as Comme c'est gentil.
This expression is typically used as an exclamatory reaction to a kind act or a gift.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Comme (how/as), c'est (it is) and gentil (kind/nice).
Which one should you use?
You may encounter other informal alternatives such as C'est super sympa (It's super nice) or C'est génial (It's great).
Did you know?
- The word sympa, found in the alternative C'est super sympa, is a shortening of sympathique. In English, 'sympathetic' refers to pity, but in French, sympa almost exclusively means 'nice' or 'friendly'.
- The adjective gentil shares its roots with the word 'clan' or 'people', originally referring to someone of noble or high-born birth.
- While Comme c'est gentil is a common reaction, using C'est gentil with a heavy, falling intonation can sometimes be used sarcastically to mean 'how lovely' in a mocking way.
Examples in context
- Comme c'est gentil !How nice!This example shows the phrase used as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #1927904 by sacredceltic, translation #1913091 by CK
- Comme c'est gentil d'être venu.How nice of you to come.This sentence shows how to follow the phrase with an infinitive verb to say how nice it is of someone to do something.Tatoeba #11967041 by lbdx, translation #3733148 by CK
- Comme c'est gentil.How nice.This example demonstrates the phrase used as a simple, calm statement of appreciation.Tatoeba #10499932 by pkill, translation #2771305 by infomaster
- La nouvelle chanson de Celine Dion est très agréable à écouter.The new song by Celine Dion is very nice to listen to
- Ton cadeau est super sympa, merci beaucoup !Your gift is super nice, thank you very much!
Example conversation
Léa gives Nathan a small gift for his birthday.
- LéaJoyeux anniversaire Nathan, j'ai un petit cadeau pour toi.Happy birthday Nathan, I have a little gift for you.
- NathanOh, comme c'est gentil ! Merci beaucoup Léa.Oh, how nice! Thank you very much Léa.
- LéaDe rien, j'espère que ça te plaira.You're welcome, I hope you will like it.
- NathanC'est vraiment adorable de ta part.It is really sweet of you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, comme, gentil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
