je suis intelligent
The English phrase "I am smart" is translated into French as je suis intelligent.
This phrase is used to state that one possesses a quick mind or high mental ability.
Which one should you use?
While je suis intelligent refers to intellectual capacity, the phrase je suis malin(e). implies being clever or cunning in a more street-smart or crafty way.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the person speaking. If the speaker is female, use the feminine form je suis intelligente.
Did you know?
- In French, saying je suis intelligent can sound boastful or arrogant because it is culturally more common to let others praise your intelligence.
- The word intelligent comes from the Latin roots meaning 'to choose between' or 'to pick out', suggesting that being smart is fundamentally the ability to discern between options.
- In a professional French setting, one might use the phrase avoir l'esprit vif to say they are smart, which literally means 'to have a lively spirit'.
Examples in context
- Je suis intelligent.I am smart.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use je suis intelligent.Tatoeba #403024 by Pharamp, translation #399608 by wanglily22
- Je suis intelligent, mais je fais des erreurs.I am smart, but I make mistakes.
- Je suis intelligent et j'aime les mathématiques.I am smart and I love mathematics.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their academic abilities.
- GabrielJe suis intelligent, donc j'ai réussi l'examen.I am smart, so I passed the exam.
- ChloéC'est vrai, Gabriel, tu es très brillant.It's true, Gabriel, you are very bright.
- GabrielMerci, Chloé, c'est gentil de ta part.Thank you, Chloé, that is kind of you.
- ChloéTu mérites tes bonnes notes.You deserve your good grades.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries intelligent, je, suis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
