Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| quelque peu | /kɛl.kə pø/ | |
| en quelque sorte | /ɑ̃ kɛl.k(ə) sɔʁt/ | |
| manière | /ma.njɛʁ/ | Louisiana |
The phrase 'kind of' can be expressed in several ways depending on whether you want to quantify a degree or qualify the nature of a description. You can use un peu to mean 'kind of' as an adverb, or plus ou moins to mean 'more or less' in a casual context. Use quelque peu to mean 'somewhat' when quantifying an adjective, and en quelque sorte to mean 'in a way' or 'sort of' when qualifying the nature of a description.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase en quelque sorte literally translates to 'in a certain sort' or 'in a certain way'.
Which one should you use?
While both phrases relate to the English 'kind of', they function differently: quelque peu is used to quantify the degree of an adjective (somewhat/a little bit), whereas en quelque sorte is used to qualify the nature of a description (in a way/sort of).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Quelque peu is a formal and literary way to say 'somewhat' compared to the more common un peu. In casual conversation, you might use plus ou moins to mean 'more or less'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Louisiana French, the word manière is used to express the concept of 'kind of' or 'in a way'.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɛl.kə pø/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- C'est en quelque sorte joli.It is kind of pretty.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use en quelque sorte to describe something as being kind of pretty.Tatoeba #2053735 by sacredceltic, translation #1897701 by CK
- C'était en quelque sorte amusant.It was kind of fun.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use en quelque sorte to describe something as being kind of fun.Tatoeba #2311044 by sacredceltic, translation #2309213 by Hybrid
- C'est, en quelque sorte, important.That's kind of important.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use en quelque sorte to describe something as being kind of important.Tatoeba #3421725 by sacredceltic, translation #2400046 by CK
- Je suis un peu fatigué après cette longue journée de travail.I am kind of tired after this long day of work.
- Il fait un peu chaud aujourd'hui.It's kind of hot today.
- Ce livre est quelque peu difficile à comprendre.This book is kind of difficult to understand.
- Je suis un peu fatigué aujourd'hui.I'm kind of tired today.
- C'est un peu compliqué à expliquer.It's kind of complicated to explain.
- La réunion était plus ou moins intéressante.The meeting was kind of interesting.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are discussing a movie they just watched.
- HugoTu as aimé le film ?Did you like the movie?
- ChloéC'était quelque peu décevant, je trouve.It was kind of disappointing, I think.
- HugoVraiment ? Moi, j'ai adoré l'histoire.Really? I loved the story.
- ChloéOui, mais le rythme était quelque peu lent.Yes, but the pace was kind of slow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kind of” translations and entries quelque peu, en quelque sorte, manière, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, manière, peu, quelque, sorte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
