gentillesse
The English phrase "kindness" is translated into French as gentillesse.
gentillesse is the most common and general term used to express the concept of kindness in French.
Meaning: being kind (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from the adjective gentil (kind) and the suffix -esse, which is used to form abstract nouns from adjectives.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun gentillesse is feminine.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might mistakenly use gentillesse to mean "nobility" or "gentility" in the sense of social class. In modern French, the word almost exclusively refers to the quality of being kind or sweet.
Did you know?
- If a French speaker describes someone as trop gentil, they are often suggesting the person is naive or easily manipulated rather than just kind.
- The English word 'gentle' shares the same linguistic ancestor as gentillesse, both descending from the Latin 'gentilis', meaning 'of the same clan'.
- French has a specific term, gentillesse gratuite, which refers to an act of kindness performed for no possible reward or reason.
Examples in context
- Sa gentillesse m'a ému.Her kindness touched me.This sentence shows how kindness can affect someone's emotions.Tatoeba #133780 by Micsmithel, translation #309464 by CM
- Merci de ta gentillesse.Thank you for your kindness.This sentence is useful for thanking someone for their kindness.Tatoeba #3260600 by nimfeo, translation #54403 by CK
- Sa gentillesse m'a touché.His kindness touched me.This sentence demonstrates how kindness can touch or move someone.Tatoeba #11675489 by Aiji, translation #5167504 by tabular
- La gentillesse envers autrui est une valeur primordiale.Kindness towards others is a fundamental value.
- Sa bienveillance envers les autres est admirable.His kindness towards others is admirable.
- J'apprécie ton amabilité envers tout le monde.I appreciate your kindness towards everyone.
- Sa bonté envers les nécessiteux est inégalée.His kindness towards the needy is unmatched.
- 60 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are talking about a helpful neighbor.
- LéaLa gentillesse de ce voisin est incroyable.This neighbor's kindness is incredible.
- LucasC'est vrai, il est très serviable.It's true, he is very helpful.
- LéaSa gentillesse m'a vraiment impressionnée.His kindness really impressed me.
- LucasIl mérite toute notre reconnaissance.He deserves all our gratitude.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
