paresseux
/pa.ʁɛ.sø/
The English phrase 'lazy boy' is translated into French as paresseux.
This phrase is used to describe a boy who is unwilling to work or use energy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its form based on gender and number. Use paresseux for a masculine singular or masculine plural subject. Use paresseuse for a feminine singular subject, and paresseuses for a feminine plural subject.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /pa.ʁɛ.sø/.
Did you know?
- The word paresseux is also the French name for the 'sloth' animal, reflecting the creature's slow movements.
- While paresseux means 'lazy', the noun la paresse is one of the seven deadly sins in French culture, alongside 'envie' and 'orgueil'.
- The word paresseux can be used ironically in French to describe someone who is actually very efficient but avoids unnecessary or useless effort.
Examples in context
- Tom n'est pas paresseux. En fait, il travaille dur.Tom is not a lazy boy. As a matter of fact, he works hard.This sentence is useful for showing how to negate the form paresseux.Tatoeba #1173469 by rene1596, translation #37066 by CK
- Arrête d'être un fainéant et aide-moi!Stop being a lazy boy and help me!
- Ce petit garçon est très paresseux.This little boy is very lazy.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are talking about a younger brother.
- NathanMon frère ne veut pas m'aider.My brother doesn't want to help me.
- ChloéIl est paresseux aujourd'hui, Nathan.He is lazy today, Nathan.
- NathanOui, il préfère jouer aux jeux vidéo.Yes, he prefers playing video games.
- ChloéC'est typical d'un enfant paresseux.That's typical of a lazy child.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry paresseux, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
