soigné
/swa.ɲe/
In French, the word for neat is soigné.
The term is used to describe something that has a simple elegance, style or a sense of being well-groomed and tasteful. It is frequently used to describe work or a task that has been executed with great care and attention to detail, such as un travail soigné (neat/careful work).
Meaning: having a simple elegance or style, clean, trim, tidy, tasteful (adj)
Which one should you use?
While soigné implies being well-groomed, stylish or carefully put together, the word propre refers more strictly to being clean, free from dirt or stains.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use soignée for feminine nouns, soignés for masculine plural nouns and soignées for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /swa.ɲe/. It has two syllables.
Did you know?
- While soigné describes a neat appearance, French has a specific term le soin to describe the act of taking care. This is why the adjective comes from the verb soigner, which means to treat a patient or to nurse someone back to health.
- In a medical context, if a doctor describes a patient's condition as soigné, they are not just talking about their appearance, but saying the patient is being 'well-cared for' or 'under proper medical treatment'.
- In the world of art and literature, the term le style soigné refers to a highly polished, formal way of writing that avoids any colloquialisms. It is the linguistic equivalent of wearing a tuxedo.
Examples in context
- Tom est très soigné.Tom is neat.This sentence shows how to use soigné to describe a person.Tatoeba #9391777 by Micsmithel, translation #2236785 by CK
- Elle est toujours soignée et ordonnée.She is always neat and tidy.This sentence uses soignée to describe a person who is neat and tidy.Tatoeba #4775530 by sacredceltic, translation #315338 by CK
- Cet appartement est très soignéThis apartment is very neat
- Cette bibliothèque est très ordonnéeThis library is very neat
- Sa chambre est toujours bien rangéeHis/her room is always neat
- Sa tenue est propre et bien assortieHis/her outfit is neat and well-coordinated
- Ta nouvelle voiture est impeccableYour new car is neat
- Ce film était vraiment sympaThat movie was really neat
- Ton nouvel ordinateur est nickelYour new computer is neat
- Ces vieilles voitures sont impeccablesNeat or in excellent condition
- J'ai visité un musée vraiment sympa hierReally neat or cool museum
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are looking at a piece of artwork at a gallery.
- LucasTu trouves son style soigné ?Do you find his style neat?
- ManonOui, c'est vraiment très élégant.Yes, it is really very elegant.
- LucasIl a un goût impeccable.He has impeccable taste.
- ManonC'est vrai, tout est parfait.It's true, everything is perfect.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry soigné, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
