unique en son genre
/y.ni.k‿ɑ̃ sɔ̃ ʒɑ̃ʁ/
The English phrase "one of a kind" is translated into French as unique en son genre.
This phrase is used to describe a person or object that is a unique specimen. It can function as a positive compliment to highlight someone's originality, or as a more neutral or mildly critical way to describe someone who is eccentric.
Meaning: unique specimen (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase unique en son genre literally translates to "unique in its genre".
How does it change in a sentence?
The possessive adjective son refers to the gender of the noun (the genre) rather than the gender of the person or thing being described. If you are describing multiple people or things that are each one of a kind, use the plural form uniques en leur genre. Additionally, the phrase Un seul en son genre can be used to express the same meaning as "one in its own kind".
How do you pronounce it?
/y.ni.k‿ɑ̃ sɔ̃ ʒɑ̃ʁ/
Did you know?
- The word genre is frequently used in modern French slang as a filler word similar to 'like' in English, often appearing in phrases like c'est genre…
- In French, the adjective unique can be used as a noun to mean 'the only child' in a family, as in fils unique or fille unique.
- The word genre in French is a direct relative of the English 'gender', and both share a common ancestor in the Latin 'genere'.
Examples in context
- Il est unique en son genre.He's one of a kind.This sentence is useful for describing a person using unique en son genre.Tatoeba #1012556 by U2FS, translation #1012557 by U2FS
- Celui-ci est vraiment unique en son genre !This is really one of a kind!This sentence is useful for emphasizing that something is truly unique en son genre.Tatoeba #8610182 by felix63, translation #14007373 by zogwarg
- Elle est une artiste unique dans son genre.She is a one-of-a-kind artist.
- Ce monument historique est tout à fait exceptionnel.This historical monument is truly one of a kind.
- C'est un magasin pas comme les autres.It's a one-of-a-kind store.
- Jean est un garçon pas comme les autres.Jean is a one-of-a-kind boy.
- C'est absolument unique.It's absolutely one of a kind.
- Elle est vraiment unique.She is truly one of a kind.
- Cette montre est unique en son genre.This watch is one of a kind.
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are looking at a rare painting in an art gallery.
- HugoRegarde ce tableau, il est unique en son genre.Look at this painting, it is one of a kind.
- EmmaC'est vrai, son style est incroyable.It is true, its style is incredible.
- HugoJe n'ai jamais vu une œuvre comme celle-ci.I have never seen a work like this one.
- EmmaIl est vraiment spécial, Hugo.It is truly special, Hugo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “one of a kind” translations and entries unique en son genre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, genre, son, unique, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
