personnalité
/pɛʁ.sɔ.na.li.te/feminine
The English word "personality" is translated into French as personnalité.
personnalité is used to describe the set of qualities that make a person distinct from others. In certain contexts, the phrase une personnalité can also refer to a famous person or a public figure, such as a celebrity.
Meaning: set of qualities that make a person distinct from other people (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
personnalité is a feminine noun. Because of this, any adjectives used to describe it must also be in the feminine form, such as forte or grande.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɛʁ.sɔ.na.li.te/
Did you know?
- The word personnalité shares a common ancestor with the English word 'person', both tracing back to the Latin 'persona', which originally referred to a mask worn by actors in ancient theatre.
- In French legal terminology, la personnalité juridique refers to the legal capacity of an entity, meaning that companies can be treated as 'persons' with rights and duties.
- A person with a 'strong personality' is often described as avoir un fort caractère rather than using the word personnalité, as the latter can sound overly clinical or formal.
Examples in context
- Il a une double personnalité.He has a dual personality.This sentence is useful for describing someone with a dual personality.Tatoeba #133069 by Julien_PDC, translation #302160 by CK
- Elle a une forte personnalité.She has a strong personality.This sentence is useful for describing someone with a strong personality.Tatoeba #134277 by nimfeo, translation #313508 by CK
- J'aime la personnalité de Tom.I like Tom's personality.This sentence is useful for expressing liking someone's personality.Tatoeba #5370985 by pititnatole, translation #2361641 by CK
- Sa personnalité est très charismatique.His personality is very charismatic.
- Son caractère est fort et déterminé.Her personality is strong and determined.
- Quelque chose dans son tempérament le rend très attachant.Something in his personality makes him very endearing.
- Son attitude décontractée révèle sa personnalité détendue.His laid-back attitude reveals his relaxed personality.
- Sa personnalité est si attachante, elle rend tout le monde à l'aise.Her personality is so endearing, it makes everyone comfortable.
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a new employee during a break.
- ManonQue penses-tu de sa personnalité ?What do you think of his personality?
- HugoIl a une personnalité très calme.He has a very calm personality.
- ManonC'est parfait pour notre équipe.It is perfect for our team.
- HugoOui, je suis d'accord avec toi.Yes, I agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “personality” translations and entries personnalité, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries personnalité, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
