primitif
/pʁi.mi.tif/
The English word "primitive" is translated into French as primitif.
The adjective primitif describes something that is old-fashioned or characterized by simplicity. In a formal context, it can also refer to the period of time before written history.
Meaning: old-fashioned, characterized by simplicity (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is primitif. To describe a feminine noun, use the form primitive. For masculine plural nouns, use primitives.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /pʁi.mi.tif/.
Did you know?
- In French, the word primitif is used in law and property to describe 'primitive assets', which are assets a spouse owned before the marriage.
- In the world of art history, the term primitif is used to describe a specific style of early Flemish painting from the 15th century, known as the Primitifs flamands.
- While English speakers use 'primitive' for both prehistoric eras and simple tools, a French speaker might prefer archaïque to avoid the social connotations of primitif.
Examples in context
- Tellement de membres de notre civilisation feraient bien de vivre quelque temps avec un peuple primitif.So many members of our civilized society would do well to live some time with a primitive people.This sentence uses primitif to compare civilized society with a primitive people.Tatoeba #6203529 by Sorgan, translation #6202732 by carlosalberto
- À cette époque, un peuple primitif vivait là.At that time a primitive people lived there.This sentence uses primitif to describe a people that lived in a certain place at a certain time.Tatoeba #1492670 by Scott, translation #1491993 by Plangam
- L'homme primitif utilisait des outils rudimentaires.The primitive man used rudimentary tools.
- La technologie utilisée dans cette région est assez archaïque.The technology used in this region is quite primitive.
- Ses compétences en cuisine sont vraiment basiques.His cooking skills are really primitive/basic.
- Ce téléphone est tellement préhistorique !This phone is so primitive!
- C'est un outil très primitif.It is a very primitive tool.
Example conversation
Hugo and Emma are looking at an old museum exhibit.
- HugoCet objet semble vraiment primitif.This object looks really primitive.
- EmmaOui, il est très ancien.Yes, it is very old.
- HugoEmma, regarde comme il est simple.Emma, look how simple it is.
- EmmaC'est fascinant, Hugo.It is fascinating, Hugo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry primitif, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
