assez
/a.se/
The English word "quite" can be translated into French as assez, meaning to a moderate extent.
The adverb assez is used to indicate that something is occurring to a moderate degree. While it can mean "quite", it is also used to mean "enough".
Meaning: to a moderate extent (adv)
Which one should you use?
In English, "quite" can sometimes mean "completely" (for example, "quite certain"). In French, assez almost always implies a moderate degree and rarely means "completely". If you want to express "absolutely" or "completely" in an informal way, you might use carrément instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using assez to mean "enough" rather than "quite" or "moderately", you must follow it with the preposition de before a noun. To express "enough [adjective] for [someone] to [do something]", use the structure assez [adjective] pour que followed by the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
The word assez is pronounced /a.se/ and has two syllables.
Did you know?
- While assez means 'quite' or 'enough', the French word carrément literally means 'squarely', as if drawing a square.
- The phrase en avoir assez is a common idiom that means to be fed up with something, rather than simply having a moderate amount.
- The word assez stems from the Latin words ad and satis, the latter of which is the root of the English word 'satisfy'.
Examples in context
- Ce fut assez amusant.It was quite funny.This sentence shows the use of assez to mean quite.Tatoeba #1984913 by sacredceltic, translation #1983984 by Spamster
- Elle est assez belle.She's quite gorgeous.Tatoeba #6949028 by vlecomte, translation #6948766 by shekitten
- Elle est assez fâchée.She is quite angry.Tatoeba #134025 by dominiko, translation #311522 by CK
- Ce film est assez intéressant.This movie is quite interesting.
- C'est vraiment délicieux.It's quite delicious.
- Il est carrément génial!He's quite awesome!
- 167 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are discussing a movie they just watched.
- EmmaTu as aimé le film ?Did you like the movie?
- LucasC'était assez intéressant.It was quite interesting.
- EmmaVraiment ? Je l'ai adoré !Really? I loved it!
- LucasIl était assez long, quand même.It was quite long, though.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quite” translations and entries assez, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries assez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
