respectueux
/ʁɛs.pɛk.tɥø/
The English word "respectful" is translated into French as respectueux.
The adjective respectueux is used to describe someone or something characterized by respect. When you want to express that someone is being respectful of a specific rule, a person or a tradition, you should use the preposition de after the adjective (e.g., respectueux de).
Meaning: characterized by respect (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes its form to agree with the gender and number of the noun it describes. The masculine singular and masculine plural forms are both written as respectueux. The feminine singular form is respectueuse, and the feminine plural form is respectueuses.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /ʁɛs.pɛk.tɥø/.
Did you know?
- A respectueux closing to a professional letter is not just a phrase but a ritualized formula called a formule de politesse that can be an entire sentence long.
- In French, calling a person respectueux can sometimes imply a sense of deference or even submissiveness, whereas 'respectful' in English often feels more neutral.
- The suffix '-eux' in respectueux is a linguistic cousin to the English suffix '-ous' in 'respectful', as both stem from the Latin '-osus'.
Examples in context
- Tom a été très respectueux.Tom has been very respectful.This sentence shows how to use respectueux to describe a person's behavior.Tatoeba #5371995 by Aiji, translation #5243396 by CK
- Sois respectueux envers les femmes.Be respectful to women.This sentence illustrates how to use respectueux in an imperative command.Tatoeba #12476832 by always, translation #9146141 by Amastan
- Il a formulé sa demande avec des mots respectueux.He couched his demand in respectful words.This sentence demonstrates using respectueux to describe the nature of specific words.Tatoeba #12877329 by lbdx, translation #2077222 by aydink
- Elle a une attitude polie envers tout le mondeShe has a polite attitude towards everyone
- Nous devons être soucieux du respect envers nos aînésWe must be mindful of respect towards our elders
- Elle est une femme distinguée qui sait se comporter avec respectShe is a distinguished woman who knows how to behave with respect
- Il est quelqu'un de très sympa et respectueuxHe is someone who is very nice and respectful
- Elle a toujours été courtoise avec moiShe has always been courteous with me
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are discussing a new colleague.
- GabrielTon nouveau collègue est très respectueux.Your new colleague is very respectful.
- EmmaOui, il est vraiment très poli.Yes, he is really very polite.
- GabrielC'est agréable de travailler avec quelqu'un de respectueux.It is pleasant to work with someone respectful.
- EmmaJe suis tout à fait d'accord.I completely agree.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “respectful” translations and entries respectueux, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries respectueux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
