impoli
/ɛ̃.pɔ.li/
The English word "rude" is translated into French as impoli. Wiktionary also lists malpoli.
Meaning: bad-mannered (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| impoli | /ɛ̃.pɔ.li/ |
| malpoli | /mal.pɔ.li/ |
impoli is used to describe someone who is bad-mannered.
What does it mean word for word?
The word impoli is formed by the prefix im- (not) and poli (polished/polite).
Which one should you use?
While impoli refers to a lack of manners, grossier implies a more aggressive, coarse or vulgar type of rudeness.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of 'impoli' is impolie. The masculine plural form of 'impoli' is impolis. The feminine plural form of 'impoli' is impolies.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ɛ̃.pɔ.li/ and has 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, you can use the adjective poli to describe a piece of furniture or a stone that has been polished, using the exact same word as 'polite'.
- French has a specific word insolent for a type of rudeness that specifically involves a lack of respect for authority, which is more targeted than impoli.
- Calling someone grossier can sometimes be a comment on their social class or lack of education rather than just their current behavior.
Examples in context
- Ne sois pas impoli !Don't be rude.This sentence is useful for telling someone not to be rude using the form impoli.Tatoeba #1996453 by sacredceltic, translation #1860512 by CK
- Ne sois pas si impoli.Don't you be so rude.Tatoeba #6376117 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #6376113 by OsoHombre
- Il est impoli et grossier.He is rude and uncouth.This sentence is useful for describing someone as both rude and uncouth using the form impoli.Tatoeba #12213079 by lbdx, translation #12213078 by Miktsoanit
- Marie était impolie avec le serveur.Marie was rude with the waiter.
- Son attitude désobligeante envers ses collègues témoigne d'un manque de respect.His dismissive attitude towards his colleagues shows a lack of respect.
- Pourquoi es-tu si méchant avec moi ?Why are you so rude to me?
- Ne sois pas insolent avec tes professeurs.Don't be rude to your teachers.
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are discussing a waiter at a restaurant.
- NathanCe serveur est vraiment impoli.This waiter is really rude.
- EmmaC'est vrai, il est très désagréable.It's true, he is very unpleasant.
- NathanJe n'aime pas son attitude.I do not like his attitude.
- EmmaOn devrait partir d'ici.We should leave here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rude” translations and entries impoli, malpoli, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
