garçon intelligent
The English phrase "smart boy" is translated into French as garçon intelligent.
This phrase is used to describe a boy who possesses a quick mind and is good at learning.
Which one should you use?
You can use the phrase un garçon intelligent to mean "a smart boy" in the masculine form, whereas you would use une for a smart girl to make the phrase feminine. Additionally, the idiomatic expression un petit génie is used to refer to a very smart child, literally meaning "a little genius".
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the adjective intelligent follows the noun garçon. To form the plural "smart boys", both the noun and the adjective must take an s, resulting in garçons intelligents.
Did you know?
- The word garçon shares an ancient root with the English word 'wretch', tracing back to a Germanic term for an 'exile' or 'outcast'.
- In a traditional French cafe, calling out garçon to get a waiter's attention is now often considered outdated or impolite.
- In many French-speaking regions, calling a child un petit génie can be used sarcastically to mock someone who has just done something foolish.
Examples in context
- C'est un garçon intelligent.He is a smart boy.This sentence is useful for stating "He is a smart boy" using the form garçon intelligent.Tatoeba #133505 by Micsmithel, translation #508832 by kebukebu
- Ce jeune garçon doué a une compréhension rapide des concepts.This smart boy has a quick grasp of concepts.
- Ce petit génie est toujours en tête de sa classe.This smart boy is always at the top of his class.
- Ce garçon intelligent finit ses devoirs vite.This smart boy finishes his homework quickly.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are talking about Gabriel's younger brother.
- GabrielMon frère a fini ses devoirs très vite.My brother finished his homework very quickly.
- ManonC'est parce que c'est un garçon intelligent.It is because he is a smart boy.
- GabrielOui, il apprend tout très rapidement.Yes, he learns everything very quickly.
- ManonIl a beaucoup de talent.He has a lot of talent.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries garçon, intelligent, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
