intelligent
/ɛ̃.tɛ.li.ʒɑ̃/
The English word smart can be translated into French as intelligent, which specifically refers to exhibiting intellectual knowledge.
The term intelligent is used to describe mental capacity and intellectual ability. If you want to describe someone as shrewd, you might use astucieux(e) or you can use perspicace to convey a sense of keen intelligence. Related to the concept of being 'smart' in a more informal sense, you may encounter malin(e), which can imply being sly or cunning. Note that verbs such as piquer, souffrir or the phrase provoquer une douleur aiguë are related to the concept of 'stinging' or 'hurting', but are not related to intellectual smartness.
Meaning: exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books (adj)
Which one should you use?
While English speakers often use the word 'smart' to mean someone is stylish or well-dressed, the French word intelligent refers strictly to mental capacity and does not imply being fashionable.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective intelligent must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use the feminine form intelligente for feminine nouns, the masculine plural form intelligents for masculine plural nouns and the feminine plural form intelligentes for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ɛ̃.tɛ.li.ʒɑ̃/ and consists of 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- The word malin comes from the Latin malus, meaning 'bad'. This is why it often carries a connotation of being 'cunning' or 'sly' rather than purely academic.
- The French word esprit means 'mind' or 'spirit', and someone with de l'esprit is not just intelligent but possesses a quick and sparkling wit.
- If you want to praise a child for being 'smart' in a resourceful way, you might call them débrouillard, a word that implies the ability to solve problems and find their own way.
Examples in context
- Quel type intelligent !What a smart guy!This sentence shows how to use intelligent to describe a person.Tatoeba #1927870 by sacredceltic, translation #1913104 by CK
- Tu es très intelligent.You're very smart.This sentence shows how to use intelligent to express a high level of intelligence.Tatoeba #2110513 by sacredceltic, translation #2094574 by MethodGT
- Il est très intelligent.He's very smart.This sentence shows how to use intelligent in the third person singular.Tatoeba #1528612 by Rovo, translation #2342356 by Hybrid
- Il est intelligentHe is smart
- Elle est très intelligenteShe is very smart
- Il est ingénieux dans ses idéesHe is smart in his ideas
- Elle est ingénieuse pour trouver des solutionsShe is smart at finding solutions
- Il est malin comme un singeHe is as smart as a monkey
- Elle est maline, elle sait tout faireShe is smart, she can do everything
- Il est extrêmement intelligent et astucieuxHe is extremely intelligent and clever
- 166 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing a classmate's project.
- LéaTu as lu son rapport ?Did you read his report?
- GabrielOui, c'est un travail très intelligent.Yes, it is a very smart piece of work.
- LéaIl est toujours aussi intelligent.He is always that smart.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord avec toi.I agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smart” translations and entries intelligent, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
