enfant intelligent
The English phrase 'smart kid' is translated into French as enfant intelligent.
This phrase is used to describe a child who possesses a high level of mental ability or is quick to learn. You might also use the idiom un petit génie to refer to a very smart child.
Which one should you use?
While enfant intelligent is the standard way to express the idea, there are several alternatives depending on the context. For a more formal tone, you can use enfant brillant or enfant doué, the latter of which specifically implies a child is gifted or talented. For informal contexts, Gamin intelligent is common and in slang, you can use the term môme.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of Quebec, Canada, the adjective éveillé may be used informally to describe a smart child.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form 'smart kids', add an 's' to both the noun and the adjective to create enfants intelligents.
Did you know?
- The word enfant comes from the Latin īnfantem, which literally means 'one who cannot speak'. It combines the prefix for 'not' and the word for 'speak', describing a child by their lack of language.
- The slang term môme for a child was originally used to describe a 'brat' or a 'nuisance' before becoming a general informal word for a kid.
- In Quebec, the word éveillé literally means 'awake'. Using it to describe a smart kid suggests the child is mentally alert and observant of their surroundings.
Examples in context
- Quel enfant intelligent !What a smart kid!This sentence is useful for expressing admiration for an enfant intelligent.Tatoeba #8894104 by carlosalberto, translation #8894081 by carlosalberto
- Mon fils est un enfant intelligent.My son is a smart kid.
- Nous avons un enfant doué dans notre classe.We have a smart kid in our class.
- L'enfant brillant a résolu le problème rapidement.The smart kid solved the problem quickly.
- C'est un gamin intelligent, il comprend les choses rapidement.He's a smart kid, he understands things quickly.
- Ton fils est un enfant intelligent.Your son is a smart kid.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are watching a young boy solve a puzzle.
- ChloéRegarde ce petit garçon, c'est un enfant intelligent.Look at that little boy, he is a smart kid.
- HugoOui, il apprend très vite.Yes, he learns very quickly.
- ChloéIl est vraiment impressionnant.He is truly impressive.
- HugoC'est un enfant intelligent, en effet.He is a smart kid, indeed.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries enfant, intelligent, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
