hyperactif
/i.pɛ.ʁak.tif/
The English phrase "spazzy" can be translated into French as hyperactif.
The term is used to describe someone who is clumsy or inept.
Meaning: clumsy or inept (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective hyperactif changes its ending to agree with the noun it describes: use hyperactive for a feminine noun, hyperactifs for a masculine plural noun and hyperactives for a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /i.pɛ.ʁak.tif/. It has 4 syllables.
Did you know?
- If you are describing a person who is clumsy in a more poetic or old-fashioned way, you might use gauche, which originally referred to the 'left' side.
- In informal French, to describe someone acting 'spazzy' or erratic, people sometimes use the word électrique, describing a person as 'electric'.
- Calling someone hyperactif in France can be seen as much more literal and less offensive than using the English term 'spazzy' in the US or UK.
Examples in context
- Vincent, t'es vraiment speed ce soir ! Tu ne peux pas rester tranquille une minute ?Vincent, you're really spazzy tonight! Can't you stay still for a minute?
- Julien est tellement agité, il n'arrête pas de bouger sur sa chaise.Julien is so spazzy, he can't stop moving in his chair.
Example conversation
Nathan is trying to help Manon in the kitchen.
- NathanJe t'aide à ranger les verres.I'll help you put away the glasses.
- ManonFais attention, tu es trop hyperactif aujourd'hui.Be careful, you're too spazzy today.
- NathanDésolé, je viens de renverser l'eau.Sorry, I just spilled the water.
- ManonLaisse-moi faire, Nathan.Let me do it, Nathan.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hyperactif, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
