antipathique
The English word "unfriendly" can be translated into French as antipathique.
antipathique is used to describe a person who has an unpleasant character or demeanor. It is the opposite of sympathique.
Meaning: not friendly, hostile (adj)
Which one should you use?
While antipathique describes a person's unpleasant character, pas amical is a more literal way to say "not very friendly" in a social context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective antipathique is epicene, meaning it has the same form for both masculine and feminine nouns. To make the word plural, add an s to form antipathiques.
Did you know?
- While 'sympathetic' in English refers to feeling pity or sorrow, the French sympathique simply means 'nice' or 'friendly'. This makes antipathique a description of personality rather than a lack of empathy.
- Unlike English, where 'unfriendly' can describe a cold environment or a difficult user interface, antipathique is used almost exclusively for people and their personalities.
- While an English speaker might say someone is 'unfriendly' to describe a lack of warmth, calling someone antipathique in French often implies they are actively disliked or even offensive.
Examples in context
- Il est assez froid avec les nouvelles personnes.He is quite unfriendly towards new people.
- Son attitude est plutôt distante.His attitude is rather unfriendly.
- Le personnel de l'hôtel était plutôt peu accueillant.The hotel staff was rather unfriendly.
- Elle n'est vraiment pas sympa avec moi.She's really unfriendly towards me.
- Le vendeur n'était pas très chaleureux avec les clients.The salesman wasn't very friendly with the customers.
- Son attitude n'est vraiment pas amicale envers les autres.His attitude is really unfriendly towards others.
- Le nouveau voisin est très antipathique.The new neighbor is very unfriendly.
- Je trouve ce serveur vraiment antipathique.I find this waiter really unfriendly.
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are discussing a person they met at a party.
- LéaTu as trouvé Marc antipathique ?Did you find Marc unfriendly?
- LucasOui, il était un peu froid.Yes, he was a bit cold.
- LéaC'est dommage, il a l'air sympa d'habitude.That's a shame, he usually seems nice.
- LucasPeut-être qu'il était juste fatigué.Maybe he was just tired.
