sagesse
/sa.ʒɛs/feminine
The English word 'wisdom' is translated into French as sagesse.
sagesse is a feminine noun that refers to the ability to apply relevant knowledge in an insightful way. In a specific anatomical context, the phrase dent de sagesse is used to mean 'wisdom tooth'. Additionally, the capitalized form Sagesse is used in a Biblical context, such as in the name 'Wisdom of Solomon'.
Meaning: ability to apply relevant knowledge in an insightful way (noun)
Which one should you use?
While sagesse is the noun for wisdom, the related adjective sage can be used to mean 'wise' in an intellectual sense, but it is also frequently used to describe a child who is being well-behaved or quiet.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective form of the noun sagesse is sage.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /sa.ʒɛs/.
Did you know?
- The word sagesse is derived from the Latin word sapientia, which means both 'wisdom' and 'science'.
- In French literature and philosophy, la sagesse is often treated as a feminine virtue, personified as a woman, which aligns with its grammatical gender.
- While 'wisdom' in English sounds purely intellectual or spiritual, the French sagesse often implies a sense of moderation and temperance in one's actions.
Examples in context
- La sagesse est pouvoir.Wisdom is power.This sentence shows how to express the proverb 'Wisdom is power' using sagesse.Tatoeba #12886951 by Orange, translation #12886946 by Orange
- Mes dents de sagesse poussent.My wisdom teeth are coming in.This sentence uses sagesse to refer to wisdom teeth.Tatoeba #1231697 by sacredceltic, translation #269784 by CK
- Ma dent de sagesse me fait mal.My wisdom tooth hurts.This sentence uses sagesse to refer to a single wisdom tooth.Tatoeba #7598848 by Micsmithel, translation #456493 by lukaszpp
- La sagesse est une vertu importante dans la vie.Wisdom is an important virtue in life.
- La prudence est la clé de la sagesse.Prudence is the key to wisdom.
- Il a agi avec raison et sagesse.He acted with reason and wisdom.
- 74 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are discussing a difficult life decision.
- ManonJe ne sais pas quoi faire dans cette situation.I don't know what to do in this situation.
- NathanTu devrais demander conseil à ton grand-père.You should ask your grandfather for advice.
- ManonC'est vrai, il a beaucoup de sagesse.That's true, he has a lot of wisdom.
- NathanOui, il t'aidera sûrement à choisir.Yes, he will surely help you choose.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wisdom” translations and entries sagesse, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sagesse, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
