Which one should you use?
The form tu es gentil is used when addressing a male, whereas tu es gentille is the feminine form used when addressing a woman. The phrase Tu es sympa. is a common alternative that means 'You are nice'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The choice of words depends on your relationship with the person. Using tu in tu es gentil or Tu es sympa. makes these phrases informal, suitable for friends, family or peers. In formal situations, such as speaking to strangers, elders or in professional settings, use vous as in Vous êtes gentil/gentille. or Vous êtes aimable. The phrase Vous êtes agréable. is also a formal way to say 'You are pleasant'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a person, you must match the gender of the adjective to the person you are speaking to. If you are speaking to a woman, use the feminine form gentille instead of the masculine gentil.
Did you know?
- If said with a specific tone to a stranger, vous êtes gentil can be a sarcastic way to call someone naive.
- In French, calling someone sympathique describes their pleasant personality, unlike the English 'sympathetic' which often implies feeling pity for someone.
- In Old French, the word gentil was used to describe someone of high social rank or noble birth.
Examples in context
- Tu es gentil avec tout le monde.You're nice to everyone.
- Merci pour le cadeau, tu es gentil.Thanks for the gift, you're nice.
- Je pense que tu es gentil.I think you're nice.
Example conversation
Nathan helps Léa carry her heavy bags.
- LéaMerci beaucoup pour ton aide, Nathan.Thank you very much for your help, Nathan.
- NathanDe rien, c'est normal.You're welcome, it's normal.
- LéaTu es gentil, vraiment.You're nice, really.
- NathanC'est très gentil de ta part.That's very kind of you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gentil, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
