tu es tellement gentil
The English phrase "you're so nice" can be translated into French as tu es tellement gentil.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they are very kind.
What does it mean word for word?
The word tellement functions as an adverb of intensity, meaning "so" or "so much".
Which one should you use?
For example, Tu es vraiment gentil/gentille means "You are really kind", while Tu es super sympa translates to "You're super nice". More formal alternatives include Vous êtes extrêmement aimable (You are extremely kind) or Vous êtes d'une grande bonté (You are of great goodness).
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a woman, you must change the adjective to the feminine form gentille. For example, tu es tellement gentille means "you're so nice" in the feminine.
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, calling someone gentil can carry a slightly patronizing or condescending undertone, similar to calling someone 'sweet' in a way that implies they are a bit naive.
- While gentil means 'nice' today, in Old French it was used to describe someone of noble birth or high social rank.
- The word gentil has its roots in the Latin word gentīlis, which originally referred to someone belonging to a specific 'clan' or 'family' rather than just being a kind person.
Examples in context
- Tu es tellement gentil avec moi.You are so nice to me.
- Merci pour l'aide, tu es tellement gentil.Thanks for the help, you're so nice.
- Oh, tu es tellement gentil de dire ça.Oh, you are so nice to say that.
Example conversation
Nathan gives Léa a small bouquet of flowers.
- LéaC'est pour moi ?Is this for me?
- NathanOui, juste pour te faire plaisir.Yes, just to make you happy.
- LéaMerci, tu es tellement gentil !Thank you, you're so nice!
- NathanDe rien, ça me fait plaisir.You're welcome, it makes me happy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gentil, tellement, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
