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B2 noun 11 دقيقة للقراءة

intentionnel

أمثلة intentionnel في 30 ثانية
الشرح intentionnel in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe actions. While the word 'intentionnel' might be a bit long and difficult for a total beginner, you can understand it as the formal way of saying 'on purpose'. In simple French, we usually say 'faire exprès'. For example, if you say 'Je n'ai pas fait exprès', you mean 'I didn't do it on purpose'. The word 'intentionnel' is the adjective version of this. It helps you describe a thing that was done because someone wanted to do it. You might see it in simple signs or hear it in very clear sentences like 'Ce n'est pas un accident, c'est intentionnel'. Think of it as the opposite of an accident. If you drop a glass by mistake, it is an accident. If you throw the glass because you are angry, it is intentionnel. At this level, just try to recognize the word when you see it and remember it means 'not by mistake'.
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At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'intentionnel' in simple descriptions of events. You are learning to distinguish between things that happen by chance and things that people choose to do. You can use 'intentionnel' to describe a choice in a game or a simple mistake. For example, 'Son erreur n'était pas intentionnelle'. Note how the word changes to 'intentionnelle' for feminine things like 'une erreur'. This is a good time to practice your adjective agreements. You will often hear this in school or in sports. If a player hits another player, the coach might ask, 'Était-ce intentionnel ?' (Was it intentional?). You can answer 'Oui' or 'Non, c'était un accident'. Using this word makes your French sound a little more grown-up than just saying 'exprès'. It shows you are starting to understand how to describe the 'why' behind an action in a more formal way.
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل
At the B1 level, you are becoming more comfortable with abstract concepts and formal vocabulary. You can use 'intentionnel' to discuss social situations, news stories, and professional tasks. You should be able to explain the difference between an accidental event and a deliberate one using this word. For instance, in a discussion about the environment, you might say, 'La pollution n'est pas toujours intentionnelle, mais elle est réelle'. You are also learning to use the adverb 'intentionnellement' (intentionally) to describe how someone does something. At this level, you should also be careful not to confuse 'intentionnel' with 'intentionné'. Remember: 'intentionnel' is for the action, and 'intentionné' is for the person. If you say someone is 'bien intentionné', it means they have good intentions. If you say an act is 'intentionnel', it means it was done on purpose. This distinction is a key milestone for B1 learners moving toward fluency.
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل
At the B2 level, which is where this word is officially categorized, you should use 'intentionnel' with precision in legal, professional, and academic contexts. You understand that 'intentionnel' carries a sense of accountability and agency. You can participate in debates about whether a certain policy was an 'acte intentionnel' to exclude certain groups or just a byproduct of poor planning. You are comfortable with the feminine and plural forms ('intentionnelles', 'intentionnels') and can use them fluently in complex sentences. You also start to recognize the word in literature and news reports about 'homicide intentionnel' (intentional homicide) vs. 'homicide involontaire' (involuntary manslaughter). You can use synonyms like 'délibéré' or 'voulu' to add variety to your speech. Your ability to use 'intentionnel' correctly shows that you can handle the nuances of human intent and responsibility, which is a hallmark of the B2 level.
At the C1 level, you use 'intentionnel' to explore deep philosophical and technical nuances. You might discuss the 'sophisme intentionnel' (intentional fallacy) in literary criticism or the role of 'intentionnalité' in phenomenology. You are able to use the word in very formal writing, such as legal briefs or academic essays, where the distinction between 'intentionnel', 'prémédité', and 'délibéré' is crucial. You understand that while these words are similar, 'prémédité' implies a prior plan, while 'intentionnel' simply implies the will was present at the moment of the act. You can use the word to describe subtle artistic choices, such as an 'oubli intentionnel' (intentional omission) in a narrative. Your vocabulary is rich enough that you can use 'intentionnel' as a baseline and then refine your meaning with more specific terms. You also have a perfect command of the word's agreement and its related word family, including 'intentionnalité' and 'intentionnellement'.
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل
At the C2 level, 'intentionnel' is a tool you use with total mastery and effortless precision. You can navigate the most complex linguistic environments, from high-level diplomatic negotiations to abstract scientific discourse. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how its usage has evolved in the French language. You can use it in highly idiomatic or ironic ways, and you are sensitive to the smallest shifts in tone that the word provides. For a C2 speaker, 'intentionnel' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a concept that you can manipulate to express the finest shades of human thought and action. You might use it to critique a complex social phenomenon, arguing that systemic issues are often 'structurellement intentionnels' even if no single individual is to blame. At this level, your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can explain its nuances to others with clarity and depth.
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أمثلة

intentionnel في 30 ثانية

  • Intentionnel means 'intentional' or 'deliberate'. It describes actions done on purpose.
  • It is an adjective that must agree with the noun: intentionnel (m) or intentionnelle (f).
  • It is commonly used in legal, professional, and sports contexts to assign responsibility.
  • It is the formal alternative to the informal phrase 'fait exprès'.

The French adjective intentionnel is a sophisticated term used to describe an action, a gesture, or a result that was not the product of chance or accident, but rather the outcome of a conscious decision and a specific goal. At its core, it translates to 'intentional' or 'deliberate' in English. While beginners might rely on the simpler adverbial phrase exprès to say they did something on purpose, the word intentionnel elevates the discourse to a more formal, precise, and often legal or professional level. It is essential to understand that this word modifies the act itself. When you describe a choice as intentionnel, you are removing all ambiguity regarding the actor's state of mind; they knew what they were doing and they wanted the specific outcome that occurred.

Legal Context
In French law, the distinction between an accidental act and an acte intentionnel is the difference between a minor negligence and a serious crime. For instance, homicide intentionnel refers to murder where the intent to kill was present, as opposed to involuntary manslaughter.

L'arbitre a jugé que le coup de pied était intentionnel, ce qui a entraîné une expulsion immédiate.

In everyday professional life, you might use this word to describe design choices or strategic moves. If a company leaves a certain feature out of a product, they might explain that the omission was intentionnelle (note the feminine agreement) to keep the interface clean. This implies a level of craftsmanship and thought. It is also frequently used in psychology and philosophy to discuss human agency. To act in an intentionnel manner is to exercise one's will. Unlike the word volontaire, which can sometimes mean 'brave' or 'energetic', intentionnel focuses strictly on the teleological aspect—the goal-oriented nature of the behavior. It is a word that demands accountability.

Artistic Usage
Critics often discuss whether a specific blur in a photograph or a dissonance in a musical piece was intentionnel. If it was, it is considered a technique; if not, it is considered a technical failure.

Ce silence prolongé durant son discours était tout à fait intentionnel pour créer du suspense.

Furthermore, the word is often contrasted with accidentel or fortuit. When an investigator looks at a fire, they determine if it was intentionnel (arson) or caused by a short circuit. In social interactions, if you step on someone's foot, you might quickly clarify, "Ce n'était pas intentionnel !" to maintain social harmony. Using this word instead of "Je ne l'ai pas fait exprès" shows a higher level of education and emotional maturity in French. It shifts the focus from the 'I' to the 'Act', making the apology sound more objective and sincere in formal settings. It is a cornerstone of B2-level vocabulary because it allows for the discussion of abstract concepts like responsibility, planning, and malice.

Philosophy
In the study of phenomenology, 'l'intentionnalité' is the power of minds to be about, to represent, or to stand for, things, properties and states of affairs.

Le choix des mots dans ce contrat est intentionnel et ne laisse aucune place à l'interprétation.

Using intentionnel correctly requires attention to grammatical gender and the context of the action. As a standard adjective, it usually follows the noun it describes. For instance, if you are discussing a mistake in a document, you would say une erreur intentionnelle. Notice the addition of '-le' for the feminine form. This is a common pattern for French adjectives ending in '-el'. When the noun is plural, you add an 's': des actes intentionnels or des erreurs intentionnelles.

Formal Declarations
"Nous affirmons que ce changement n'est pas intentionnel." (We affirm that this change is not intentional.)

Est-ce que ce retard était intentionnel de la part de la direction ?

In more complex sentence structures, you might find intentionnel used as a predicate adjective after verbs like être (to be), sembler (to seem), or paraître (to appear). For example: "Le dommage causé semble intentionnel." Here, the word provides a descriptive quality to the damage. It is also useful in the negative to deny culpability. Phrases like "Ce n'était pas intentionnel" are vital for de-escalating conflicts. In writing, you can use it to contrast two types of behaviors: "Il faut distinguer le geste maladroit du geste intentionnel." (One must distinguish the clumsy gesture from the intentional gesture.)

In Sports Reporting
"La faute était si intentionnelle que le joueur a reçu un carton rouge direct." (The foul was so intentional that the player received a direct red card.)

Rien dans son comportement n'indiquait un désir intentionnel de nuire à autrui.

Advanced learners should also be aware of how intentionnel interacts with synonyms. While délibéré is often interchangeable, intentionnel is the preferred term in insurance and law when discussing 'intent'. In literature, authors might use it to describe the 'intentional fallacy' (le sophisme intentionnel), the mistake of evaluating a work based on the author's intent rather than the work itself. When using it in the plural, remember the pronunciation remains the same, but the spelling changes. "Leurs oublis étaient intentionnels" (Their omissions were intentional). It is a versatile tool that adds a layer of precision to your descriptions of human behavior and causality.

Daily Life
"Désolé, ce n'était pas intentionnel, j'ai glissé." (Sorry, it wasn't intentional, I slipped.)

Le designer a fait un choix intentionnel en utilisant des couleurs sombres.

You will encounter the word intentionnel in various high-stakes environments in France. First and foremost is the courtroom and legal news. Reporters covering criminal trials frequently use terms like homicide intentionnel or coups et blessures intentionnels. If you listen to French news channels like BFM TV or France Info, this word appears whenever there is a discussion about responsibility in accidents or crimes. It is the bridge between a simple event and a criminal charge. In these contexts, the word carries a heavy weight, suggesting a malicious or at least a fully conscious decision to cause harm.

In the Media
Journalists often ask officials: "Pensez-vous que cet incendie soit intentionnel ?" (Do you think this fire was intentional?)

La police enquête pour déterminer si l'acte était intentionnel ou accidentel.

Another common sphere is sports commentary. During a football (soccer) or rugby match, commentators debate whether a player's foul was intentionnel. You might hear: "C'est une main intentionnelle !" (That's an intentional handball!). The distinction is vital because it determines the severity of the penalty. Similarly, in the world of art and cinema, directors are often interviewed about their choices. A director might say that a certain shaky camera effect was intentionnel to make the viewer feel the character's anxiety. In this sense, it becomes a word of creative justification. It tells the audience that what they are seeing is a deliberate part of the vision, not a mistake.

Professional Meetings
During a performance review, a manager might say: "Votre progression semble être le résultat d'un effort intentionnel." (Your progress seems to be the result of an intentional effort.)

Ce n'est pas un bug, c'est un comportement intentionnel du logiciel.

In everyday social life among educated adults, you'll hear it used to clarify misunderstandings. If someone says something hurtful, they might follow up with, "Ce n'était pas intentionnel, mes mots ont dépassé ma pensée." (It wasn't intentional, I spoke without thinking.) It is also used in the context of 'intentional living' or 'intentional communities', which is a growing trend in France. People talk about la consommation intentionnelle (intentional consumption), referring to buying things thoughtfully and ethically rather than impulsively. Whether in a courtroom, a stadium, a gallery, or a living room, intentionnel is the word of choice for discussing the 'why' behind the 'what'.

The most frequent and confusing mistake learners make is confusing intentionnel with the adjective intentionné. While they look similar and share a root, they are used in very different ways. Intentionnel describes an action (deliberate, done on purpose). Intentionné describes a person's disposition (having intentions). For example, bien intentionné means 'well-intentioned' (a person who means well), and mal intentionné means 'ill-intentioned' (someone with bad motives). You cannot say "un acte intentionné" to mean a deliberate act; it must be "un acte intentionnel". Conversely, you wouldn't say a person is "intentionnelle" unless you mean they are an embodiment of intent, which is rare and philosophical.

The 'Exprès' Trap
Learners often try to use exprès as an adjective (e.g., "C'était exprès"). While this is common in spoken French, it is grammatically an adverbial usage. In formal writing, intentionnel is required. "C'était intentionnel" sounds much more professional than "C'était fait exprès".

Faux ami: Don't confuse it with intentionné which refers to the person's character.

Another mistake is forgetting the feminine agreement. Because 'intentionnel' ends in '-el', the feminine is '-elle'. Many learners forget to double the 'l' and add the 'e' when modifying feminine nouns like une décision or une faute. Saying "une décision intentionnel" is a clear grammar error that marks you as a beginner. Always check the gender of the noun. Furthermore, some learners over-rely on the word volontaire. While volontaire can mean intentional, it often implies a sense of 'willingness' or 'volunteering'. If you want to say something was planned and deliberate, intentionnel is often the more precise choice.

Confusion with 'Prévu'
Do not confuse intentionnel with prévu (planned/expected). Something can be prévu but not intentionnel (like a storm on a weather forecast), and something can be intentionnel but not prévu for the observer (like a surprise attack).

Incorrect: Un homme intentionnel. Correct: Un homme bien intentionné.

Finally, avoid using intentionnel to describe feelings. You don't have an "amour intentionnel". You have an "amour sincère" or "volontaire". Intentionnel is best reserved for actions, decisions, and outcomes. By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the intentionnel vs. intentionné divide—you will sound much more like a native speaker and avoid the most common pitfalls of B2-level French learners.

To broaden your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that share the semantic space of intentionnel. The most common synonym is délibéré. This word is almost identical in meaning but often carries a connotation of having been thought through for a long time. For example, une attaque délibérée suggests careful planning. Another alternative is volontaire. As mentioned before, this can mean 'intentional', especially in legal terms like homicide volontaire. However, in daily life, volontaire often refers to someone who offers their help (a volunteer) or someone with a strong will.

Intentionnel vs. Délibéré
Intentionnel: Focuses on the fact that it wasn't an accident.
Délibéré: Focuses on the fact that it was weighed and decided upon.

C'était un acte délibéré de sabotage.

In informal speech, French people rarely use the adjective intentionnel. Instead, they use the adverbial phrase fait exprès. If a child breaks a toy, they might cry, "Je n'ai pas fait exprès !" (I didn't do it on purpose!). Another useful phrase is de propos délibéré, which is a very formal way of saying 'deliberately' or 'with full intent'. If you want to describe something that was planned in advance, you can use prémédité. This is specifically used for crimes; un crime prémédité is one that was planned out before it was committed.

Intentionnel vs. Voulu
Voulu: Often used for desired effects in art or style. "Un effet voulu" (A desired effect).
Intentionnel: More clinical and objective.

Ce résultat n'était pas voulu, mais il est quand même intéressant.

On the opposite side, the antonyms are accidentel (accidental), involontaire (involuntary), and fortuit (fortuitous/by chance). If something happens by luck, you would call it un hasard. Understanding these nuances allows you to choose the exact word for the situation. If you are writing a formal letter to an insurance company, use intentionnel. If you are talking to a friend about a mistake you made, pas fait exprès is better. If you are describing a carefully planned corporate strategy, délibéré might be the most impressive choice. Mastering these synonyms will make your French sound rich and precise.

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أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

Ce n'est pas un accident, c'est intentionnel.

It's not an accident, it's intentional.

Simple sentence with the verb 'être'.

2

Est-ce que c'est intentionnel ?

Is it intentional?

Interrogative form using 'est-ce que'.

3

Le geste n'est pas intentionnel.

The gesture is not intentional.

Negative form using 'ne...pas'.

4

C'est un choix intentionnel.

It is an intentional choice.

Adjective following the noun 'choix'.

5

Je ne pense pas que ce soit intentionnel.

I don't think it's intentional.

Use of the subjunctive 'soit' after 'je ne pense pas que'.

6

C'est intentionnel, je voulais le faire.

It's intentional, I wanted to do it.

Juxtaposition of two simple clauses.

7

Désolé, ce n'était pas intentionnel.

Sorry, it wasn't intentional.

Imperfect tense 'était' for a past state.

8

C'est un acte intentionnel.

It is an intentional act.

Adjective modifying the masculine noun 'acte'.

1

Le joueur a fait une faute intentionnelle.

The player made an intentional foul.

Feminine agreement: 'faute intentionnelle'.

2

Ses erreurs ne sont pas intentionnelles.

His/her mistakes are not intentional.

Plural feminine agreement: 'erreurs... intentionnelles'.

3

Il a cassé le vase, mais ce n'était pas intentionnel.

He broke the vase, but it wasn't intentional.

Contrast using the conjunction 'mais'.

4

L'artiste a laissé des taches, c'est intentionnel.

The artist left spots, it's intentional.

Describing an artistic result.

5

Pourquoi avez-vous fait ce mouvement intentionnel ?

Why did you make that intentional movement?

Question using inversion 'avez-vous'.

6

Le retard du train n'est jamais intentionnel.

The train delay is never intentional.

Use of 'ne...jamais' for negation.

7

C'est une décision intentionnelle de notre part.

It is an intentional decision on our part.

Feminine noun 'décision' with agreement.

8

Il a oublié mon nom, mais je ne crois pas que ce soit intentionnel.

He forgot my name, but I don't believe it's intentional.

Subjunctive mood after 'je ne crois pas que'.

1

L'omission de son nom dans le rapport était intentionnelle.

The omission of his name in the report was intentional.

Feminine agreement with 'omission'.

2

Il est difficile de prouver que l'acte était intentionnel.

It is difficult to prove that the act was intentional.

Infinitive construction 'Il est difficile de'.

3

Nous devons savoir si ce comportement est intentionnel ou non.

We need to know if this behavior is intentional or not.

Indirect question using 'si'.

4

Le réalisateur utilise un flou intentionnel dans cette scène.

The director uses an intentional blur in this scene.

Adjective modifying 'flou' (blur).

5

Ce n'est pas intentionnel, j'ai simplement oublié de vous appeler.

It's not intentional, I simply forgot to call you.

Use of 'simplement' to explain the cause.

6

Les dégâts causés par l'eau ne sont pas intentionnels.

The damage caused by the water is not intentional.

Plural masculine agreement with 'dégâts'.

7

Elle a fait un silence intentionnel pour attirer l'attention.

She made an intentional silence to attract attention.

Purpose clause using 'pour' + infinitive.

8

Tout ce que vous voyez ici est le fruit d'un travail intentionnel.

Everything you see here is the result of intentional work.

Metaphorical use: 'le fruit de'.

1

La loi distingue clairement l'homicide intentionnel de l'homicide involontaire.

The law clearly distinguishes intentional homicide from involuntary homicide.

Legal terminology and contrast.

2

L'incendie semble être intentionnel selon les premiers éléments de l'enquête.

The fire seems to be intentional according to the initial findings of the investigation.

Passive-like structure with 'semble être'.

3

Le design épuré de l'application est un choix esthétique intentionnel.

The sleek design of the application is an intentional aesthetic choice.

Multiple adjectives modifying 'choix'.

4

Il a agi de manière intentionnelle pour nuire à la réputation de son rival.

He acted in an intentional manner to harm his rival's reputation.

Adverbial phrase 'de manière intentionnelle'.

5

L'ambiguïté de ses propos était tout à fait intentionnelle.

The ambiguity of his remarks was entirely intentional.

Use of 'tout à fait' for emphasis.

6

Les autorités craignent que ce sabotage ne soit intentionnel.

Authorities fear that this sabotage may be intentional.

Subjunctive after 'craindre que' with expletive 'ne'.

7

Ce n'est pas un bug, c'est un comportement intentionnel du système.

It's not a bug, it's an intentional behavior of the system.

Technical jargon context.

8

L'auteur utilise des anachronismes intentionnels pour bousculer le lecteur.

The author uses intentional anachronisms to unsettle the reader.

Plural masculine agreement with 'anachronismes'.

1

La phénoménologie explore le concept d'acte intentionnel de la conscience.

Phenomenology explores the concept of the intentional act of consciousness.

Philosophical terminology.

2

Il est impératif de déterminer si le dol était intentionnel lors de la conclusion du contrat.

It is imperative to determine if the fraud was intentional during the conclusion of the contract.

Legal term 'dol' (fraud/deceit).

3

L'herméneutique se penche sur le caractère intentionnel du texte littéraire.

Hermeneutics examines the intentional character of the literary text.

Advanced academic subject 'herméneutique'.

4

Sa mise à l'écart semble être le résultat d'un processus intentionnel et coordonné.

His sidelining seems to be the result of an intentional and coordinated process.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

5

L'artiste revendique le caractère intentionnel de la laideur dans ses œuvres.

The artist claims the intentional character of ugliness in his works.

Verb 'revendiquer' (to claim/assert).

6

Le législateur a voulu punir plus sévèrement l'acte intentionnel de dégradation.

The legislator wanted to punish the intentional act of degradation more severely.

Reference to the 'législateur' (lawmaker).

7

La rupture de stock n'était pas intentionnelle, mais due à une crise logistique.

The stock shortage was not intentional, but due to a logistical crisis.

Feminine agreement with 'rupture'.

8

On ne peut ignorer la dimension intentionnelle de cette provocation politique.

One cannot ignore the intentional dimension of this political provocation.

Abstract noun 'dimension'.

1

L'ontologie sartrienne postule que tout état de conscience est par essence intentionnel.

Sartrean ontology postulates that every state of consciousness is essentially intentional.

High-level philosophical discourse.

2

Le caractère intentionnel de la faute est une condition sine qua non de la responsabilité pénale.

The intentional nature of the fault is a sine qua non condition of criminal liability.

Use of Latin legal phrases.

3

L'œuvre se déploie dans une tension constante entre l'aléatoire et l'intentionnel.

The work unfolds in a constant tension between the random and the intentional.

Substantive use of the adjective 'l'intentionnel'.

4

La stratégie de communication repose sur un flou intentionnel visant à ménager toutes les parties.

The communication strategy relies on an intentional vagueness aimed at appeasing all parties.

Present participle 'visant' as an adjective.

5

L'analyse textuelle révèle des écarts intentionnels par rapport à la norme grammaticale.

Textual analysis reveals intentional deviations from the grammatical norm.

Plural masculine agreement.

6

La déconstruction de l'acte intentionnel remet en cause la souveraineté du sujet.

The deconstruction of the intentional act challenges the sovereignty of the subject.

Post-structuralist terminology.

7

Il s'agit d'un oubli intentionnel, une prétérition qui en dit long sur ses motivations.

It is an intentional omission, a preterition that speaks volumes about his motivations.

Use of the rhetorical term 'prétérition'.

8

La jurisprudence a évolué pour inclure le dol éventuel dans la catégorie de l'acte intentionnel.

Case law has evolved to include eventual intent in the category of the intentional act.

Legal history context.

تلازمات شائعة

acte intentionnel
faute intentionnelle
dommage intentionnel
choix intentionnel
homicide intentionnel
omission intentionnelle
comportement intentionnel
geste intentionnel
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