§ "Répugnant" is an adjective, not a noun
Many English speakers, when learning French, often confuse the English noun "repugnance" with the French adjective "répugnant." This is a crucial distinction. In English, "repugnant" can be an adjective (e.g., "a repugnant smell") but also has a related noun form "repugnance" (e.g., "I felt repugnance"). In French, "répugnant" is strictly an adjective. You wouldn't say "Je ressens du répugnant" to express a feeling of repugnance. The correct noun form in French is "la répugnance."
Son comportement était répugnant.
Hint: His behavior was repugnant.
J'ai ressenti de la répugnance.
Hint: I felt repugnance.
§ Gender and number agreement with "répugnant"
As "répugnant" is an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. This is a common stumbling block for English speakers, as English adjectives do not change form.
- Masculine singular: répugnant
- Feminine singular: répugnante
- Masculine plural: répugnants
- Feminine plural: répugnantes
C'est une odeur répugnante.
Hint: It's a repugnant smell (odor is feminine).
Ces insectes sont répugnants.
Hint: These insects are repugnant (insects is masculine plural).
§ Overusing "répugnant"
While "répugnant" is a strong word, sometimes learners overuse it when other, less intense adjectives might be more appropriate. Think of it as a very strong word, often used for things that are truly disgusting or morally offensive. For less intense situations, you have other options.
- Désagréable: unpleasant
- Dégoûtant: disgusting (but perhaps less intense than répugnant in some contexts)
- Horrible: horrible
- Affreux: dreadful
Ce film était dégoûtant.
Hint: This movie was disgusting.
Using "répugnant" for a slightly bad movie might sound overly dramatic to a native speaker. Reserve "répugnant" for truly offensive or sickening things.
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The sentence translates to: 'The smell of rotten food was repugnant.' This word order is the most natural in French.
The sentence translates to: 'He found her behavior repugnant.' This is the correct word order for the past tense with an adjective.
The sentence translates to: 'The living conditions there were repugnant.' Remember to make the adjective 'répugnante' agree with 'conditions' (feminine plural).
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Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr emotions Wörter
à contrecœur
B1Against one's will; reluctantly.
à fleur de peau
B1Oversensitive; easily affected emotionally.
à la fois
B1At the same time; simultaneously.
à l'aise
A2Feeling comfortable, relaxed, or at ease.
à regret
B1With regret; reluctantly.
abandon
B1The action or fact of abandoning someone or something; abandonment (can be emotional).
abasourdi
B1Stunned, dumbfounded, greatly astonished or shocked.
abattement
A2A state of extreme dejection; despondency.
abattu
A2In low spirits; disheartened; dejected.
abominable
B1Causing moral revulsion; detestable.
