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A2 adjective 10 Min. Lesezeit

tendu

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Erklärung tendu in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'tendu' primarily as a physical description. It describes something like a rope or a string that is not loose. Imagine a clothesline: if it is straight and tight, it is 'tendue'. You might also hear it in very simple contexts about feelings, like saying someone is 'not relaxed'. At this stage, focus on the basic agreement: 'le fil est tendu' (masculine) and 'la corde est tendue' (feminine). It is a useful word to know when you are describing how things look or feel physically. You don't need to worry about complex idiomatic uses yet; just think of it as the opposite of 'loose' or 'relaxed'. Use it with the verb 'être' (to be) to make simple sentences about your surroundings or your own physical state, like 'mes bras sont tendus'.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'tendu' to describe people's moods and the 'vibe' of a situation. You will often hear 'il est tendu' (he is tense) or 'elle est tendue' (she is tense) when someone is stressed about something like an exam or a meeting. This is also where you learn the common expression 'C'est tendu', which is used informally to say a situation is difficult or there is little time left. You should be comfortable with gender and number agreement (tendu, tendue, tendus, tendues). You might also see it in basic instructions, like in a gym class where the teacher says 'gardez les jambes tendues' (keep your legs straight/stretched). It becomes a key word for expressing daily stress and physical posture.

At the B1 level, 'tendu' becomes a tool for more nuanced social descriptions. You can use it to describe relationships between people or groups, such as 'des relations tendues' (strained relations). You will understand that it implies a conflict that hasn't necessarily exploded yet but is present under the surface. You'll also encounter it as the past participle of the verb 'tendre' in various expressions like 'tendre la main' (to hold out one's hand) or 'tendre l'oreille' (to listen intently). At this stage, you should be able to distinguish between 'tendu' (the state of being tense) and 'tension' (the noun). You can also use it to describe a 'climat social' or 'climat politique' that is uneasy. Your ability to use the word in both literal and figurative ways should be solid.

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At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'tendu' in a variety of registers, from informal slang to formal reporting. You will recognize it in literary contexts where it might describe a 'récit tendu' (a taut or gripping narrative). You'll understand the subtle difference between 'tendu' and its synonyms like 'crispé' or 'contracté'. In professional environments, you'll use it to describe negotiations or market conditions. You are expected to master the agreement rules even in more complex sentences, such as relative clauses ('la main qu'il m'a tendue'). You will also start to see how it fits into more complex idiomatic structures and how it can be used to describe subtle facial expressions or body language in a detailed way.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic uses of 'tendu'. You can use it to describe philosophical or abstract 'tensions' between ideas. You might use it in literary analysis to discuss the 'tension' or 'tightness' of a poem's structure. You are aware of its use in specialized fields, such as architecture (structures tendues) or advanced anatomy. Your use of the word is precise; you know exactly when to use 'tendu' versus 'étiré' or 'rigide' to convey a specific shade of meaning. You can also play with the word in more creative writing, using it to evoke a specific sensory or emotional response in the reader. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a versatile tool for high-level expression.

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At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of 'tendu'. You understand all its metaphorical extensions and historical nuances. You can pick up on very subtle uses in classical literature or high-level political discourse where 'tendu' might be used to imply a specific type of strategic pressure. You are comfortable with all grammatical edge cases involving the past participle 'tendu'. You can use the word to discuss complex psychological states where physical tension and mental anxiety intersect. You also understand the cultural weight of the word in French society, from its use in describing social unrest to its role in the arts. Your mastery allows you to use 'tendu' with perfect tone and context in any situation.

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tendu in 30 Sekunden

Tendu means 'tight' or 'stretched' for objects like ropes and wires.
It also means 'tense' or 'stressed' for people and social situations.
It is the past participle of 'tendre' and must agree in gender and number.
Commonly heard in 'C'est tendu' to describe a difficult or tight situation.

The French word tendu is a versatile adjective that bridges the gap between the physical and the psychological. At its core, it describes a state of tension—something that has been pulled, stretched, or strained to its limit. In a physical sense, you might use it to describe a rope, a muscle, or even a canvas. In a social or emotional context, it describes atmospheres, relationships, or people who are far from being relaxed. Understanding the nuance of tendu requires looking at its origin: it is the past participle of the verb tendre (to stretch or to hold out), which comes from the Latin tendere.

Physical Tension: This refers to objects that are pulled tight. Think of a guitar string before it is plucked or a tightrope walker's wire. If there is no slack, it is tendu.

La corde à linge est bien tendue entre les deux arbres.

Social Atmosphere: When a room is full of unspoken conflict or stress, the French describe the 'ambiance' as tendue. It is the feeling that a fight might break out at any moment.

L'atmosphère est devenue tendue dès qu'il a mentionné l'argent.

Beyond these common uses, tendu appears in anatomy and sports. If you haven't stretched properly, your muscles might feel tendus. In the world of art, a toile tendue is a canvas that has been properly mounted on its frame. The word captures the essence of potential energy—like a bow that is drawn (un arc tendu) and ready to release its arrow. It is the opposite of détendu (relaxed/slack). When you are tendu, you are 'on edge,' your nerves are frayed, and your body is likely stiff. It is a state of being that implies a lack of ease and a presence of pressure.

Emotional State: A person who is stressed about an exam or a job interview is tendu. It describes both the internal feeling and the external appearance of stress.

Il a l'air très tendu avant son discours.

Ses mains étaient tendues vers le ciel.

Le fil est trop tendu, il va casser !

Using tendu correctly involves recognizing its role as an adjective and its origins as a past participle. Because it functions as an adjective, its most important grammatical rule is agreement. If you are describing a masculine singular noun like un arc, you use tendu. For a feminine singular noun like une situation, you use tendue. For plurals, you add an 's': les muscles tendus (masculine plural) or les cordes tendues (feminine plural). This agreement is essential for sounding natural in French.

Describing Physical States: When describing objects, 'tendu' usually follows the noun. It indicates that the object is under physical strain or has been stretched out.

Le chapiteau est maintenu par des câbles bien tendus.

Describing Psychological States: When describing a person's mood or the 'vibe' of a room, 'tendu' can be used with the verb 'être' (to be) or 'sembler' (to seem).

Marie est très tendue car elle attend ses résultats d'examen.

One of the most common ways you will encounter tendu is in the phrase bras tendus (arms outstretched). This is used in gymnastics, yoga, or simply when reaching for something. Another frequent usage is visage tendu (a tense face), which describes someone whose facial muscles are tight from stress, anger, or concentration. In business meetings, if two parties disagree, the rapport might be described as des rapports tendus (strained relations). Note that in English, we often use different words—'strained,' 'tense,' 'tight,' or 'outstretched'—where French uses the single, powerful word tendu.

Verbal Origins: Since 'tendu' is the past participle of 'tendre', it also appears in compound tenses. For example, 'J'ai tendu la main' (I held out my hand).

Elle a tendu son bras pour attraper le livre en haut de l'étagère.

Leurs relations sont devenues extrêmement tendues après le divorce.

Garde les jambes bien tendues pendant cet exercice de gym.

You will hear tendu in a wide variety of real-life scenarios in France, ranging from the mundane to the high-stakes. In a domestic setting, a parent might tell a child to keep their arms tendus while putting on a sweater. In a professional environment, colleagues might whisper that the meeting was assez tendu (rather tense) after a disagreement between managers. It is a word that captures the 'vibe' of a situation perfectly, making it indispensable for daily conversation. If you watch French news, you will frequently hear news anchors describe geopolitical situations or labor strikes as un climat social tendu.

In the Gym or Yoga Studio: Instructors will constantly use this word. 'Gardez le dos tendu' (Keep your back straight/stretched) or 'les bras tendus' are standard instructions.

Le professeur de yoga nous a dit de rester les bras tendus.

In Slang and Youth Culture: Young people use 'C'est tendu' to describe anything difficult. If an exam is hard, or if you're late and might miss your train, 'c'est tendu'.

On a dix minutes pour traverser Paris ? C'est tendu !

In music, specifically regarding string instruments, tendu is used to describe the state of the strings. A violinist needs the strings to be perfectly tendues to produce the right pitch. Similarly, in construction or DIY, you might hear someone ask if a wire or a line is bien tendu. In literature and cinema, critics often talk about a récit tendu or a thriller tendu, meaning a story that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with constant suspense. This breadth of usage makes tendu a high-frequency word that moves seamlessly between the literal and the figurative.

In the Kitchen: While 'tendre' means tender (like meat), 'tendu' is not used for food texture. However, a chef might be 'tendu' during a busy service!

Le chef était très tendu pendant le coup de feu du soir.

La situation politique est particulièrement tendue cette semaine.

Il écoutait le bruit, l'oreille tendue.

One of the most frequent pitfalls for English speakers is the confusion between the adjective tendu and the noun tension. In English, we might say 'I am in tension,' but in French, you are tendu. You would only use tension to describe the abstract concept or a medical condition (like tension artérielle). Another common error involves gender agreement. Because the masculine ends in a silent 'u', and the feminine adds a silent 'e', learners often forget to pronounce the final 'd' sound in the feminine form tendue. In the masculine tendu, the 'd' is part of the syllable, but in tendue, it remains the same—however, in plural forms or when followed by a vowel, learners sometimes stumble.

Confusion with 'Tendre': Do not confuse 'tendu' with 'tendre'. While 'tendu' means tense/stretched, 'tendre' (as an adjective) means tender or soft. They are opposites in many ways!

Faux ami : 'Cette viande est tendre' (soft) vs 'Cette corde est tendue' (tight).

Agreement with 'La main': When using the expression 'tendre la main', if 'main' comes before the participle in a relative clause, you must agree: 'La main qu'il a tendue'. This is a common C1/C2 level mistake.

Incorrect : Une atmosphère tendu. Correct : Une atmosphère tendue.

Another nuance is the difference between tendu and étiré. While both can mean 'stretched,' étiré usually implies that something has been elongated or made longer (like a piece of gum or a long-duration sound), whereas tendu specifically implies the stress or tension within that stretch. If you stretch your muscles to relax them, you are en train de vous étirer, but until they relax, they remain tendus. Finally, avoid using tendu to mean 'busy' in the sense of a schedule; use chargé for a schedule, though you might be tendu because your schedule is chargé.

Pronunciation Pitfall: The 'u' sound in 'tendu' is the French /y/ sound. English speakers often say 'tendoo', but it should be the tight /u/ as in 'tu'.

Il est resté les muscles tendus pendant toute la compétition.

Le climat entre les deux pays est de plus en plus tendu.

Elle avait le regard tendu vers l'horizon.

If you find yourself overusing tendu, there are several synonyms that can add precision to your French. Depending on whether you are talking about physical objects, people, or situations, you might choose a different term. For a person who is stressed, stressé is the most direct equivalent to 'stressed,' while nerveux implies a more jittery kind of tension. If someone is physically stiff, raide is a great alternative. For an atmosphere that is about to explode, électrique captures that high-energy tension perfectly. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker.

Tendu vs. Crispė: 'Crispé' specifically describes someone who is physically clenched or whose face is frozen in a tense expression. It is more intense than 'tendu'.

Il souriait d'une manière crispée, on voyait qu'il n'était pas à l'aise.

Tendu vs. Serré: 'Serré' means 'tight' in the sense of 'compressed' or 'squeezed' (like a knot or clothing). 'Tendu' is 'tight' in the sense of 'pulled'.

Le nœud est très serré, mais la corde n'est pas tendue.

In a literary context, you might see rigide used for something that lacks flexibility. In political or social contexts, explosif or précaire might replace tendu to describe a situation that is not just tense but dangerous. For physical objects like a bowstring, étiré is a technical synonym. If you want to describe a relationship that is failing, détérioré (deteriorated) provides a different angle than tendu. By choosing the right word, you can convey exactly where the tension is coming from and how it manifests.

Tendu vs. Stressé: 'Stressé' is modern and general. 'Tendu' focuses more on the physical sensation or the atmosphere resulting from that stress.

L'ambiance était électrique avant le début du match.

Il est devenu raide comme un piquet quand il l'a vue.

La situation est critique et les esprits sont échauffés.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word 'tendu' is also a famous ballet term! A 'battement tendu' is a movement where the leg is extended and the foot is arched and pointed until only the toes touch the floor.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /tɑ̃.dy/

US /tɑ̃.du/

Stress is on the final syllable 'du'.

Reimt sich auf

attendu vendu rendu pendu mordu tordu perdu confondu

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the nasal 'en' as 'en' in 'hen'.
Pronouncing the final 'u' as 'oo' in 'food'.
Failing to pronounce the 'd' clearly in the feminine form 'tendue'.
Adding an 's' sound in the plural form (the 's' is silent).
Confusing the pronunciation with 'tendre'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to its similarity to 'tension'.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement.

Sprechen 3/5

The nasal 'en' and the French 'u' can be tricky for beginners.

Hören 2/5

Commonly used and usually clear in context.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

corde être main bras très

Als Nächstes lernen

détendu tension tendre (verb) stressé ambiance

Fortgeschritten

crispé sous-tendu contracté rigide

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective Agreement

Le fil (m) est tendu. La corde (f) est tendue.

Past Participle Agreement with 'Avoir'

La main qu'il a tendue (Agreement with 'main' because it's before the verb).

Nasal Vowels

The 'en' in 'tendu' is a nasal vowel /ɑ̃/.

The French 'U' sound

The 'u' in 'tendu' is /y/, produced by saying 'ee' with rounded lips.

Position of Adjectives

Usually follows the noun: 'un fil tendu'.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

La corde est très tendue.

The rope is very tight.

Feminine singular agreement (la corde -> tendue).

Le fil est tendu.

The wire/thread is stretched.

Masculine singular agreement (le fil -> tendu).

Il est tendu aujourd'hui.

He is tense today.

Describes a person's mood.

Mes bras sont tendus.

My arms are outstretched.

Masculine plural agreement (les bras -> tendus).

La toile est bien tendue.

The canvas is well stretched.

Feminine singular agreement.

Le chat est tendu.

The cat is tense.

Adjective describing an animal.

Est-ce que tu es tendu ?

Are you tense?

Question form with 'être'.

La ligne est tendue.

The line is tight.

Feminine singular.

L'ambiance est tendue au bureau.

The atmosphere is tense at the office.

Figurative use for atmosphere.

C'est tendu, on va être en retard.

It's tight, we're going to be late.

Informal use of 'C'est tendu'.

Elle a le visage tendu.

She has a tense face.

Describing facial expression.

Gardez les jambes tendues.

Keep your legs straight.

Imperative instruction.

Le climat est tendu entre eux.

The climate is tense between them.

Describing a relationship.

Je me sens un peu tendue ce soir.

I feel a bit tense tonight.

Feminine agreement (Je refers to a woman).

L'arc est tendu, prêt à tirer.

The bow is drawn, ready to shoot.

Physical state of a weapon.

Les relations sont tendues.

The relations are strained.

Feminine plural agreement.

Il m'a tendu la main pour m'aider.

He held out his hand to help me.

Past participle of the verb 'tendre'.

Le rapport entre les deux pays reste tendu.

The relationship between the two countries remains tense.

Using 'rester' with the adjective.

Elle écoutait, l'oreille tendue.

She was listening, her ear strained/intent.

Idiomatic expression for listening closely.

La situation est devenue très tendue après l'annonce.

The situation became very tense after the announcement.

Using 'devenir' to show a change in state.

Il a les muscles du cou très tendus.

He has very tense neck muscles.

Agreement with 'muscles' (masculine plural).

Un fil tendu peut se casser facilement.

A tight wire can break easily.

Adjective modifying a noun directly.

L'attente était tendue dans la salle.

The wait was tense in the room.

Describing an abstract noun (l'attente).

Il a tendu le bras pour attraper l'objet.

He reached out his arm to grab the object.

Verb 'tendre' in passé composé.

Le récit est tendu du début à la fin.

The narrative is taut from beginning to end.

Literary use for pacing/suspense.

Malgré son sourire, son regard restait tendu.

Despite her smile, her gaze remained tense.

Contrast between external and internal states.

Les câbles tendus soutiennent tout le pont.

The tensioned cables support the entire bridge.

Technical/Engineering context.

La main qu'elle a tendue était tremblante.

The hand she held out was trembling.

Agreement of past participle with preceding direct object.

Il existe une relation tendue entre l'offre et la demande.

There is a strained relationship between supply and demand.

Economic/Formal context.

Son corps était tendu comme un ressort.

His body was coiled like a spring.

Simile using 'comme'.

La situation budgétaire est extrêmement tendue.

The budget situation is extremely tight.

Financial context.

Il marchait sur un fil tendu au-dessus du vide.

He was walking on a tightrope over the void.

Physical description in a dramatic setting.

L'écriture de cet auteur est remarquablement tendue.

This author's writing is remarkably taut.

Stylistic critique.

Une atmosphère de suspicion tendue régnait dans la ville.

An atmosphere of tense suspicion reigned in the city.

Complex noun phrase with multiple adjectives.

Il a toujours vécu dans un état de veille tendue.

He has always lived in a state of tense alertness.

Abstract psychological state.

La toile tendue sur le châssis attendait le premier coup de pinceau.

The canvas stretched on the frame awaited the first brushstroke.

Passive-like adjectival phrase.

Le dialogue était tendu, chargé de sous-entendus.

The dialogue was tense, loaded with subtext.

Describing social interaction.

On sentait une volonté tendue vers un but unique.

One felt a will striving toward a single goal.

Metaphorical use for focus/determination.

Les négociations sont dans une phase particulièrement tendue.

The negotiations are in a particularly strained phase.

Formal business context.

Ses traits étaient tendus par la fatigue.

His features were drawn with fatigue.

Cause and effect relationship.

L'arc dramatique de la pièce est d'une rigueur tendue.

The play's dramatic arc is of a taut rigor.

High-level aesthetic criticism.

Il s'agit d'un équilibre tendu entre tradition et modernité.

It is a tense balance between tradition and modernity.

Philosophical/Sociological observation.

La corde sensible qu'il a tendue a fini par vibrer.

The sensitive string he pulled eventually vibrated (He struck a chord).

Idiomatic and complex agreement.

Le climat géopolitique actuel est d'une nature extrêmement tendue.

The current geopolitical climate is of an extremely strained nature.

Academic/Formal register.

Elle gardait une main tendue vers un passé révolu.

She kept a hand reached out toward a bygone past.

Poetic/Metaphorical use.

Le silence qui suivit était tendu, presque palpable.

The silence that followed was tense, almost palpable.

Describing a sensory experience.

Les ressorts de l'intrigue sont habilement tendus par l'auteur.

The springs of the plot are skillfully tightened by the author.

Metaphor for storytelling mechanics.

Chaque muscle de son être semblait tendu vers l'action.

Every muscle of his being seemed strained toward action.

Hyperbolic/Literary description.

Häufige Kollokationen

corde tendue

ambiance tendue

bras tendus

relations tendues

visage tendu

arc tendu

climat tendu

muscles tendus

oreille tendue

fil tendu

Häufige Phrasen

C'est tendu

— It's a difficult or tight situation. Often used regarding time or money.

On a que 5 minutes ? C'est tendu !

Tendre la main

— To hold out one's hand, either literally or figuratively to offer help.

Il lui a tendu la main pour l'aider à se lever.

Tendre l'oreille

— To listen very carefully or try to hear something faint.

Tends l'oreille, on entend les oiseaux.

Rester tendu

— To remain in a state of tension or stress.

Il est resté tendu toute la journée.

Avoir le regard tendu vers

— To be focused intently on a goal or a physical point.

Il a le regard tendu vers l'avenir.

Une situation tendue

— A situation full of conflict or stress.

C'est une situation tendue pour tout le monde.

Être un peu tendu

— A polite way to say someone is stressed or irritable.

Désolé, je suis un peu tendu en ce moment.

Maintenir tendu

— To keep something in a stretched state.

Il faut maintenir le câble tendu.

Un récit tendu

— A story that is fast-paced and full of suspense.

Le film est un récit tendu et efficace.

Des nerfs tendus

— To have 'nerves of steel' or to be on edge.

Il a les nerfs tendus à cause du bruit.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

tendu vs tension

Tension is the noun (the state), while tendu is the adjective (the quality).

tendu vs tendre

As an adjective, 'tendre' means soft or tender. As a verb, it is the root of 'tendu'.

tendu vs étiré

Etiré implies length/stretching out, while tendu implies tension/pulling tight.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Tendre le bâton pour se faire battre"

— To give someone the means to hurt or criticize you.

En avouant sa faute, il a tendu le bâton pour se faire battre.

informal

"Tendre un piège"

— To set a trap for someone.

Les policiers ont tendu un piège au voleur.

neutral

"Tendre vers le rouge"

— To lean towards or approach a certain state (like a color or a financial loss).

Ses comptes commencent à tendre vers le rouge.

neutral

"Être tendu comme une corde de violon"

— To be extremely stressed or on edge.

Avant son examen, elle était tendue comme une corde de violon.

neutral

"Tendre les bras à quelqu'un"

— To welcome someone warmly or offer them help.

Le succès lui tend les bras.

literary

"Tendre à prouver"

— To tend to prove or suggest something.

Ces faits tendent à prouver son innocence.

formal

"Tendre le dos"

— To prepare oneself for an unpleasant event or a blow.

Il ne peut que tendre le dos et attendre la critique.

literary

"Tendre la perche"

— To give someone an opening or a hint to help them out.

Je lui ai tendu la perche pour qu'il s'explique.

informal

"Tendre ses filets"

— To prepare to catch something or someone (metaphorical).

L'entreprise tend ses filets pour recruter des talents.

neutral

"Tendre le micro"

— To give someone a chance to speak.

Le journaliste lui a tendu le micro.

neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

tendu vs tendre

Looks similar and is the root verb.

'Tendre' (adj) means soft/tender. 'Tendu' (adj) means tense/tight.

La viande est tendre, mais la corde est tendue.

tendu vs serré

Both can mean 'tight'.

'Serré' is for things that are compressed (clothes, knots). 'Tendu' is for things pulled tight (ropes, nerves).

Mes chaussures sont trop serrées.

tendu vs raide

Both imply a lack of flexibility.

'Raide' means stiff or steep. 'Tendu' means under tension.

J'ai le dos raide ce matin.

tendu vs stressé

Both describe mental states.

'Stressé' is the modern emotional state. 'Tendu' focuses on the physical or atmospheric manifestation of that stress.

Je suis stressé par mon examen.

tendu vs étendu

Very similar spelling.

'Étendu' means 'spread out' or 'extensive'. 'Tendu' means 'tight'.

Il est étendu sur son lit (lying down).

Satzmuster

Le/La [noun] est tendu(e).

La corde est tendue.

Je me sens [adverb] tendu(e).

Je me sens un peu tendu.

[Noun] a l'air tendu(e).

Le patron a l'air tendu.

C'est tendu de [verb].

C'est tendu de finir à l'heure.

Une situation de plus en plus tendue.

C'est une situation de plus en plus tendue.

Avoir les traits tendus par [noun].

Il avait les traits tendus par l'inquiétude.

Tendre vers [noun/verb].

Ses efforts tendent vers la perfection.

Un équilibre tendu entre [A] et [B].

Un équilibre tendu entre sécurité et liberté.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

tension (f) - tension

tendreté (f) - tenderness (of meat)

tendresse (f) - tenderness (affection)

tendeur (m) - tightener/stretcher

Verben

tendre - to stretch/hold out

détendre - to relax

retendre - to re-stretch

Adjektive

tendu - tense/tight

détendu - relaxed

extensible - stretchable

Verwandt

tendon (m) - tendon

tente (f) - tent

tensionnel - related to tension

distendu - distended

intense - intense

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written French.

Häufige Fehler

Je suis tension. → Je suis tendu.
You cannot be 'tension' (the noun); you must be 'tendu' (the adjective).
Une corde tendu. → Une corde tendue.
'Corde' is feminine, so the adjective must be 'tendue'.
La viande est tendue. → La viande est tendre.
'Tendue' means tense/tight; 'tendre' means tender.
Ces pantalons sont tendus. → Ces pantalons sont serrés.
Use 'serré' for tight-fitting clothes, not 'tendu'.
Il a tendu sa main. → Il a tendu la main.
In French, we usually use the definite article 'la' with body parts in this context.

Tipps

Remember the silent 's'

In 'tendus' and 'tendues', the 's' is silent. Don't pronounce it!

Use with 'ambiance'

'Ambiance tendue' is one of the most common collocations in French.

The 'en' sound

The 'en' is nasal. Don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth.

C'est tendu

Use this when you have a lot to do in a short amount of time.

Physical vs Mental

Check if you are describing an object or a feeling to choose the right synonym.

Tendre l'oreille

A great phrase to use when you want someone to listen closely.

Agreement

Always check if the noun is feminine (add 'e') or plural (add 's').

Social climate

Listen for 'climat tendu' on the French news to hear it in a formal context.

Technical use

If you do ballet, 'tendu' is a fundamental movement you already know!

Tendu vs Stressé

'Tendu' is often more physical than 'stressé'.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a **TENT** (tente). To set it up, the fabric must be **TENDU** (tight). If it's not **tendu**, the **tent** falls down!

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize a tightrope walker (un funambule) walking on a rope that is perfectly straight and tight. That rope is 'tendue'.

Word Web

tendre tension détendu corde stressé arc ambiance muscle

Herausforderung

Try to use 'tendu' in three different ways today: describe a physical object, describe your own mood, and use the slang 'C'est tendu' for a difficult task.

Wortherkunft

From the Old French 'tendu', which is the past participle of 'tendre'. This verb comes from the Latin 'tendere', meaning 'to stretch, to extend, or to direct one's course'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To be in a state of being stretched out or extended.

Romance (Latin)

Kultureller Kontext

Calling someone 'tendu' can be seen as a slight criticism of their inability to relax, so use it carefully in personal contexts.

English speakers often use 'tight' for objects and 'tense' for people. French uses 'tendu' for both, which can simplify things once you learn it.

Battement tendu (Ballet technique) Le Fil Tendu (A common title for books/films about risky situations) The 'tendu' posture in classical French fencing.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At the Gym

Gardez les bras tendus.
Jambes bien tendues.
Ne soyez pas trop tendu.
Étirez vos muscles tendus.

At Work

L'ambiance est tendue.
C'est tendu pour le délai.
Il a l'air tendu aujourd'hui.
Une réunion assez tendue.

In Politics

Un climat social tendu.
Des relations tendues.
La situation est tendue.
Un débat très tendu.

Daily Life

La corde est tendue.
Je suis un peu tendu.
C'est tendu, non ?
L'oreille tendue.

Arts/Ballet

Un battement tendu.
Une toile bien tendue.
Un récit tendu.
Des cordes tendues.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Tu n'as pas l'air très détendu, tu es un peu tendu ?"

"Est-ce que l'ambiance était tendue pendant ta réunion ?"

"C'est tendu pour toi en ce moment avec tout ce travail ?"

"Tu trouves que la situation politique est tendue ?"

"Pourquoi est-ce que tu as l'air si tendu ce matin ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décris une situation où tu t'es senti particulièrement tendu récemment.

Qu'est-ce qui rend une ambiance tendue selon toi ?

Préfères-tu travailler dans un environnement calme ou un peu tendu ?

Raconte une fois où tu as dû marcher sur une 'corde tendue' (métaphoriquement).

Quelles sont les meilleures façons de se détendre quand on est tendu ?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, it can also mean physically tight, like a rope or a muscle. Context is key.

It is informal slang. In a professional setting, it's better to say 'La situation est difficile'.

Shape your lips as if to say 'oo' but try to say the sound 'ee'. It's a high front rounded vowel.

No, use 'serré' for clothes that are too small or tight.

The feminine form is 'tendue'. The 'e' is silent, but it triggers the agreement.

No. 'Tendre' as an adjective means 'tender' (like meat). 'Tendu' means 'tense'.

Yes, in contexts like 'bras tendus' (straight arms), but it specifically implies they are stretched straight.

The most common opposite is 'détendu' (relaxed or slack).

Usually, it describes a temporary state, but someone can be described as 'une personne tendue' if they are always stressed.

Yes, very often to describe body positions (legs, arms) or the state of equipment (strings, nets).

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