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A2 adjective #3,000 پرکاربردترین 3 دقیقه مطالعه

mature

§ Mistakes with "mature"

When you're learning French, words that look similar to English words (cognates) can be a trap. 'Mature' is a perfect example. While it does share a core meaning with its English counterpart, there are specific nuances and contexts where it's used differently. Let's break down the common mistakes so you can avoid them.

§ Mistake 1: Using "mature" for personality traits

In English, we often say someone is 'mature' to describe their personality – they're responsible, act their age, or are wise. In French, while 'mature' can imply this indirectly, it's not the primary or most natural word for describing personality maturity. You'll sound more natural using other expressions.

DEFINITION
Instead of "mature" for a mature personality, use expressions like:
  • "être mûr(e)" (literally 'to be ripe', but used for emotional maturity)
  • "être responsable" (to be responsible)
  • "faire preuve de maturité" (to show maturity)

Il est très mûr pour son âge. (He is very mature for his age.)

Elle a fait preuve de beaucoup de maturité face à la situation. (She showed a lot of maturity in the situation.)

💡
Think of 'mature' in French more for physical or developmental completeness, especially for things, rather than solely for a person's character.

§ Mistake 2: Gender agreement with "mature"

This is a common error with all French adjectives, but it's worth highlighting for 'mature'. Since 'mature' is an adjective, it needs to agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. If you forget this, your French will sound incorrect.

DEFINITION
Remember the forms:
  • Masculine singular: mature
  • Feminine singular: mature
  • Masculine plural: matures
  • Feminine plural: matures

Notice that 'mature' does not change for feminine singular, which can be tricky. You just add an 's' for plural.

Ces fruits sont matures. (These fruits are mature/ripe.)

La décision était mature. (The decision was mature/well-thought-out.)

💡
Always check the gender and number of the noun before you use any adjective in French. It's a fundamental rule.

§ Mistake 3: Overusing "mature" for 'grown-up' contexts

While 'mature' can refer to a grown-up individual, especially in the sense of being fully developed physically, it's not always the most natural choice when you simply mean 'adult' or 'of age'.

DEFINITION
Consider these alternatives:
  • "adulte" (adult)
  • "majeur(e)" (of age, legal adult)
  • "grand(e)" (literally 'big', but often used for grown children)

Il est adulte maintenant. (He is an adult now.)

Elle est majeure, elle peut voter. (She is of age, she can vote.)

💡
'Mature' in French is often more about reaching a state of ripeness or full development, whether it's fruit, a plan, or sometimes a person's physical growth. For general 'adult' contexts, other words are usually better.

By being aware of these common pitfalls, you'll use 'mature' in French more accurately and sound much more like a native speaker. Keep practicing, and you'll get there!

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