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B1 adjective 11분 분량

congénital

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 congénital 30초 만에

설명 congénital in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use the word 'congénital' yourself. It is a very advanced and technical word. However, you might see it in a doctor's office or on a health form. The most important thing to know is that it means 'from birth'. If you want to say something was there when you were born, you should use the simpler phrase 'de naissance'. For example, 'C'est un problème de naissance'. Think of 'congénital' as the scientific version of 'de naissance'. You won't hear people say it in a café or a supermarket. It is mostly for doctors and scientists. If you see it, just remember: it's about a baby being born with something. It's a long word, but the meaning is simple: 'born with'.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to learn more specific vocabulary about the body and health. You might encounter 'congénital' in a short article about medicine or in a health documentary. It is an adjective, so it describes a noun. For example, 'une maladie congénitale'. Remember that in French, adjectives usually come after the noun. You should also notice that the word changes slightly depending on if the noun is masculine or feminine. 'Un problème congénital' (masculine) but 'une anomalie congénitale' (feminine). At this level, just try to recognize the word when you read it. You don't need to use it in your own speaking yet, but knowing it will help you understand more formal French texts.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to understand 'congénital' in various contexts, including more formal news reports or literature. You are now expected to handle 'adjectives in -al' and their plural forms. This is where 'congénital' gets tricky: one problem is 'congénital', but two problems are 'congénitaux'. This '-al' to '-aux' change is very common in French (like 'social' to 'sociaux'). You might also start to see the word used in a figurative way. For example, 'un menteur congénital' is someone who lies so much it seems like they were born doing it. At this level, you can try using the word in your writing if you are discussing health or describing a character in a story. It will make your French sound more advanced and precise.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the distinction between 'congénital' and 'héréditaire'. This is a common point of confusion. Remember: 'héréditaire' means it comes from the parents' genes, while 'congénital' just means it was there at birth. A baby could have a 'problème congénital' because the mother was sick during pregnancy, even if the parents' genes are perfectly fine. You should also be comfortable using 'congénital' in formal debates or essays. It is a great word for describing systemic or deep-seated issues. For instance, you could talk about the 'faiblesse congénitale' of a political system. Using such technical vocabulary correctly shows that you have reached a high level of proficiency and can handle complex, abstract topics in French.

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At the C1 level, you should be sensitive to the stylistic nuances of 'congénital'. You know that it carries a certain weight and 'gravitas'. Using it instead of 'de naissance' changes the tone of your sentence from casual to professional or academic. You should also be familiar with how this word has been used in French literature, particularly in the 19th-century naturalist movement. When you use it figuratively, you are tapping into a long tradition of French social and psychological analysis. You should be able to use it effortlessly in speech and writing, making sure the agreement is always perfect, especially the masculine plural 'congénitaux'. You might also use it in bioethical discussions, where the distinction between 'inné', 'acquis', and 'congénital' is crucial for the argument.

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At the C2 level, 'congénital' is a tool for precise and nuanced expression. You understand its etymological roots (Latin 'congenitus') and how it relates to other words in the 'gen-' family. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as medical research, legal proceedings, or philosophical treatises. You might use it to discuss the 'nature vs nurture' debate with great sophistication, distinguishing between what is 'congénital' (present at birth), 'héréditaire' (genetically transmitted), and 'inné' (intrinsic to the human condition). Your usage should be impeccable, and you should be able to identify when an author is using the word ironically or hyperbolically to make a point about society or human nature. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item; it's a concept you can manipulate to add depth to your discourse.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

congénital 30초 만에

Congénital means 'present from birth', used for medical conditions or deep traits.
It is a formal adjective that must agree: congénital, congénitale, congénitaux, congénitales.
It differs from 'hereditary' because it includes non-genetic causes during pregnancy.
Figuratively, it describes a person's intrinsic and seemingly unchangeable characteristics or flaws.

The French adjective congénital is a sophisticated term primarily used in medical, biological, and occasionally figurative contexts. At its most literal level, it refers to a condition, trait, or physical abnormality that is present from the moment of birth. Unlike traits that develop later in life due to environmental factors or aging, something congenital is part of an individual's makeup as they enter the world. It is essential to understand that while all hereditary conditions are present at birth, not all congenital conditions are hereditary; some may result from the prenatal environment, such as exposure to toxins or infections during pregnancy.

Medical Classification: In a clinical setting, doctors use this word to describe malformations of the heart, limbs, or metabolic systems that were formed during gestation. It distinguishes these issues from 'acquis' (acquired) diseases which occur after birth.

Le médecin a diagnostiqué une malformation congénitale du cœur chez le nouveau-né.

Beyond the operating room, the word has migrated into the realm of psychology and social commentary. When used figuratively, it suggests that a character trait or a systemic flaw is so deeply rooted that it seems as though the person or institution was 'born with it.' For instance, one might describe a habitual liar as a 'menteur congénital,' implying that lying is part of their very essence. This usage is often hyperbolic and carries a strong judgmental tone, suggesting that the flaw is incurable or intrinsic.

Figurative Nuance: When applied to personality, it emphasizes permanence. It suggests that the trait isn't a choice or a learned behavior, but an inescapable part of the identity.

Son optimisme semble congénital ; il sourit même dans les situations les plus difficiles.

Historically, the term gained prominence during the 19th century with the rise of naturalism in literature. Authors like Émile Zola used the concept of 'tares congénitales' (congenital flaws) to explore how heredity and birth circumstances determine a character's destiny. This literary tradition solidified the word's place in the French language as something more than just a medical label; it became a tool for analyzing human nature and social structures. Today, you will encounter it in news reports about public health, in high-level literature, and in academic discussions about genetics and sociology.

L'aveuglement de cette administration face à la crise semble congénital.

Etymological Root: Derived from the Latin 'con' (with) and 'genitus' (born), it literally means 'born with'. This root is shared with words like 'genetics' and 'generate'.

Certaines pathologies congénitales peuvent être dépistées avant la naissance.

Il y a une différence majeure entre un trouble congénital et une maladie acquise tardivement.

Using congénital correctly in French requires attention to both grammatical agreement and semantic context. As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The feminine form is congénitale, the masculine plural is congénitaux, and the feminine plural is congénitales. In most cases, the adjective follows the noun, which is the standard position for multi-syllabic adjectives and those derived from technical or scientific fields.

Agreement Rules: Masculine Singular: un défaut congénital. Feminine Singular: une maladie congénitale. Masculine Plural: des problèmes congénitaux. Feminine Plural: des anomalies congénitales.

Les médecins surveillent de près les anomalies congénitales lors des échographies.

When constructing sentences, you will often find congénital paired with nouns related to health, biology, or psychology. Common pairings include 'malformation', 'anomalie', 'défaut', and 'trouble'. However, in literary or formal writing, you can use it to describe abstract concepts. For instance, 'une paresse congénitale' (a congenital laziness) or 'un pessimisme congénital'. In these cases, the word acts as a powerful intensifier, suggesting that the quality is not just a habit but a fundamental part of the subject's nature.

Syntactic Position: It almost always follows the noun. Placing it before the noun would be highly unusual and likely incorrect in modern French.

Ce manque de coordination semble chez lui congénital.

In formal debates, you might hear the word used to criticize structural issues. A politician might argue that a particular government agency has a 'manque de transparence congénital', meaning that the lack of transparency is built into the very foundation of the agency. This metaphorical use is very effective for emphasizing that a problem cannot be fixed with minor adjustments because it is 'in the DNA' of the organization. When using the word this way, ensure the context is formal enough to support such a heavy, academic term.

L'incapacité à se réformer est un vice congénital de notre système bureaucratique.

Negative Connotation: While medically neutral, in figurative use, it almost always describes a flaw or a negative trait. You would rarely hear 'une intelligence congénitale'.

Il souffre d'un handicap congénital qui l'empêche de marcher normalement.

Les chercheurs étudient les facteurs environnementaux des malformations congénitales.

While congénital might seem like a word reserved for textbooks, it appears in several specific real-world contexts in the French-speaking world. The most common place is, of course, the medical field. If you are watching a French medical drama like Hippocrate or reading health news in Le Monde, you will frequently encounter terms like 'cardiopathie congénitale' or 'hypothyroïdie congénitale'. In these contexts, the word is used with scientific precision to inform patients or the public about health conditions that require lifelong management.

Healthcare & Biology: Used in hospital reports, prenatal advice, and documentaries about genetic research or neonatal care.

Le reportage sur les maladies congénitales était très émouvant.

Another sphere where congénital surfaces is in high-level political and social critique. French intellectuals and columnists often use the word to describe what they perceive as the 'original sins' of an institution or a political movement. For example, a critic might write about the 'élitisme congénital' of the French Grandes Écoles, suggesting that the system was designed from the start to favor a specific class of people. This usage is common in editorial pieces and philosophical essays where the writer aims to provide a deep, structural analysis of a problem.

Intellectual Discourse: Found in editorials, sociological papers, and debates about systemic issues in society or government.

Certains voient dans cette loi un autoritarisme congénital.

In literature and cinema, congénital is used to add weight to a character's description. A novelist might describe a villain's cruelty as 'congénitale' to suggest that they were born evil, rather than shaped by their environment. This plays into the classic 'nature vs. nurture' debate. In films, especially those dealing with psychological themes or family sagas, the word might be used in a climactic scene to reveal a family secret or a character's unavoidable fate. It carries a certain 'gravitas' that simpler words like 'de naissance' lack.

Dans le roman, le protagoniste lutte contre une mélancolie congénitale.

Legal and Ethical Debates: Used in discussions about bioethics, insurance coverage for pre-existing conditions, and disability rights.

L'assurance refuse de couvrir ce problème car il est jugé congénital.

La surdité congénitale peut être traitée plus tôt grâce aux nouvelles technologies.

One of the most frequent errors made by both learners and native speakers is confusing congénital with héréditaire (hereditary). While they are related, they are not synonyms. A condition is 'héréditaire' if it is passed down through genes from parents to offspring. A condition is 'congénital' if it is present at birth, regardless of whether it was caused by genetics or by something that happened during pregnancy (like a virus). For example, fetal alcohol syndrome is congenital but not hereditary.

Congénital vs Héréditaire: Congénital = Present at birth (any cause). Héréditaire = Passed through DNA (genetic cause).

Toutes les maladies congénitales ne sont pas forcément génétiques.

Another common mistake involves the plural form. As mentioned before, many French adjectives ending in '-al' change to '-aux' in the masculine plural (like journal to journaux). Learners often forget this and try to say 'congénitals', which is incorrect. You must use 'congénitaux'. In the feminine plural, however, the rule is simpler: just add an 's' to the feminine singular form, resulting in 'congénitales'. Mixing these up is a tell-tale sign of a non-native speaker.

Plural Pitfall: Incorrect: des défauts congénitals. Correct: des défauts congénitaux.

Ces troubles congénitaux sont rares mais nécessitent une attention particulière.

A stylistic mistake is overusing the word in casual settings. Because it is a formal, technical term, using it to describe a minor habit can sound overly clinical or unintentionally funny. For example, saying your friend has a 'faim congénitale' (congenital hunger) is a very strong way to say they are always hungry. Unless you are aiming for a specific rhetorical effect or being very sarcastic, it's better to use simpler terms like 'depuis toujours' or 'de naissance' for everyday situations.

Il a un don congénital pour la musique (A bit dramatic, but used for emphasis).

Confusing with 'Inné': 'Inné' (innate) is often used for positive talents or natural instincts, while 'congénital' is usually for medical issues or character flaws.

L'instinct de survie est inné, tandis que cette pathologie est congénitale.

Il ne faut pas confondre un trait acquis par l'éducation et un caractère congénital.

To broaden your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that share a similar semantic space with congénital. The most common alternative is de naissance (from birth). This phrase is much more common in everyday speech and is less clinical. For instance, instead of 'une cécité congénitale', a person might say 'il est aveugle de naissance'. It conveys the same information but in a more accessible way.

Inné vs Congénital: 'Inné' refers to natural qualities or talents (e.g., 'un talent inné'). 'Congénital' refers to biological conditions or deep-seated flaws.

Elle possède un sens de l'équilibre inné, ce n'est pas un trouble congénital.

Another related word is héréditaire. As we've discussed, this specifically refers to things passed down through DNA. If you want to emphasize the family connection, héréditaire is the better choice. If you want to emphasize that the condition was there from the start of life, congénital is more accurate. There is also génétique, which is a modern, scientific term that focuses on the DNA itself, often used in contemporary medical discussions.

Héréditaire vs Génétique: 'Héréditaire' focuses on the transmission from parents. 'Génétique' focuses on the biological mechanism involving genes.

C'est une maladie héréditaire qui se manifeste par un défaut congénital.

In more literary contexts, you might find atavique. This word refers to a trait that has reappeared after being absent for several generations (a 'throwback'). It carries a sense of ancient family history. For something that is simply part of the nature of a thing, intrinsèque (intrinsic) or essentiel might be used. These words don't necessarily imply birth, but they do imply that the quality is inseparable from the object or person.

Sa peur de l'eau semble presque atavique, bien plus que congénitale.

Summary of Alternatives: 1. De naissance (Everyday) 2. Inné (Natural talent) 3. Héréditaire (Genetic transmission) 4. Intrinsèque (Built-in quality).

La fragilité intrinsèque du matériau est un problème congénital de la structure.

L'examen prénatal a révélé une anomalie congénitale.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word didn't become popular in general literature until the 19th century when scientists and writers became obsessed with how birth determines destiny.

발음 가이드

UK /kɒnˈdʒɛnɪtl/

US /kənˈdʒɛnɪtl/

In French, the stress is always on the last syllable: con-gé-ni-TAL.

라임이 맞는 단어

génital natal fatal mental brutal total portal dental

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the final 'l' as 'le'. It should be a crisp 'l'.
Using an English 'j' sound for the 'g'. In French, it's a hard 'g' like in 'go'.
Stressing the first syllable.
Muffling the 'é' sound.
Forgetting to pronounce the 't' clearly.

난이도

독해 3/5

Easy to recognize because it looks like English, but requires knowing the context.

쓰기 4/5

Tricky plural agreement (congénitaux) is a common hurdle.

말하기 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires clear articulation of the final 'l'.

듣기 3/5

Easy to hear in formal or medical contexts.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

naissance maladie problème corps bébé

다음에 배울 것

héréditaire génétique inné acquis gestation

고급

atavisme ontologie déterminisme pathologie diagnostic

알아야 할 문법

Adjectives ending in -al usually change to -aux in the masculine plural.

Un problème congénital -> Des problèmes congénitaux.

Feminine adjectives are formed by adding -e.

Une maladie congénitale.

Adjectives of scientific origin usually follow the noun.

Un trouble congénital.

Agreement in number for feminine plural is -es.

Des anomalies congénitales.

The preposition 'de' is often used with 'origine'.

C'est d'origine congénitale.

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수준별 예문

Il a un petit problème congénital.

He has a small congenital problem.

Congénital is an adjective describing 'problème'.

La maladie est congénitale.

The disease is congenital.

Congénitale is feminine because 'maladie' is feminine.

C'est présent depuis la naissance, c'est congénital.

It's present since birth, it's congenital.

Explanation of the word's meaning.

Le bébé a une malformation congénitale.

The baby has a congenital malformation.

Malformation is feminine.

Est-ce que c'est congénital ?

Is it congenital?

Question form using 'est-ce que'.

Ce n'est pas congénital, c'est arrivé après.

It's not congenital, it happened after.

Negative form 'ne... pas'.

Le docteur regarde le défaut congénital.

The doctor looks at the congenital defect.

Défaut is masculine singular.

Elle est née avec ce trait congénital.

She was born with this congenital trait.

Trait is masculine.

Certaines maladies sont congénitales et graves.

Some diseases are congenital and serious.

Plural feminine agreement: 'congénitales'.

Le médecin explique le trouble congénital aux parents.

The doctor explains the congenital disorder to the parents.

Trouble is masculine singular.

Il souffre d'un handicap congénital depuis toujours.

He has suffered from a congenital handicap forever.

Handicap is masculine.

L'échographie peut montrer un problème congénital.

The ultrasound can show a congenital problem.

Use of the modal verb 'peut'.

Ce n'est pas héréditaire, c'est juste congénital.

It's not hereditary, it's just congenital.

Contrast between two adjectives.

Les malformations congénitales sont rares.

Congenital malformations are rare.

Plural feminine: 'malformations congénitales'.

L'enfant a une surdité congénitale.

The child has congenital deafness.

Surdité is feminine.

Il est important de dépister ces troubles congénitaux.

It is important to screen for these congenital disorders.

Plural masculine: 'troubles congénitaux'.

Son pessimisme semble presque congénital, il ne voit jamais le bon côté.

His pessimism seems almost congenital; he never sees the bright side.

Figurative use describing a personality trait.

Les médecins ont identifié plusieurs anomalies congénitales.

Doctors have identified several congenital anomalies.

Agreement with 'anomalies' (fem. plural).

C'est un menteur congénital, ne le crois pas.

He's a congenital liar, don't believe him.

Common figurative expression.

Le gouvernement doit aider les personnes avec un handicap congénital.

The government must help people with a congenital handicap.

Social context.

La cardiopathie congénitale nécessite souvent une opération.

Congenital heart disease often requires surgery.

Technical medical term.

Il y a une différence entre un trait acquis et un trait congénital.

There is a difference between an acquired trait and a congenital trait.

Scientific distinction.

Ces défauts congénitaux peuvent être corrigés par la chirurgie.

These congenital defects can be corrected by surgery.

Masculine plural: 'défauts congénitaux'.

Elle a une élégance congénitale, elle n'a pas besoin de faire d'efforts.

She has a congenital elegance; she doesn't need to make any effort.

Positive figurative use.

L'exposition à certains produits peut causer des malformations congénitales.

Exposure to certain products can cause congenital malformations.

Causality in a scientific context.

Le système souffre d'un manque de transparence congénital.

The system suffers from a congenital lack of transparency.

Abstract figurative use.

Il est crucial de distinguer le congénital de l'héréditaire.

It is crucial to distinguish the congenital from the hereditary.

Using adjectives as nouns with 'le'.

L'aveuglement des dirigeants face au climat semble congénital.

The leaders' blindness to the climate seems congenital.

Political critique.

La recherche sur les troubles congénitaux a beaucoup progressé.

Research on congenital disorders has progressed a lot.

Academic context.

Cette institution a un conservatisme congénital qui empêche toute réforme.

This institution has a congenital conservatism that prevents any reform.

Sociological analysis.

L'assurance maladie couvre les soins pour les pathologies congénitales.

Health insurance covers care for congenital pathologies.

Legal/Administrative context.

Certains scientifiques pensent que l'agressivité n'est pas congénitale.

Some scientists think that aggressiveness is not congenital.

Scientific debate.

Zola explore la notion de tare congénitale dans ses romans naturalistes.

Zola explores the notion of congenital flaw in his naturalist novels.

Literary reference.

L'instabilité politique du pays paraît presque congénitale.

The country's political instability appears almost congenital.

Advanced geopolitical analysis.

Il s'agit d'une hypothyroïdie congénitale dépistée à la naissance.

It is a case of congenital hypothyroidism detected at birth.

High-level medical precision.

Le déterminisme social est souvent confondu avec un handicap congénital.

Social determinism is often confused with a congenital handicap.

Philosophical nuance.

L'élitisme congénital des grandes écoles est souvent critiqué.

The congenital elitism of the elite schools is often criticized.

Sociological critique.

L'œuvre est marquée par une mélancolie congénitale propre à l'auteur.

The work is marked by a congenital melancholy specific to the author.

Artistic analysis.

Les facteurs environnementaux prénataux influencent les risques congénitaux.

Prenatal environmental factors influence congenital risks.

Complex scientific sentence.

L'incapacité de l'Europe à s'unir est-elle un vice congénital ?

Is Europe's inability to unite a congenital vice?

Rhetorical question in formal discourse.

L'ontologie de l'être humain comporte une finitude congénitale.

The ontology of the human being includes a congenital finitude.

Philosophical/Existential context.

L'aporie de ce système réside dans sa contradiction congénitale.

The aporia of this system lies in its congenital contradiction.

High-level academic terminology.

On ne saurait imputer à la génétique ce qui relève d'un accident congénital.

One cannot attribute to genetics what stems from a congenital accident.

Nuanced bioethical argument.

La vacuité de son discours trahit une insignifiance congénitale.

The vacuity of his speech betrays a congenital insignificance.

Sophisticated literary insult.

L'idiome présente une irrégularité congénitale que les linguistes étudient.

The idiom presents a congenital irregularity that linguists study.

Metaphor in linguistics.

L'atavisme familial se double ici d'une pathologie congénitale rare.

Family atavism is coupled here with a rare congenital pathology.

Combining complex concepts.

La structure même de l'atome possède une instabilité congénitale.

The very structure of the atom possesses a congenital instability.

Scientific metaphor.

L'herméneutique du texte révèle un biais congénital inévitable.

The hermeneutics of the text reveals an inevitable congenital bias.

Advanced literary theory.

자주 쓰는 조합

malformation congénitale

anomalie congénitale

trouble congénital

menteur congénital

pessimisme congénital

handicap congénital

vice congénital

cardiopathie congénitale

aveugle congénital

défaut congénital

자주 쓰는 구문

de manière congénitale

— In a way that has been present since birth.

Il est atteint de manière congénitale.

caractère congénital

— The quality of being present from birth.

Le caractère congénital de la maladie est prouvé.

origine congénitale

— Having a cause that dates back to birth.

La surdité est d'origine congénitale.

forme congénitale

— A version of a disease that starts at birth.

Il existe une forme congénitale de ce virus.

risque congénital

— The chance of being born with a specific condition.

Le risque congénital augmente avec l'âge de la mère.

trait congénital

— A physical or mental feature present from birth.

C'est un trait congénital typique de cette espèce.

affection congénitale

— A medical condition present from birth.

L'affection congénitale a été traitée rapidement.

syndrome congénital

— A group of symptoms present from birth.

Le syndrome congénital de la rubéole est grave.

lésion congénitale

— A physical injury or damage present from birth.

La lésion congénitale du cerveau limite ses mouvements.

pathologie congénitale

— The study or presence of birth-related diseases.

Elle se spécialise dans la pathologie congénitale.

자주 혼동되는 단어

congénital vs héréditaire

Hereditary is genetic; congenital is just present at birth.

congénital vs inné

Innate is usually for positive talents; congenital for medical/flaws.

congénital vs génital

Sounds similar but refers to reproductive organs, not birth presence.

관용어 및 표현

"menteur congénital"

— Someone who lies as naturally as they breathe, from birth.

Ce politicien est un menteur congénital.

informal/harsh

"optimiste congénital"

— Someone who is naturally and permanently optimistic.

Malgré les crises, il reste un optimiste congénital.

neutral

"paresseux congénital"

— Someone who seems to have been born lazy.

Il ne fera jamais rien, c'est un paresseux congénital.

informal

"idiot congénital"

— A very harsh insult implying someone was born stupid.

Quel idiot congénital !

slang/offensive

"vice congénital d'un système"

— A fundamental flaw in a system's design.

Le manque de fonds est le vice congénital de ce projet.

formal

"élégance congénitale"

— Natural grace that seems to be present from birth.

Elle a une élégance congénitale qui fascine tout le monde.

neutral

"timidité congénitale"

— A deep-seated shyness that seems part of one's nature.

Sa timidité congénitale l'empêche de parler en public.

neutral

"peur congénitale"

— An instinctual fear present since birth.

C'est une peur congénitale du vide.

neutral

"maladresse congénitale"

— Being naturally clumsy in a way that seems permanent.

Sa maladresse congénitale est devenue légendaire.

informal

"aveuglement congénital"

— A metaphorical inability to see the truth, present from the start.

L'aveuglement congénital des experts a causé la chute.

formal

혼동하기 쉬운

congénital vs génital

Similar sound and shared root.

Génital refers to sex organs; congénital refers to birth status.

L'appareil génital vs un trouble congénital.

congénital vs inné

Both mean 'from birth'.

Inné is philosophical/behavioral; congénital is biological/medical.

Un talent inné vs une surdité congénitale.

congénital vs héréditaire

Often occur together.

Héréditaire is the 'how' (genes); congénital is the 'when' (at birth).

Une tare héréditaire vs un accident congénital.

congénital vs natal

Both relate to birth.

Natal refers to the place or time of birth; congénital refers to a condition.

Ville natale vs maladie congénitale.

congénital vs prénatal

Both relate to the time before/at birth.

Prénatal is the period before birth; congénital is the state at birth.

Soins prénatals vs anomalie congénitale.

문장 패턴

C'est un [noun] congénital.

C'est un défaut congénital.

Il souffre d'une [noun] congénitale.

Il souffre d'une maladie congénitale.

C'est un menteur [adjective].

C'est un menteur congénital.

Le [noun] semble congénital.

Le problème semble congénital.

Distinguer le [adj] de l'acquis.

Il faut distinguer le congénital de l'acquis.

Marqué par un [noun] congénital.

L'œuvre est marquée par un pessimisme congénital.

Un vice congénital de [noun].

Un vice congénital de la structure.

L'ontologie du [noun] est congénitale.

L'ontologie du sujet est congénitale.

어휘 가족

명사

congénitalité (the state of being congenital)

형용사

congénital

congénitale

congénitaux

congénitales

사용법

frequency

Common in medical and formal written French; rare in casual spoken French.

자주 하는 실수

Des problèmes congénitals → Des problèmes congénitaux
Adjectives in -al take -aux in the masculine plural.
C'est un maladie congénital → C'est une maladie congénitale
Agreement with the feminine noun 'maladie' is required.
Confusing it with 'héréditaire' → Use 'congénital' for birth status, 'héréditaire' for DNA.
Not all birth defects are genetic.
Pronouncing the 'g' as 'j' → Hard 'g' sound.
The 'g' is followed by 'é', making it hard in this specific word's phonetic evolution.
Using it for learned habits → Use 'acquis' or 'habitude'.
'Congénital' implies you were born with it.

팁

Plural Rule

Remember the -al to -aux change for masculine plural. It's 'des troubles congénitaux'.

Figurative Use

Use it to describe a deep-seated flaw in a character for a more literary effect.

Medical Accuracy

Use this word when talking about birth defects to sound professional.

Hard G

Don't say it like 'con-jen-ital'. The G is hard.

Not always Genetic

Remember that a mother's health during pregnancy can cause congenital issues that aren't in the DNA.

Avoid Clichés

Phrases like 'menteur congénital' are powerful but can be clichés. Use them sparingly.

Feminine Form

Always add the 'e' for feminine nouns: 'maladie congénitale'.

Simpler Alternative

In a pinch, use 'de naissance'. Everyone will understand you.

Formal Contexts

This word is perfect for essays on sociology or biology.

Root Word

Connect it to 'genetics' and 'generation' to remember it's about birth.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'CON' (with) and 'GENital' (birth/genes). You are born WITH it.

시각적 연상

Imagine a baby holding a small suitcase labeled 'Traits' as they are born. Those are their congenital features.

Word Web

Birth Baby Medicine Innate Trait Condition Heredity Nature

챌린지

Try to use 'congénital' in a sentence about a fictional character's deepest flaw.

어원

From the Latin word 'congenitus', which is composed of 'con-' (together/with) and 'genitus' (born). It entered the French language in the 18th century as a medical term.

원래 의미: Born together with, or existing from birth.

Romance (Latin root).

문화적 맥락

Be careful when using this word figuratively (e.g., 'menteur congénital') as it can be very insulting and implies the person cannot change.

In English, 'congenital' is used almost identically, making it a 'true friend' for learners.

Émile Zola's 'Les Rougon-Macquart' series (exploring congenital flaws). Medical journals like 'The Lancet' (frequent use in French translations). French bioethics laws regarding congenital testing.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Medicine

malformation congénitale
trouble congénital
dépistage congénital
chirurgie congénitale

Psychology

trait congénital
tempérament congénital
instinct congénital
préposition congénitale

Politics

vice congénital
faiblesse congénitale
manque congénital
biais congénital

Biology

anomalie congénitale
caractère congénital
origine congénitale
facteur congénital

Literature

tare congénitale
mélancolie congénitale
destin congénital
nature congénitale

대화 시작하기

"Pensez-vous que certains traits de caractère sont congénitaux ou acquis ?"

"Avez-vous déjà entendu parler des maladies congénitales dans les actualités ?"

"Est-ce qu'un menteur congénital peut vraiment changer un jour ?"

"Comment la médecine traite-t-elle les malformations congénitales aujourd'hui ?"

"La timidité est-elle, selon vous, un trait congénital ?"

일기 주제

Décrivez une qualité que vous possédez et qui semble presque congénitale tant elle fait partie de vous.

Réfléchissez à la différence entre ce que nous apprenons et ce qui est congénital. Qu'est-ce qui est le plus important ?

Écrivez une courte histoire sur un personnage qui découvre un secret congénital dans sa famille.

Analysez un système (comme l'école ou le travail) et identifiez ce que vous appelleriez un 'vice congénital'.

Pensez-vous que le bonheur peut être un trait congénital ? Développez votre pensée.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

In medical terms, it is neutral, but it usually describes a problem. Figuratively, it is almost always used for flaws (e.g., 'menteur congénital').

The masculine plural is 'congénitaux' and the feminine plural is 'congénitales'.

It's rare. For talents, 'inné' is much more common and appropriate.

No. Genetic means caused by DNA. Congenital means present at birth. Some congenital issues are caused by the environment, not genes.

It is a hard 'g' like in 'gâteau' or 'gate'.

No, it's quite formal. Use 'de naissance' for everyday talk.

Yes, figuratively. It means the problem has existed since the institution was founded.

The opposite is 'acquis' (acquired), meaning something you got after being born.

It is common in newspapers, books, and hospitals, but not in daily chat.

Yes, it is an adjective and must agree in gender and number.

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