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B2 adjective 9분 분량

sain(e)

예시 sain(e) 30초 만에
설명 sain(e) in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn 'sain' as a basic adjective to describe food and health. It is often introduced alongside vocabulary for fruits, vegetables, and parts of the body. You will mainly see it in simple sentences like 'La pomme est saine' (The apple is healthy) or 'Je veux être sain' (I want to be healthy). At this stage, focus on the basic meaning and the feminine agreement 'saine'. It is a useful word for talking about your daily routine and what you eat. You might also encounter it in very common phrases about nature, like 'l'air est sain' (the air is healthy/fresh). Keep it simple: use 'sain' to mean 'good for the body'. You should also learn that it is the opposite of 'malade' (sick) in a general sense, although 'malsain' is the direct opposite. A1 learners often confuse 'sain' with 'santé', so remember that 'sain' describes a thing, while 'santé' is the concept of health itself. You have 'la santé' because you eat 'des aliments sains'.
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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'sain' in more varied contexts, such as describing a lifestyle or 'mode de vie'. You can now use it to talk about your habits: 'Je mène une vie saine' (I lead a healthy life). You will also learn the plural forms 'sains' and 'saines'. At this level, you should be able to compare things using 'plus sain' or 'moins sain'. For example, 'Les carottes sont plus saines que les frites' (Carrots are healthier than fries). You might also start to see the word in environmental contexts, like 'un environnement sain' (a healthy environment). This is a great word to use when writing short essays about your hobbies or your hometown. You should also be aware of the common fixed expression 'sain et sauf' (safe and sound), which you might hear in stories or news reports about people returning safely from a trip or an accident. It's important to start noticing the difference in pronunciation between the masculine 'sain' (nasal sound) and the feminine 'saine' (the 'n' is pronounced).
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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'sain' in both literal and figurative ways. You will encounter it in discussions about the economy, psychology, and social issues. For instance, you might read about 'une économie saine' (a healthy economy) in a news article. At this stage, you should understand that 'sain' implies stability and the absence of corruption or debt. You will also use it to describe relationships: 'une relation saine' (a healthy relationship). This level requires you to understand the nuance between 'sain' and its synonyms like 'salubre' or 'équilibré'. You should be able to explain why a certain habit is 'sain' using more complex sentence structures. For example, 'Il est primordial d'adopter des habitudes saines dès le plus jeune âge pour éviter des problèmes de santé plus tard.' You will also start to see 'sain' used in legal or formal contexts, such as 'sain d'esprit' (of sound mind). Your vocabulary is expanding, and 'sain' becomes a key tool for expressing opinions on wellness, ecology, and social dynamics.
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At the B2 level, which is the target for this word, you must master the various shades of meaning 'sain' carries. You should be able to use it fluently in academic and professional contexts. This includes discussing 'une gestion saine des ressources' (sound resource management) or 'une concurrence saine' (healthy competition) in business. You are expected to distinguish 'sain' from its homophones (saint, sein, seing) without error in writing. You should also be able to use 'sain' to describe abstract concepts like logic, reasoning, or a 'climat social sain' (a healthy social climate). At B2, you should understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, which helps in understanding its use in literature. You can use 'sain' to critique complex systems, such as 'le système bancaire n'est plus sain'. You should also be familiar with the use of 'sain' in medical or scientific texts to describe 'tissus sains' (healthy tissues) versus 'tissus pathologiques'. Your ability to use 'sain' should reflect a deep understanding of French values regarding quality, balance, and integrity.
At the C1 level, you use 'sain' with the precision of a native speaker. You can appreciate its use in classical French literature and use it yourself in high-level stylistic writing. You understand the subtle connotations 'sain' brings to a text—how it can suggest moral rectitude, intellectual clarity, or biological perfection. You might use it in philosophical debates, such as discussing 'une saine lecture' (wholesome reading) and its impact on the soul. At this level, you are also aware of rare or archaic uses of the word and its derivatives. You can easily navigate between 'sain', 'salubre', 'roboratif', and 'prophylactique', choosing the one that fits the register perfectly. You might analyze the use of 'sain' in political discourse to see how it is used to justify certain policies (e.g., 'assainir les finances publiques'). Your mastery includes the ability to use the word in complex metaphors and wordplay, and you have a perfect grasp of all idiomatic expressions involving 'sain'.
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At the C2 level, 'sain' is a versatile instrument in your linguistic repertoire. You possess a near-perfect instinct for its placement and usage. You can discuss the evolution of the word from Latin to Old French and its various semantic shifts over the centuries. In professional or academic writing, you use 'sain' to build nuanced arguments about systemic health, whether in biology, sociology, or economics. You can identify and explain why 'sain' is used in specific legal precedents or medical definitions. You are also capable of identifying subtle irony or sarcasm when the word is used in a counter-intuitive way (e.g., describing a 'saine haine'). Your understanding is so deep that you can contribute to debates about the 'sanification' of language or the cultural implications of what a society deems 'sain' at any given time. You use the word with total confidence, regardless of the complexity of the subject matter, and your written work reflects the highest level of grammatical and stylistic accuracy.
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예시

sain(e) 30초 만에

  • Sain means healthy or sound in French.
  • It agrees in gender and number: sain, saine, sains, saines.
  • It describes physical health, mental sanity, and economic stability.
  • Common homophones include saint (holy) and sein (breast).

The French adjective sain (masculine) and saine (feminine) is a fundamental descriptor used to convey the concept of health, soundness, and purity. At its core, it translates to 'healthy' in English, but its application spans far beyond just physical wellness. It originates from the Latin word sanus, which literally means sound or healthy. In modern French, it is used to describe everything from the food you eat to the state of a nation's economy or the psychological stability of an individual. Understanding 'sain' requires a grasp of its nuance; it does not just mean 'not sick,' but rather implies a state of being whole, untainted, and functioning as nature intended.

Physical Health
When referring to the human body or habits, 'sain' describes a lifestyle or a physical condition that promotes longevity and vitality. It is often paired with 'alimentation' (diet) or 'habitudes' (habits).

Il est essentiel de maintenir une alimentation saine pour rester en forme.

Beyond the body, 'sain' is frequently used in environmental contexts. A 'milieu sain' is a healthy environment, free from pollution or toxicity. This extension of the word is vital in contemporary discussions about ecology and urban planning. It suggests a balance where living organisms can thrive without the interference of harmful external factors.

Mental and Moral Soundness
In a psychological context, 'sain d'esprit' refers to being of sound mind, often used in legal or medical settings to denote sanity. Morally, 'sain' can describe ideas or influences that are wholesome and not corruptive.

Son jugement est sain et dépourvu de tout préjugé.

The word also finds a home in the world of business and economics. A 'gestion saine' (sound management) or 'finances saines' (healthy finances) indicates that an organization is not in debt and follows sustainable practices. This metaphorical use is very common in news broadcasts and financial reports across the Francophone world.

Environmental Purity
Used to describe air, water, or climate that is unpolluted. 'L'air de la montagne est particulièrement sain.'

Nous recherchons un environnement sain pour élever nos enfants.

Une concurrence saine stimule l'innovation sur le marché.

Les fondations de ce bâtiment sont encore parfaitement saines.

Using 'sain' correctly involves paying close attention to grammatical agreement and the specific context of the noun it modifies. As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun. The masculine singular is sain, the feminine singular is saine, the masculine plural is sains, and the feminine plural is saines. Unlike some French adjectives that change meaning based on their position, 'sain' usually follows the noun, though it can occasionally precede it in poetic or highly formal contexts.

Agreement with Feminine Nouns
When the noun is feminine, add an 'e'. This is common with words like 'alimentation', 'vie', 'habitude', or 'lecture'.

Elle mène une vie très saine depuis son déménagement à la campagne.

When describing a group of items or people, the plural forms are used. For example, 'des poumons sains' (healthy lungs) or 'des relations saines' (healthy relationships). Notice that the pronunciation of 'sain' and 'sains' is identical (the final 's' is silent), but 'saine' and 'saines' end with a clearly pronounced 'n' sound followed by a slight 'e' release.

Metaphorical Usage
Use 'sain' to describe abstract concepts like logic or management. 'Un esprit sain' is a classic example of this application.

C'est une base saine pour commencer notre collaboration.

In medical terminology, 'sain' is used to differentiate healthy tissue from diseased tissue. A surgeon might refer to 'tissus sains' during an operation. In agriculture, 'un fruit sain' is one that is not rotten or infested with pests. This literal 'soundness' is the foundation of the word's various meanings.

Negation and Comparison
The opposite of 'sain' is 'malsain' (unhealthy/morbid). You can also use 'plus sain' or 'moins sain' for comparisons.

Manger des légumes est plus sain que de manger des sucreries.

Les enfants ont besoin d'un cadre de vie sain.

Le médecin a confirmé que ses poumons étaient parfaitement sains.

The word 'sain' is ubiquitous in French daily life, appearing in diverse settings ranging from the doctor's office to the evening news. If you walk into a French supermarket, you will likely see labels advertising 'produits sains' or 'agriculture saine'. The French place a high cultural value on the quality of food, and 'sain' is the primary adjective used to describe ingredients that are natural, organic, or nutritionally balanced. In this context, it often implies a lack of additives or pesticides.

Media and News
Journalists use 'sain' to describe stable situations. You'll hear about 'une économie saine' (a healthy economy) or 'une situation financière saine'.

L'expert affirme que les bases de notre économie sont saines.

In the realm of wellness and fitness, which has seen a massive boom in France over the last decade, 'sain' is a buzzword. Influencers on social media platforms like Instagram often talk about 'le healthy' (using the English word as a noun) but will describe their lifestyle as 'un mode de vie sain'. You will hear it in gyms, yoga studios, and in podcasts discussing mental health ('santé mentale saine'). It represents an aspirational state of balance and purity.

Legal and Formal Contexts
In legal documents, specifically wills or contracts, the phrase 'sain d'esprit' is mandatory to prove the individual was mentally capable when signing.

Le notaire a certifié que le testateur était sain d'esprit.

Finally, you will hear 'sain' in everyday conversations about relationships. People often discuss whether a friendship or a romantic partnership is 'saine' or 'toxique'. A 'relation saine' is one built on mutual respect and open communication. This usage has become increasingly common as psychological awareness grows in French society, moving the word from the physical realm into the emotional and social spheres.

Nature and Outdoors
Hikers and travelers use 'sain' to describe water sources or air quality. 'Est-ce que cette eau est saine ?' (Is this water safe to drink?).

Il est revenu de son voyage sain et sauf.

Nous voulons créer une atmosphère de travail saine.

One of the most significant hurdles for English speakers learning 'sain' is the existence of several homophones—words that sound exactly the same but have different meanings and spellings. In French, the sound /sɛ̃/ can represent 'sain' (healthy), 'saint' (holy), 'sein' (breast/bosom), 'seing' (signature), or 'ceint' (girded). Confusing 'sain' with 'saint' is the most common error. For example, writing 'un esprit saint' would imply 'a Holy Spirit' (religious), whereas 'un esprit sain' means 'a sound mind'. Always double-check the context to ensure you are using the correct spelling.

Gender Agreement Failures
Learners often forget to add the 'e' when the noun is feminine. Remember: 'un corps sain' but 'une vie saine'.

Faux: Une nourriture sain. Correct: Une nourriture saine.

Another common mistake is using 'sain' when 'santé' is required. 'Sain' is an adjective, while 'santé' is a noun. You cannot say 'Il est en sain'; you must say 'Il est en bonne santé' or 'Il est sain'. Furthermore, English speakers sometimes use 'sain' to describe a person who is 'well' after an illness. While technically possible, French speakers are more likely to use 'guéri' (healed) or 'en forme' (in shape) in casual conversation. 'Sain' implies a more permanent or inherent state of being healthy.

Confusion with 'Salubre'
While 'sain' is general, 'salubre' is specific to the healthiness of a place or habitat. Using 'sain' for a building is okay, but 'salubre' is more technical.

On ne dit pas 'un médicament sain', mais 'un médicament efficace'.

Finally, be careful with the plural agreement. Even though the 's' in 'sains' and 'saines' is silent, it must be written. In written exams or formal letters, missing the plural marker is a significant grammatical error. In the phrase 'des fruits sains', the 's' on 'sains' is non-negotiable despite the pronunciation being identical to the singular.

False Friends
Don't confuse 'sain' with the English word 'sane' exclusively. While it can mean 'sane', it mostly means 'healthy'.

Il faut avoir des habitudes saines au quotidien.

Cette pomme n'est plus saine, elle commence à pourrir.

French offers a variety of synonyms for 'sain', each with its own specific nuance and register. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about biology, architecture, or morality. While 'sain' is the most versatile and common term, using alternatives can make your French sound more sophisticated and precise. For instance, when talking about a diet, you might use 'équilibré' (balanced), which suggests a variety of nutrients rather than just the absence of toxins.

Salubre vs Sain
'Salubre' specifically refers to things that are beneficial to health, often in the context of hygiene, air, or housing. A 'logement salubre' is a healthy place to live.

L'eau de cette source est parfaitement salubre.

If you want to emphasize strength and vitality, 'robuste' or 'vigoureux' are excellent choices. These words suggest not just health, but an active, powerful state of being. 'Un enfant vigoureux' is more than just 'sain'; he is bursting with energy. On the other hand, if you are describing food that is simple and good for the body, 'naturel' or 'biologique' (organic) might be more descriptive in a modern context.

Équilibré
Commonly used for diets and lifestyles. 'Un repas équilibré' is a balanced meal.

Elle a une approche très équilibrée de la vie.

In more abstract or moral contexts, 'intègre' or 'droit' can replace 'sain'. If you say someone has a 'moralité saine', you could also say they are 'une personne intègre'. In business, a 'marché sain' could be described as a 'marché stable' or 'marché porteur'. Understanding these synonyms allows you to tailor your language to the specific domain you are discussing, whether it be medicine, ecology, or ethics.

Vigoureux
Implies robust health and growth. Often used for plants or young animals.

Les plantes de ce jardin sont très vigoureuses.

Il est important d'avoir une hygiène de vie irréprochable.

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수준별 예문

1

Cette pomme est saine.

This apple is healthy.

Feminine singular agreement.

2

Il mange des légumes sains.

He eats healthy vegetables.

Masculine plural agreement.

3

L'air de la montagne est sain.

The mountain air is healthy.

Masculine singular.

4

C'est un fruit sain.

It is a healthy fruit.

Adjective follows the noun.

5

Elle veut rester saine.

She wants to stay healthy.

Subject-complement agreement.

6

Le lait est sain pour les enfants.

Milk is healthy for children.

General statement.

7

Nous avons des habitudes saines.

We have healthy habits.

Feminine plural.

8

Ce repas est très sain.

This meal is very healthy.

Adverb 'très' modifies 'sain'.

1

Il mène une vie saine.

He leads a healthy life.

Common collocation 'vie saine'.

2

Boire de l'eau est plus sain que le soda.

Drinking water is healthier than soda.

Comparative structure.

3

Ils sont revenus sains et saufs.

They returned safe and sound.

Fixed expression plural.

4

C'est une base saine pour ton projet.

It's a sound basis for your project.

Figurative use.

5

Le jardin produit des légumes sains.

The garden produces healthy vegetables.

Plural agreement.

6

Il faut dormir pour être sain.

One must sleep to be healthy.

Infinitive purpose clause.

7

Cette eau n'est pas saine.

This water is not healthy.

Negation.

8

Elle a un esprit sain.

She has a sound mind.

Abstract usage.

1

L'économie du pays est redevenue saine.

The country's economy has become healthy again.

Economic context.

2

Une relation saine repose sur la confiance.

A healthy relationship is based on trust.

Social context.

3

Le médecin dit que mes poumons sont sains.

The doctor says my lungs are healthy.

Medical context.

4

Il est important de garder un esprit sain.

It is important to keep a sound mind.

Mental health.

5

Cette entreprise a une gestion saine.

This company has sound management.

Business context.

6

Nous cherchons un climat social sain.

We are looking for a healthy social climate.

Sociological use.

7

Les fondations de la maison sont saines.

The foundations of the house are sound.

Structural context.

8

C'est une saine habitude de lire chaque soir.

It is a healthy habit to read every night.

Adjective precedes noun for emphasis.

1

Une concurrence saine favorise l'innovation.

Healthy competition promotes innovation.

B2 level abstract concept.

2

Il a été déclaré sain d'esprit par les experts.

He was declared of sound mind by experts.

Legal term.

3

Le marché immobilier présente une croissance saine.

The real estate market shows healthy growth.

Economic nuance.

4

Il faut assainir la situation avant d'agir.

The situation must be cleaned up before acting.

Related verb 'assainir'.

5

Ses critiques étaient saines et constructives.

His criticisms were healthy and constructive.

Intellectual context.

6

L'air marin est réputé pour être sain.

Sea air is known for being healthy.

Passive construction.

7

La structure du bâtiment est parfaitement saine.

The building's structure is perfectly sound.

Adverbial modification.

8

Ils ont établi des bases saines pour le futur.

They established sound foundations for the future.

Metaphorical plural.

1

L'auteur prône une saine lecture des classiques.

The author advocates for a wholesome reading of the classics.

Literary register.

2

Le rapport préconise une gestion plus saine des deniers publics.

The report advocates for a sounder management of public funds.

Formal administrative style.

3

Il s'agit d'une réaction saine face à l'injustice.

It is a healthy reaction to injustice.

Philosophical nuance.

4

La saine raison doit l'emporter sur la passion.

Sound reason must prevail over passion.

Abstract philosophical subject.

5

Le tissu cicatriciel est désormais sain.

The scar tissue is now healthy.

Technical medical use.

6

Une saine émulation s'est installée entre les chercheurs.

A healthy emulation has developed among the researchers.

High-level vocabulary.

7

Il convient d'adopter une saine distance vis-à-vis des médias.

It is advisable to adopt a healthy distance from the media.

Critical thinking context.

8

Sa constitution physique est exceptionnellement saine.

His physical constitution is exceptionally sound.

Formal description.

1

L'assainissement du secteur bancaire est impératif.

The cleaning up of the banking sector is imperative.

Noun derivative 'assainissement'.

2

On observe une saine horreur du vide chez cet artiste.

One observes a healthy horror of the void in this artist.

Oxymoronic/Paradoxical use.

3

Le corpus législatif doit reposer sur des principes sains.

The legislative corpus must rest on sound principles.

Legal philosophy.

4

L'esprit de corps, s'il est sain, renforce l'unité.

Esprit de corps, if it is healthy, strengthens unity.

Conditional nuance.

5

La saine critique est le moteur du progrès scientifique.

Sound criticism is the engine of scientific progress.

Epistemological context.

6

Elle possède cette saine curiosité qui caractérise les grands esprits.

She possesses that healthy curiosity that characterizes great minds.

Character trait analysis.

7

L'équilibre précaire de l'écosystème nécessite une gestion saine.

The precarious balance of the ecosystem requires sound management.

Complex environmental discourse.

8

L'opinion publique réclame une saine transparence.

Public opinion demands healthy transparency.

Political rhetoric.

자주 쓰는 조합

Alimentation saine
Esprit sain
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