sens
sens 30초 만에
- Meaning: The definition or significance of a word, action, or idea.
- Direction: The orientation or path of movement (e.g., one-way).
- Senses: The five physical faculties (sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch).
- Logic: Common sense or the underlying purpose of something.
The French word sens is a powerhouse of polysemy, a single syllable that carries the weight of human perception, logic, and navigation. At its core, it refers to the faculty of sensation. Just as in English, French recognizes the five senses (les cinq sens), but the word quickly branches out into more abstract territories. When you ask for the 'sens' of a word, you are looking for its meaning or definition. This dual nature—the physical and the intellectual—makes it one of the most frequently used nouns in the French language. It is masculine (le sens), and interestingly, the final 's' is almost always pronounced, which distinguishes it from the verb form 'sent' (from sentir). Understanding 'sens' is about understanding how humans interface with the world: we perceive it through our senses, we navigate it in a certain direction, and we attempt to give it meaning. This section explores these three pillars: perception, direction, and signification.
- Physical Perception
- Refers to the biological tools we use to experience the world: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
L'odorat est l'un des cinq sens.
- Direction and Vector
- Indicates the path or orientation of movement, such as a one-way street or the clockwise direction.
Vous roulez dans le mauvais sens.
- Logic and Meaning
- Refers to the coherence, significance, or underlying purpose of an idea or life itself.
Cette phrase n'a aucun sens.
Il a le sens des responsabilités.
Quel est le sens de la vie ?
To truly master 'sens', one must appreciate its flexibility. It is not just a noun; it is a framework for existence. Whether you are lost in a city (direction), lost in a book (meaning), or lost in a dream (sensation), 'sens' is the compass you use to find your way back to clarity. In philosophical discourse, 'sens' is often contrasted with 'non-sens' (nonsense) or 'absurde', highlighting its role as the glue that holds reality together. For a learner at the A2 level, focusing on 'sens unique' and 'le sens d'un mot' provides the most immediate practical value, while the broader meanings will naturally unfold as you engage with more complex French texts and conversations.
Using 'sens' correctly involves paying attention to the preposition that follows it and the context of the sentence. Because it can mean so many things, the surrounding words are your best clues. When talking about direction, you will often see 'dans le sens de' (in the direction of). When talking about meaning, you might use 'au sens propre' (literally) or 'au sens figuré' (figuratively). Grammatically, 'sens' is a masculine noun. Even though it ends in 's', it is singular. The plural is also 'sens', so you must rely on the article (le vs les) to determine number. A crucial tip for English speakers: 'sens' is often used where English might use 'way', 'meaning', or 'sense', but it is never used to mean 'feeling' in the emotional sense (that would be 'sentiment' or 'sensation').
- Directional Usage
- Used with 'dans' to indicate orientation. 'Dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre' means clockwise.
Tournez la clé dans le sens inverse.
- Defining Meaning
- Used to clarify how a word should be understood. 'Au sens large' means in the broad sense.
Ce mot est utilisé ici au sens figuré.
- Intuition and Skills
- Describes an innate ability or 'flair' for something, like 'le sens des affaires' (business acumen).
Elle a un sens de l'humour incroyable.
Il a perdu le sens de l'orientation.
When you want to say something 'makes sense', use the expression 'avoir du sens'. For example, 'Cela a du sens' (That makes sense). Avoid saying 'ça fait du sens', which is an anglicism (a direct translation from English) and is considered incorrect by the Académie Française, though you might hear it in Quebec or in informal speech. To say 'in my opinion' or 'as I see it', you can use 'à mon sens'. This is a slightly more formal way to express your viewpoint, suggesting that your perspective is based on your 'sense' or interpretation of the facts. Mastering these nuances will elevate your French from basic communication to nuanced expression.
You will encounter 'sens' in almost every facet of French life. On the road, it is ubiquitous. Every driver in France knows the 'sens unique' (one-way street) and the dreaded 'sens interdit' (do not enter) signs. In schools, teachers will ask students if they have understood the 'sens global' of a text. In business, managers will talk about the 'sens des priorités' (sense of priorities). Even in the kitchen, chefs might speak of the 'sens du goût' (sense of taste). It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the profound. In literature and philosophy, 'le sens' is a central theme, often exploring the 'sens de l'existence'. If you watch French news, you might hear journalists debating the 'sens' of a new law or a political movement.
Attention, c'est un sens unique !
Je ne comprends pas le sens de sa démarche.
Il faut garder le sens des réalités.
In popular culture, the term 'le sixième sens' (the sixth sense) is used just as it is in English to describe intuition or a supernatural perception. In the world of fashion and design, 'le sens de l'esthétique' is a highly valued trait. If you are listening to a podcast about personal development, you will frequently hear about finding 'un sens à sa vie' (a meaning to one's life). The word is so deeply embedded in the French psyche that it appears in countless idioms and proverbs. Whether you are reading a technical manual or a romantic poem, 'sens' will be there, guiding your understanding and providing the necessary context for the world around you.
One of the most frequent mistakes for learners is the pronunciation of the final 's'. In many French words, the final consonant is silent, but 'sens' is an exception. You must pronounce the 's' clearly (/sɑ̃s/). If you say /sɑ̃/, you are saying 'sang' (blood), 'cent' (hundred), or 'sans' (without), which can lead to significant confusion. Another common error is the confusion between 'sens' and 'sentiment'. While 'sens' can mean a physical sensation or a logical meaning, it does not mean an emotion. If you want to say 'I have a feeling that...', you should use 'J'ai le sentiment que...' or 'J'ai l'impression que...', not 'J'ai le sens que...'. Additionally, English speakers often translate 'it makes sense' as 'ça fait du sens'. While this is common in some regions, the standard French expression is 'cela a du sens' or 'c'est logique'.
Incorrect: Ça fait du sens. Correct: Ça a du sens.
Incorrect: J'ai le sens qu'il va pleuvoir. Correct: J'ai l'impression qu'il va pleuvoir.
Another subtle mistake involves the use of 'sens' versus 'signification'. While they are often interchangeable, 'signification' is usually more technical and refers specifically to the definition of a sign or symbol. 'Sens' is broader and can include the intent, the direction, and the emotional resonance of a message. Finally, be careful with the plural. 'Les sens' refers to the five senses, but if you want to say 'in both directions', you would say 'dans les deux sens'. Misusing the plural or the singular can change the meaning of your sentence from a logical statement to a biological one.
To expand your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that share semantic space with 'sens'. Depending on the context, you might choose a more specific word. For 'meaning', you could use 'signification' or 'définition'. For 'direction', you might use 'direction', 'orientation', or 'trajet'. For 'logic', 'logique' or 'cohérence' are good alternatives. Understanding the nuances between these words will help you sound more like a native speaker. For instance, 'direction' is more common for general navigation, while 'sens' is specific to the orientation of a street or a rotating object. 'Signification' is often used in academic or linguistic contexts, whereas 'sens' is the everyday word for 'what something means'.
- Sens vs. Direction
- 'Direction' is the general path; 'Sens' is the specific orientation (e.g., which way the arrow points).
- Sens vs. Signification
- 'Signification' is the literal definition; 'Sens' is the broader meaning or intent.
- Sens vs. Sentiment
- 'Sens' is perception or logic; 'Sentiment' is an internal emotion or feeling.
Quelle est la signification de ce symbole ? (More technical than 'sens')
Il a pris la mauvaise direction au carrefour.
In summary, while 'sens' is a versatile 'catch-all' word, knowing when to use its synonyms can provide greater precision. If you are discussing the 'essence' of something, 'sens' is perfect. If you are giving GPS instructions, 'direction' is safer. If you are analyzing a poem, you might toggle between 'sens' (the overall meaning) and 'signification' (the meaning of specific metaphors). This linguistic dexterity is a hallmark of advanced proficiency.
How Formal Is It?
난이도
알아야 할 문법
Nasal vowels (an/en)
Pronunciation of final consonants
Masculine vs Feminine nouns
Prepositions of direction
Fixed expressions with 'avoir'
수준별 예문
Quel est le sens de ce mot ?
What is the meaning of this word?
Masculine singular noun.
C'est un sens unique.
It is a one-way street.
Used as a noun phrase.
Regarde dans ce sens.
Look in this direction.
Preposition 'dans' + 'ce' + 'sens'.
Le sens de la flèche.
The direction of the arrow.
Definite article 'le'.
Elle a cinq sens.
She has five senses.
Plural form, same spelling.
Le sens est clair.
The meaning is clear.
Subject of the sentence.
C'est le bon sens.
It is common sense.
Fixed expression 'bon sens'.
Dans quel sens ?
In which direction?
Interrogative phrase.
Il y a un sens interdit ici.
There is a 'no entry' here.
Common traffic term.
Cela a du sens pour moi.
That makes sense to me.
Correct use of 'avoir du sens'.
À mon sens, c'est une erreur.
In my opinion, it's a mistake.
Formal expression for 'in my view'.
Il a le sens de l'humour.
He has a sense of humor.
Idiomatic use for a personality trait.
Tournez dans le sens inverse.
Turn in the opposite direction.
Directional usage.
Le sens propre du mot est 'chat'.
The literal meaning of the word is 'cat'.
Technical term 'sens propre'.
Elle a perdu le sens de l'orientation.
She lost her sense of direction.
Fixed phrase.
Les deux sens sont possibles.
Both directions/meanings are possible.
Plural 'les deux sens'.
Il a un excellent sens des affaires.
He has an excellent business sense.
Describes a professional skill.
Quel est le sens global du texte ?
What is the overall meaning of the text?
Used in reading comprehension.
Elle agit avec beaucoup de bon sens.
She acts with a lot of common sense.
Focus on 'bon sens'.
Il faut aller dans le sens du vent.
You must go in the direction of the wind.
Literal and figurative direction.
Ce mot a plusieurs sens.
This word has several meanings.
Refers to polysemy.
Il a le sens du détail.
He has an eye for detail.
Describes a quality.
Dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre.
Clockwise.
Standard directional phrase.
Sa vie a enfin un sens.
His life finally has a meaning.
Existential usage.
C'est une expression au sens figuré.
It's a figurative expression.
Contrast with 'sens propre'.
Il abonde dans mon sens.
He completely agrees with me.
Idiomatic expression 'abonder dans le sens de'.
Le sens de cette loi est débattu.
The meaning of this law is being debated.
Formal/Legal context.
Il a le sens des responsabilités.
He has a sense of responsibility.
Character trait.
Tout est sens dessus dessous !
Everything is upside down / a mess!
Common idiom.
Le sens de l'odorat est très développé chez le chien.
The sense of smell is very developed in dogs.
Biological context.
Dans quel sens faut-il interpréter cela ?
In what way should this be interpreted?
Abstract interpretation.
Elle a un sens inné de la justice.
She has an innate sense of justice.
Describes a moral quality.
L'auteur joue sur le double sens du mot.
The author plays on the double meaning of the word.
Literary analysis.
C'est un non-sens total.
It's total nonsense.
Use of 'non-sens'.
Il faut redonner du sens au travail.
We need to give meaning back to work.
Sociological context.
Le sens de l'histoire est inéluctable.
The direction of history is inevitable.
Philosophical/Historical usage.
Elle a le sens de la répartie.
She has a quick wit / sense of repartee.
Social skill.
Dans un sens, vous avez raison.
In a way, you are right.
Nuanced agreement.
Le sens de l'esthétique varie selon les cultures.
The sense of aesthetics varies by culture.
Abstract concept.
Il a perdu tout sens commun.
He has lost all common sense.
Strong critique.
L'herméneutique cherche le sens caché des textes.
Hermeneutics seeks the hidden meaning of texts.
Academic/Philosophical context.
Une décision dénuée de tout sens moral.
A decision devoid of any moral sense.
High-level moral critique.
Il s'est engagé dans un sens unique idéologique.
He committed to an ideological one-way street.
Metaphorical usage.
Le sens se dérobe à toute tentative de définition.
The meaning eludes any attempt at definition.
Abstract/Poetic.
Elle possède un sens aigu de l'analyse politique.
She possesses a sharp sense of political analysis.
Professional expertise.
Le sens de la formule est sa plus grande force.
His way with words is his greatest strength.
Rhetorical skill.
Vivre en dépit du sens commun.
To live in defiance of common sense.
Literary phrasing.
Le sens de l'existence est une quête perpétuelle.
The meaning of existence is a perpetual quest.
Existential theme.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
자주 혼동되는 단어
관용어 및 표현
혼동하기 쉬운
Means 'without', 's' is silent.
Means 'hundred', 's' is silent.
Means 'blood', 'g' is silent.
Verb 'sentir', 't' is silent.
Means 'scene', pronounced differently.
문장 패턴
사용법
Even in plural, the spelling is 'sens'.
In Quebec, 'ça fait du sens' is more commonly accepted due to English influence.
The 's' is pronounced even before a consonant.
- Pronouncing 'sens' like 'sans' (forgetting the 's').
- Saying 'ça fait du sens' instead of 'ça a du sens'.
- Using 'sens' to mean an emotion (use 'sentiment' instead).
- Making 'sens' feminine (it's always masculine).
- Confusing 'sens unique' with 'direction unique'.
팁
The Final S
Always pronounce the 's' in 'sens'. Practice saying 'le sens' /sɑ̃s/ vs 'sans' /sɑ̃/.
Traffic Signs
Look for 'sens unique' and 'sens interdit' signs to remember the 'direction' meaning.
Avoir vs Faire
Remember: 'Cela a du sens' (It has sense) is the natural French way to say 'It makes sense'.
Common Sense
Use 'bon sens' for practical logic. It's a very common and positive compliment.
Upside Down
'Sens dessus dessous' is a fun phrase for a messy room or a chaotic situation.
Formal Opinions
Start a sentence with 'À mon sens...' to sound more sophisticated in your writing.
Context Clues
If you hear 'sens' near 'rue' or 'voiture', it probably means direction.
Sense of Humor
Compliment someone by saying 'Tu as un excellent sens de l'humour !'
Philosophy
The 'sens de la vie' is a big topic in France. Don't be afraid to use it in deep conversations.
The Compass
Visualize a compass with 'Meaning', 'Direction', and 'Sensation' at the points.
암기하기
기억법
S.E.N.S. = Signification, Existence, Navigation, Sensation.
어원
From Latin 'sensus', meaning 'faculty of feeling, perception, meaning'.
문화적 맥락
French cities are famous for 'sens unique' (one-way) streets.
The 'sens du goût' is essential in French culinary culture.
The word is central to French existentialism.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
대화 시작하기
"Quel est le sens de ce mot en français ?"
"Est-ce que cette phrase a du sens pour toi ?"
"As-tu un bon sens de l'orientation ?"
"Quel est, à ton sens, le meilleur restaurant ici ?"
"Crois-tu au sixième sens ?"
일기 주제
Décrivez une situation qui n'avait aucun sens pour vous.
Quel est le sens que vous utilisez le plus (la vue, l'ouïe...) ?
Qu'est-ce qui donne du sens à votre vie ?
Avez-vous déjà pris un sens interdit en voiture ?
Expliquez une expression française au sens figuré.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, in modern French, the 's' in 'sens' is almost always pronounced as /s/, whether it means meaning, direction, or sensation.
Direction is the general path (e.g., North), while 'sens' is the specific orientation (e.g., North to South vs South to North).
It is better to say 'ça a du sens'. 'Ça fait du sens' is a direct translation from English and is discouraged in formal French.
It is always masculine: le sens, un sens.
It is 'le bon sens' or 'le sens commun'.
La vue, l'ouïe, l'odorat, le goût, et le toucher.
It means upside down or in a state of total disorder.
Une rue en sens unique.
Yes, the spelling 'sens' does not change in the plural.
Only as a physical sensation (e.g., the sense of touch). For emotional feelings, use 'sentiment'.
셀프 테스트 180 질문
Traduisez : 'This word has two meanings.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Utilisez 'sens unique' dans une phrase.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'In my opinion, he is right.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Expliquez le 'sens figuré' en une phrase.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'She has a great sense of humor.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Faites une phrase avec 'sens interdit'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'It doesn't make sense.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Décrivez un de vos cinq sens.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'Everything is upside down.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Utilisez 'bon sens' dans une phrase.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'The direction of the wind.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Faites une phrase avec 'sens des responsabilités'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'A one-way street.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Utilisez 'sixième sens' dans une phrase.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'Clockwise.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Expliquez 'non-sens' en français.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'The meaning of life.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Utilisez 'dans tous les sens' dans une phrase.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Traduisez : 'To agree with someone.' (using 'sens')
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Faites une phrase avec 'sens de l'esthétique'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Prononcez : 'Le sens'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'One-way street' en français.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'That makes sense' en français.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Prononcez : 'Les cinq sens'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'In my opinion' en utilisant 'sens'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'No entry' en français.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Prononcez : 'Sens dessus dessous'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'He has a sense of humor'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'Clockwise' en français.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'The meaning of the word'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Prononcez : 'Bon sens'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'In both directions'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'He lost his way' (using 'sens').
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'It's nonsense'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'Literally' (using 'sens').
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'Figuratively' (using 'sens').
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'Give meaning to life'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'In the direction of the wind'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'A double meaning'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Dites : 'Common sense'.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Écoutez : 'C'est un sens unique.' Quelle est la direction ?
Écoutez : 'Quel est le sens de ce mot ?' Que cherche la personne ?
Écoutez : 'Il a le sens de l'humour.' Est-il drôle ?
Écoutez : 'Tout est sens dessus dessous.' Comment est la pièce ?
Écoutez : 'À mon sens, c'est faux.' Est-ce une certitude ?
Écoutez : 'Prenez le sens inverse.' Doit-on continuer tout droit ?
Écoutez : 'Il a le sens des affaires.' Est-il pauvre ?
Écoutez : 'C'est un non-sens.' Est-ce logique ?
Écoutez : 'Le sens de la vie.' De quoi parle-t-on ?
Écoutez : 'Dans le sens des aiguilles.' Quelle heure est-il ?
Écoutez : 'Il a perdu le sens commun.' Est-il raisonnable ?
Écoutez : 'Les cinq sens.' Combien y en a-t-il ?
Écoutez : 'C'est au sens figuré.' Est-ce la réalité ?
Écoutez : 'Il abonde dans mon sens.' Sommes-nous d'accord ?
Écoutez : 'Sens interdit !' Que faut-il faire ?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'sens' is a versatile noun meaning 'meaning', 'direction', or 'physical sense'. Remember to always pronounce the final 's' (/sɑ̃s/) to avoid confusion with 'sang' or 'sans'. Example: 'Ce mot a un sens précis.'
- Meaning: The definition or significance of a word, action, or idea.
- Direction: The orientation or path of movement (e.g., one-way).
- Senses: The five physical faculties (sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch).
- Logic: Common sense or the underlying purpose of something.
The Final S
Always pronounce the 's' in 'sens'. Practice saying 'le sens' /sɑ̃s/ vs 'sans' /sɑ̃/.
Traffic Signs
Look for 'sens unique' and 'sens interdit' signs to remember the 'direction' meaning.
Avoir vs Faire
Remember: 'Cela a du sens' (It has sense) is the natural French way to say 'It makes sense'.
Common Sense
Use 'bon sens' for practical logic. It's a very common and positive compliment.
예시
Je ne comprends pas le sens de cette phrase.
관련 콘텐츠
맥락에서 배우기
이 단어를 다른 언어로
관련 표현
general 관련 단어
à cause de
A2부정적이거나 중립적인 사건의 원인을 설명할 때 사용하는 전치사구입니다. '... 때문에'라는 뜻입니다.
à côté
A2~옆에; ~곁에.
à côté de
A2Next to, beside.
À droite
A2오른쪽으로 또는 오른쪽에. 예: '모퉁이에서 오른쪽으로 도세요'.
À gauche
A2To the left; on the left side.
à la
A2전치사 'à'와 여성 정관사 'la'의 결합으로, '~에' 또는 '~로'를 의미합니다.
à laquelle
B2To which; at which (feminine singular).
à mesure que
B2~함에 따라.
abrégé
B1An abstract, summary, or abridgment.
absence
A2The state of being away from a place or person.