tempérament
tempérament 30초 만에
- Tempérament refers to innate, stable personality traits rather than temporary moods. It is a masculine noun used to describe a person's core nature.
The French word tempérament is a fascinating term that refers to the biological and psychological baseline of an individual. Unlike 'humeur' (mood), which is transient and can change from hour to hour, a tempérament is seen as something innate, stable, and enduring. It is the 'hard-wiring' of a person's personality. In French culture, discussing someone's nature often involves this word to describe their natural inclinations toward certain behaviors, such as being calm, artistic, or energetic.
- Psychological Context
- It refers to the inherent traits that determine how a person reacts to the world. For instance, a 'tempérament calme' suggests a person who is naturally poised.
- Artistic Context
- In the arts, it can describe the unique 'soul' or 'fire' an artist brings to their work, often referred to as 'un tempérament d'artiste'.
- Historical Context
- Historically, it relates to the four humors of ancient medicine (sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, and melancholic), which were thought to dictate human health and behavior.
Depuis son enfance, Marc a toujours eu un tempérament très indépendant et curieux.
When you use this word, you are looking past the surface level of someone's current feelings. You are talking about their essence. It is a very common word in literature and psychology, but also in everyday conversation when trying to explain why someone acts the way they do consistently. For example, if someone is always stressed, you might say they have an 'anxieux' temperament.
Elle possède un tempérament de feu qui impressionne tous ses collègues de travail.
In musical theory, specifically in French, 'tempérament' also refers to a system of tuning, such as 'tempérament égal' (equal temperament). This is a technical use but shows the word's versatility in describing balance and structure. In a more general sense, it can also mean 'moderation' or 'restraint', though this is less common in modern spoken French than the personality-related meaning.
Le tempérament d'un chien de chasse est souvent très différent de celui d'un chien de compagnie.
Understanding this word helps you describe people with more nuance. Instead of just saying someone is 'gentil' (nice), you can say they have a 'tempérament doux' (sweet nature), which implies that this kindness is a fundamental part of who they are, not just a temporary state. It is a core B1 level word because it allows for more descriptive and abstract conversation about people and characters in stories.
Il faut beaucoup de patience pour gérer un enfant avec un tel tempérament.
Son tempérament artistique se manifeste dans chaque détail de sa maison.
Using tempérament correctly involves understanding its role as a masculine noun and the common adjectives that accompany it. It usually follows the verb 'avoir' (to have) or 'être de' (to be of). For example, you can say 'Il a un tempérament calme' or 'Il est d'un tempérament calme'. Both are correct, though the latter is slightly more formal.
- With 'Avoir'
- Subject + avoir + un tempérament + Adjective. Example: 'Elle a un tempérament joyeux.'
- With 'Être de'
- Subject + être + d'un tempérament + Adjective. Example: 'Il est d'un tempérament solitaire.'
- As a Subject
- The word itself can be the subject. Example: 'Son tempérament l'empêche de se mettre en colère.'
Les jumeaux ont des tempéraments opposés : l'un est calme, l'autre est agité.
When describing someone's 'nature' using this word, the adjective must agree in gender and number with 'tempérament' (masculine). Even if you are describing a woman, you say 'Elle a un tempérament fort' (not forte), because 'fort' modifies 'tempérament'. This is a common point of confusion for learners who might want to make the adjective feminine to match the person.
Malgré son tempérament timide, elle a réussi son discours devant tout le monde.
You will often see 'tempérament' used in job descriptions or psychological evaluations. It helps define the 'soft skills' or natural fit of a candidate. For instance, 'chercher un candidat avec un tempérament de leader' (looking for a candidate with a leader's temperament). It implies that leadership is a natural part of their character rather than just a learned skill.
C'est une personne d'un tempérament très égal, elle ne s'énerve jamais.
In a plural context, 'tempéraments' is used to compare groups or individuals. 'Les tempéraments artistiques sont souvent plus sensibles aux critiques.' Here, it refers to a category of people sharing a similar nature. The word is versatile enough to be used for animals too, especially when discussing breeds or individual pets.
Le tempérament volcanique de l'acteur a causé beaucoup de problèmes sur le plateau.
Finally, notice the preposition 'de' in phrases like 'tempérament de gagnant' (winner's temperament) or 'tempérament d'artiste'. This construction links the noun 'tempérament' to a specific role or archetype, suggesting that the person naturally embodies the characteristics of that role.
Son tempérament mélancolique se reflète dans ses poèmes.
You will encounter tempérament in a variety of settings in the French-speaking world. In a casual setting, you might hear a parent describing their child's personality to a teacher or another parent. They might say, 'Il a un petit tempérament,' which often implies the child is a bit stubborn or has a strong will. It’s a polite way of saying the child has a big personality.
- In Professional Settings
- HR managers often discuss a candidate's 'tempérament' to determine if they will fit into the company culture or handle high-stress environments.
- In Literature and Cinema
- Critics use the word to describe the 'energy' or 'vibe' of a performance or a character's deep-seated motivations.
- In Science/Health
- Psychologists use it to distinguish between nature (tempérament) and nurture (caractère/éducation).
Le recruteur a remarqué son tempérament de battant lors de l'entretien.
In French media, especially talk shows or interviews with celebrities, the host might ask about the guest's 'tempérament'. For instance, 'Comment décririez-vous votre tempérament ?' (How would you describe your temperament?). It’s a standard question to get to know someone's true self. You might also hear it in sports commentary, where an athlete is praised for their 'tempérament de gagneur' (winning temperament), meaning they never give up.
À la radio, le journaliste a loué le tempérament calme du premier ministre face à la crise.
In the world of classical music, specifically in France, the 'tempérament' of an instrument is a frequent topic of discussion among experts. While the average person might not use it this way, it's a key term in music conservatories. It refers to the specific way an instrument is tuned to allow it to play in different keys. This shows that the word carries a sense of 'ordered nature' or 'balanced structure'.
L'accordeur de piano travaille sur le tempérament pour obtenir une harmonie parfaite.
In everyday dating or social life, people use 'tempérament' to explain compatibility. 'On ne s'entend pas car on a des tempéraments trop différents.' (We don't get along because we have temperaments that are too different). It suggests a fundamental clash of personalities that cannot easily be fixed because it is part of their core being.
Son tempérament optimiste est contagieux pour toute l'équipe.
Lastly, you'll find it in historical biographies. French historians often analyze the 'tempérament' of kings or leaders to explain their political decisions. For example, Louis XIV's 'tempérament' is often described as authoritarian and disciplined. This usage helps paint a psychological portrait of historical figures.
Le professeur d'histoire a expliqué comment le tempérament de Napoléon a influencé ses conquêtes.
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with tempérament is confusing it with 'temper'. In English, 'temper' often refers specifically to anger (e.g., 'to lose one's temper'). In French, 'perdre son tempérament' does not mean to get angry; it is not even a common phrase. To express losing one's temper, you would say 'perdre son sang-froid' or 'se mettre en colère'.
- Confusion with 'Temper'
- Don't use it to mean 'anger'. Use 'colère' or 'humeur' instead for temporary emotional states.
- Gender Errors
- 'Tempérament' is masculine. Adjectives must be masculine, even when describing a woman.
- Word Choice: Caractère vs. Tempérament
- While often interchangeable, 'tempérament' is more about innate nature, while 'caractère' includes learned traits.
Elle a une tempérament forte. (Incorrect) → Elle a un tempérament fort. (Correct)
Another mistake is using the word to describe the weather. While 'tempérament' and 'température' look similar, they are never interchangeable. If you say 'Le tempérament est chaud aujourd'hui,' people will think you are talking about someone's personality being 'hot' or passionate, rather than the actual weather outside.
Il a un tempérament de colère. (Incorrect) → Il a un tempérament colérique. (Correct)
Learners also sometimes forget the preposition 'de' when using archetypes. You must say 'un tempérament de chef' or 'un tempérament d'artiste'. Omitting the 'de' makes the sentence grammatically incomplete. Additionally, ensure you don't confuse 'tempérament' with 'tempérance' (temperance/moderation), which is a much more formal and specific virtue.
Attention : 'Avoir un mauvais tempérament' signifie avoir un mauvais caractère en général, pas juste être en colère maintenant.
In writing, avoid overusing 'tempérament' when 'caractère' or 'personnalité' might be more appropriate. If you are talking about someone's social skills or how they interact with others in a specific situation, 'personnalité' is often a better fit. Use 'tempérament' when you want to emphasize the biological or deep-seated nature of their behavior.
Évitez de dire 'mon tempérament a changé hier' ; préférez 'mon humeur a changé hier'.
Lastly, be careful with the plural. While 'tempéraments' exists, it is used to describe the nature of multiple people. If you are talking about one person having 'many sides' to their temperament, you would still use the singular or a different word like 'facettes de sa personnalité'.
Il est rare de dire 'il a plusieurs tempéraments'. Restez au singulier pour un individu.
While tempérament is a specific term, French offers several synonyms and related words that carry slightly different nuances. Understanding these differences will help you sound more like a native speaker and choose the exact word for the context.
- Caractère
- The most common alternative. It includes both innate traits (tempérament) and traits acquired through education and experience.
- Personnalité
- A broader term that encompasses everything about a person: their character, temperament, social behavior, and habits.
- Nature
- Often used in phrases like 'c'est dans sa nature' (it's in their nature). It is very close to 'tempérament' but more poetic or informal.
- Humeur
- Refers to a temporary state of mind (mood). Unlike temperament, it changes frequently.
On peut changer de caractère avec le temps, mais le tempérament reste souvent le même.
In a comparison between 'caractère' and 'tempérament', think of 'tempérament' as the raw material (the clay) and 'caractère' as the finished sculpture (the clay after it has been shaped by life). 'Personnalité' would be the entire art gallery including the sculpture, the lighting, and the room it's in. This distinction is subtle but important in psychological discussions.
Sa nature généreuse le pousse à aider tout le monde, c'est son tempérament profond.
If you want to describe someone who is very emotional or easily moved, you might use 'sensibilité' (sensitivity). If they are very determined, 'volonté' (willpower). However, 'tempérament' is the umbrella term that describes the *way* these traits manifest. For example, 'il a un tempérament volontaire' means he has a naturally strong will.
L'enfant a un tempérament calme, contrairement à sa sœur qui a un caractère bien trempé.
In formal writing, you might also see 'disposition' or 'inclination'. 'Il a une disposition naturelle à la mélancolie' is a very elegant way of saying he has a melancholic temperament. These words add variety to your vocabulary and allow you to tailor your speech to the level of formality required.
Son tempérament de feu est tempéré par une grande intelligence.
Finally, consider the word 'fibre' (as in 'fibre artistique'). This is a metaphorical way to talk about temperament. 'Il a la fibre commerciale' means he has the natural temperament for sales. Using these varied terms will make your French sound much more expressive and sophisticated.
Le tempérament d'un athlète de haut niveau exige une discipline de fer.
수준별 예문
Il a un tempérament calme.
He has a calm temperament.
'Tempérament' is masculine, so 'calme' does not change.
Le chat a un bon tempérament.
The cat has a good temperament.
Use 'un' because 'tempérament' is masculine.
Elle a un tempérament joyeux.
She has a joyful temperament.
Even for a woman, we use 'un tempérament joyeux'.
C'est un tempérament difficile.
It is a difficult temperament.
'C'est' is used to identify the type of nature.
Mon ami a un tempérament doux.
My friend has a sweet nature.
'Doux' means sweet or gentle here.
Quel est ton tempérament ?
What is your temperament?
'Quel' is masculine to match 'tempérament'.
Le bébé a un tempérament facile.
The baby has an easy temperament.
'Facile' means easy-going in this context.
Ils ont des tempéraments différents.
They have different temperaments.
Plural form: 'des tempéraments'.
Il est d'un tempérament très solitaire.
He is of a very solitary temperament.
'Être de' is a common way to use this word.
Elle possède un tempérament d'artiste.
She possesses an artist's temperament.
'D'artiste' describes the type of nature.
Mon chien a un tempérament protecteur.
My dog has a protective temperament.
'Protecteur' is the masculine adjective.
Il a un mauvais tempérament le matin.
He has a bad temperament in the morning.
Adjective 'mauvais' comes before the noun.
Nous avons des tempéraments compatibles.
We have compatible temperaments.
Plural agreement: 'compatibles'.
C'est un enfant avec un fort tempérament.
He is a child with a strong temperament.
'Fort' implies strong-willed here.
Son tempérament change selon les saisons.
His temperament changes according to the seasons.
'Tempérament' as the subject of the verb 'change'.
Elle a un tempérament curieux et vif.
She has a curious and lively temperament.
Two adjectives modifying the masculine noun.
Son tempérament de feu l'aide à réussir.
Her fiery temperament helps her succeed.
'Tempérament de feu' is a common idiom.
Il faut comprendre le tempérament de chacun.
One must understand everyone's temperament.
'De chacun' means of each person.
Malgré son tempérament anxieux, il est courageux.
Despite his anxious temperament, he is brave.
'Malgré' is followed by a noun phrase.
Elle a un tempérament très indépendant.
She has a very independent temperament.
Adverb 'très' modifies the adjective 'indépendant'.
Ce métier ne convient pas à son tempérament.
This job does not suit his temperament.
'Convenir à' means to suit or be fit for.
Le tempérament est souvent inné.
Temperament is often innate.
'Inné' means born-with or natural.
Elle a hérité du tempérament de son père.
She inherited her father's temperament.
'Hériter de' is the correct construction.
Il a un tempérament de gagneur.
He has a winner's temperament.
'Gagneur' is someone who wins or has a winning spirit.
Son tempérament volcanique peut être effrayant.
His volcanic temperament can be frightening.
'Volcanique' is a metaphorical adjective.
L'artiste exprime son tempérament à travers ses œuvres.
The artist expresses their temperament through their works.
'À travers' means through or by means of.
Il est d'un tempérament plutôt flegmatique.
He is of a rather phlegmatic temperament.
'Flegmatique' means calm and unemotional.
Le tempérament influence nos réactions au stress.
Temperament influences our reactions to stress.
Scientific/psychological context.
Elle a un tempérament de meneuse d'hommes.
She has a leader's temperament (leader of men).
'Meneuse' is the feminine of leader, but 'tempérament' is still masculine.
On ne peut pas lutter contre son propre tempérament.
One cannot fight against one's own temperament.
'Lutter contre' means to fight against.
Son tempérament mélancolique transparaît dans sa musique.
His melancholic temperament shows through in his music.
'Transparaître' means to show through or be evident.
Les tempéraments s'affirment dès le plus jeune âge.
Temperaments assert themselves from a very young age.
'S'affirmer' means to become clear or assert oneself.
Le tempérament égal de l'ambassadeur a permis de débloquer la situation.
The ambassador's even temperament allowed the situation to be resolved.
'Tempérament égal' means steady and consistent.
L'ouvrage analyse le tempérament bilieux du protagoniste.
The work analyzes the protagonist's bilious temperament.
'Bilieux' refers to the ancient theory of humors (irritable).
Il a fallu apporter un tempérament à cette décision radicale.
It was necessary to bring some moderation to this radical decision.
Rare use of 'tempérament' meaning moderation/adjustment.
Son tempérament d'ascète le poussait à vivre dans le dénuement.
His ascetic temperament pushed him to live in poverty.
'Ascète' refers to someone who practices self-denial.
Le tempérament mésomorphe est souvent associé à la force physique.
The mesomorphic temperament is often associated with physical strength.
Technical/biological term.
La pièce de théâtre explore les heurts entre deux tempéraments opposés.
The play explores the clashes between two opposite temperaments.
'Heurts' means clashes or collisions.
Il possède un tempérament d'une rare noblesse.
He possesses a temperament of rare nobility.
Abstract and formal description.
Le tempérament égal du clavecin est essentiel pour cette œuvre.
The equal temperament of the harpsichord is essential for this work.
Musical technical term.
L'atavisme semble avoir forgé son tempérament ombrageux.
Atavism seems to have forged his shadowy/suspicious temperament.
'Atavisme' refers to ancestral traits; 'ombrageux' means suspicious or touchy.
Son tempérament lymphatique contrastait avec l'urgence de la situation.
His lymphatic (sluggish) temperament contrasted with the urgency of the situation.
'Lymphatique' is an old term for someone slow or unemotional.
La doctrine des tempéraments a longtemps dominé la médecine médiévale.
The doctrine of temperaments long dominated medieval medicine.
Historical/Academic context.
Il y a un certain tempérament dans sa manière de manier le pinceau.
There is a certain 'fire' or 'soul' in the way he handles the brush.
Use of 'tempérament' as a quality of energy/spirit.
L'auteur s'efforce de tempérer son tempérament naturellement satirique.
The author strives to temper his naturally satirical temperament.
Play on words with the verb 'tempérer' and noun 'tempérament'.
Le tempérament cyclothymique du poète rend sa vie tumultueuse.
The poet's cyclothymic temperament makes his life tumultuous.
'Cyclothymique' refers to mood swings.
Cette loi subit des tempéraments nécessaires pour son application.
This law undergoes necessary adjustments for its application.
Formal legal use meaning 'adjustments' or 'limitations'.
Son tempérament d'acier ne fléchit devant aucune adversité.
His temperament of steel does not bend before any adversity.
Metaphorical use for extreme resilience.
Summary
- Tempérament refers to innate, stable personality traits rather than temporary moods. It is a masculine noun used to describe a person's core nature.
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