In 15 Seconds
- Doing things by gut feeling instead of rules.
- Commonly used for cooking, art, or social decisions.
- A more poetic way to say 'I'm winging it'.
Meaning
Doing something purely by instinct or 'gut feeling' rather than following a recipe, rules, or precise measurements.
Key Examples
3 of 6Cooking dinner for friends
Je n'ai pas de recette, je cuisine au sentiment.
I don't have a recipe, I cook by feel.
Explaining a creative process
Pour ce tableau, j'ai tout fait au sentiment.
For this painting, I did everything by instinct.
Texting a friend about plans
On se voit ce soir ? On avisera au sentiment.
Are we meeting tonight? We'll decide based on how we feel.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the 'Cordon Bleu' spirit—the idea that a great cook is an artist, not a chemist. Measuring everything is often seen as a sign of a beginner. In Quebec, you might also hear 'au pif' or 'à l'œil' more frequently in casual settings, but 'au sentiment' remains understood as a more 'refined' way of describing intuition. In the South, where cooking is very social and relaxed (Provençal style), 'au sentiment' is almost a law. Recipes are just suggestions. Musicians use this to describe the 'soul' of a performance. It's about the connection between the player and the instrument.
The 'Salt' Rule
If you are talking about salt, pepper, or spices, 'au sentiment' is the most natural phrase to use in France.
Gender Trap
Never say 'à la sentiment.' Even though it sounds 'French' to some, it is a major grammar error.
In 15 Seconds
- Doing things by gut feeling instead of rules.
- Commonly used for cooking, art, or social decisions.
- A more poetic way to say 'I'm winging it'.
What It Means
Imagine you are in a French kitchen. There are no measuring cups. Your grandmother tosses in a pinch of salt. She adds a splash of wine. You ask for the recipe. She simply taps her heart. That is au sentiment. It means doing things by feel. You trust your gut. You follow your emotions. It is the opposite of a checklist. It is about soul and instinct.
How To Use It
You use it like an adverb. It usually follows a verb. Use it with cuisiner (to cook). Use it with jouer (to play). It works for any action where logic takes a backseat. You can say, "Je fais ça au sentiment." It sounds natural and very French. It shows you are confident. You don't need a map. You have your internal compass.
When To Use It
Use it when you are being creative. It is perfect for hobbies. Tell your friends you play guitar au sentiment. Use it when making social plans. Sometimes you don't want a strict schedule. You just want to see how the night goes. It is great for low-stakes decisions. "Should we go left or right?" "Let's go au sentiment!"
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at the bank. Your banker should not work au sentiment. Avoid it in high-stakes professional environments. If you are a pilot, follow the manual. Using it for math or science sounds silly. It implies a lack of precision. In these cases, it might sound irresponsible. Keep it for the "art of living."
Cultural Background
The French value "l'esprit" and "le cœur." Logic is important, but so is flair. This phrase reflects the "art de vivre." It is about enjoying the moment. It became popular because it sounds poetic. It elevates a simple action into an art form. It suggests you have a deep connection to your craft. You aren't just a machine. You are a human with feelings.
Common Variations
You will hear au feeling very often. The French love using English words to sound cool. Au pif is another one. That one is much more casual. It literally means "by the nose." Use au pif for quick guesses. Use au sentiment for things that involve your heart. They are cousins, but au sentiment is classier.
Usage Notes
Use 'au sentiment' to sound like a seasoned local who trusts their senses. It is neutral enough for most situations but carries a warm, human touch.
The 'Salt' Rule
If you are talking about salt, pepper, or spices, 'au sentiment' is the most natural phrase to use in France.
Gender Trap
Never say 'à la sentiment.' Even though it sounds 'French' to some, it is a major grammar error.
Sound like a Local
Use 'au sentiment' to explain why you don't have a plan. It makes you sound confident and artistic rather than disorganized.
The Grandma Factor
Mentioning that your grandmother did things 'au sentiment' is a great way to start a conversation about food in France.
Examples
6Je n'ai pas de recette, je cuisine au sentiment.
I don't have a recipe, I cook by feel.
Classic use case in the kitchen.
Pour ce tableau, j'ai tout fait au sentiment.
For this painting, I did everything by instinct.
Shows the artist's emotional connection to the work.
On se voit ce soir ? On avisera au sentiment.
Are we meeting tonight? We'll decide based on how we feel.
Very common for spontaneous social planning.
J'ai choisi ce candidat au sentiment.
I chose this candidate based on my gut feeling.
Professional but acknowledges intuition over data.
Attache ta ceinture, je conduis au sentiment !
Buckle up, I'm driving by instinct!
Funny because driving should definitely follow rules.
Dans mon couple, je marche au sentiment.
In my relationship, I go with my heart.
Expresses sincerity and emotional honesty.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Ma mère ne pèse jamais les ingrédients, elle cuisine toujours ___ _________.
'Sentiment' is masculine, so we use 'au'.
Which situation is the MOST appropriate for using 'au sentiment'?
In which case would a French person say 'Je fais ça au sentiment'?
'Au sentiment' is perfect for tasks where intuition and taste matter more than exact numbers.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
A: 'Quelle est la dose exacte de sucre ?' B: '_________________'
This is the natural way to say you don't have an exact measurement.
Match the phrase to the context.
Match 'Au sentiment' with its best context.
These are the domains where intuition is valued.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Precision vs. Intuition
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMa mère ne pèse jamais les ingrédients, elle cuisine toujours ___ _________.
'Sentiment' is masculine, so we use 'au'.
In which case would a French person say 'Je fais ça au sentiment'?
'Au sentiment' is perfect for tasks where intuition and taste matter more than exact numbers.
A: 'Quelle est la dose exacte de sucre ?' B: '_________________'
This is the natural way to say you don't have an exact measurement.
Match 'Au sentiment' with its best context.
These are the domains where intuition is valued.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's neutral to informal. You can use it with friends or in a casual restaurant, but avoid it in technical reports.
Yes! A player who plays 'au sentiment' is one who uses instinct rather than just following the coach's plan.
'Au sentiment' sounds skilled and intuitive; 'au pif' sounds like you are just guessing randomly.
Because 'sentiment' is a masculine noun in French. 'Au' is the contraction of 'à' + 'le'.
No, but that's its most common home. It can apply to any creative or intuitive act.
No, 'par sentiment' would mean 'out of emotion' (e.g., doing something because you love someone), which is different.
Yes, but usually for the final seasoning, not for the base of a complex pastry which requires precision.
'Je fais ça au sentiment' is a very close and more 'elegant' equivalent.
It's common in blogs, magazines, and novels, but not in formal academic writing.
You can say 'Je marche au sentiment' to mean you follow your heart in life.
Related Phrases
au pif
similarBy guess / by the nose
à l'œil
similarBy eye
à l'instinct
synonymBy instinct
au feeling
similarBy the vibe
à tâtons
contrastGropingly / by trial and error
