Meaning
Used to express strong enthusiasm or approval.
Cultural Background
In France, 'C'est génial' is often used with a specific rising intonation on the 'nial' to show extra excitement. In Quebec, while 'C'est génial' is understood, you are just as likely to hear 'C'est l'fun' or 'C'est écoeurant' (which slangily means 'awesome' despite its literal meaning of 'disgusting'). On French TikTok and Instagram, 'Génial' is often replaced by 'Incroyable' or 'Pépite' (a nugget/gem) by Gen Z.
Use it as a filler
If you don't know what to say when someone tells you good news, 'C'est génial !' is always a safe and polite choice.
Watch the 'g'
Don't pronounce it with a hard 'g' like 'goat'. It's a soft 'zh' sound.
Meaning
Used to express strong enthusiasm or approval.
Use it as a filler
If you don't know what to say when someone tells you good news, 'C'est génial !' is always a safe and polite choice.
Watch the 'g'
Don't pronounce it with a hard 'g' like 'goat'. It's a soft 'zh' sound.
The Sarcastic Twist
If you drop your phone in a puddle and say 'C'est génial' with a flat tone, people will know you're being sarcastic.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct reaction to: 'J'ai trouvé un billet de 50 euros !'
J'ai trouvé un billet de 50 euros !
Finding money is a positive event, so 'C'est génial' is the only appropriate reaction.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'génial'.
Cette pizza est ____ !
'Pizza' is a feminine singular noun, so the adjective must be 'géniale'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: Your friend tells you they are getting married.
Marriage is a major happy event deserving of 'C'est génial'.
Fill in the missing line.
A: On va à la plage ? B: Oui, ____ !
When reacting to a whole idea or proposal, use the impersonal 'c'est'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'C'est génial!'
Good News
- • New job
- • Winning a game
- • Pregnancy
Great Ideas
- • Travel plan
- • New invention
- • Party theme
Quality Things
- • A movie
- • A meal
- • A gift
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJ'ai trouvé un billet de 50 euros !
Finding money is a positive event, so 'C'est génial' is the only appropriate reaction.
Cette pizza est ____ !
'Pizza' is a feminine singular noun, so the adjective must be 'géniale'.
Situation: Your friend tells you they are getting married.
Marriage is a major happy event deserving of 'C'est génial'.
A: On va à la plage ? B: Oui, ____ !
When reacting to a whole idea or proposal, use the impersonal 'c'est'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also with a boss if the context is positive and enthusiastic.
Yes! 'Il est génial' means 'He is brilliant' or 'He is a great guy'.
The masculine plural is 'géniaux' and the feminine plural is 'géniales'.
They are interchangeable, but 'génial' feels slightly more 'inspired' or 'clever'.
No, 'génial' is already an absolute. Use 'C'est vraiment génial' instead.
No, that is a false friend. In French, it means 'brilliant' or 'awesome'.
Add an 'e': géniale.
Related Phrases
C'est super
synonymThat's super/great
C'est top
similarThat's the best / That's great
C'est nul
contrastThat sucks / That's rubbish
C'est formidable
similarThat's wonderful
