Meaning
Used to describe something that captures attention or curiosity.
Cultural Background
The 'French Shrug' often accompanies this phrase. A slight lift of the shoulders and a pout can change the meaning from 'I'm fascinated' to 'That's an odd point, but okay'. In Quebec, you might hear 'C'est le fun' used more often for things that are both interesting and enjoyable, but 'C'est intéressant' remains the standard for intellectual curiosity. In Francophone Africa, 'C'est intéressant' is often used with great warmth to encourage a speaker to continue their story. Swiss French speakers might use 'C'est intéressant' in a very precise way, often followed by a detailed question, reflecting a cultural value of thoroughness.
The Liaison
Pronounce the 't' at the end of 'est' to connect it to 'intéressant'. It sounds like 'SAY-TAN-TAY-RAY-SAN'.
The 'Polite' Trap
If someone says 'C'est intéressant' with a flat tone and no follow-up questions, they might actually be bored!
Meaning
Used to describe something that captures attention or curiosity.
The Liaison
Pronounce the 't' at the end of 'est' to connect it to 'intéressant'. It sounds like 'SAY-TAN-TAY-RAY-SAN'.
The 'Polite' Trap
If someone says 'C'est intéressant' with a flat tone and no follow-up questions, they might actually be bored!
Add an Adverb
To sound more like a native, add 'vraiment' (really). 'C'est vraiment intéressant' sounds much more natural than just the base phrase.
Intellectualism
Don't be afraid to use this phrase often. In France, showing that you find things 'interesting' is a sign of good manners and intelligence.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct way to say 'It is very interesting' in French.
Comment dit-on 'It is very interesting' ?
'Très' is used with adjectives, and 'C'est' is the standard impersonal form.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the adjective.
La leçon de français, c'est _________.
After 'C'est', the adjective is always masculine singular in this context.
Match the reaction to the situation.
Someone tells you a boring fact about their cat's diet. You want to be polite but not overly excited.
'C'est intéressant' is the perfect polite, neutral reaction.
Fill in the missing line.
A: J'ai appris que Paris était plus petit que Londres. B: Ah bon ? _________.
B is reacting to a new piece of information.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Intéressant vs Amusant
Practice Bank
4 exercisesComment dit-on 'It is very interesting' ?
'Très' is used with adjectives, and 'C'est' is the standard impersonal form.
La leçon de français, c'est _________.
After 'C'est', the adjective is always masculine singular in this context.
Someone tells you a boring fact about their cat's diet. You want to be polite but not overly excited.
'C'est intéressant' is the perfect polite, neutral reaction.
A: J'ai appris que Paris était plus petit que Londres. B: Ah bon ? _________.
B is reacting to a new piece of information.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo. The adjective 'intéressant' refers to the situation or the thing being discussed, not to you. It always stays masculine singular after 'C'est'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your friends, your teacher, or your boss.
'C'est intéressant' is a general observation. 'Ça m'intéresse' means 'That interests ME personally'.
Yes, you can say 'Il est intéressant' or 'Elle est intéressante' to describe a person's personality or ideas.
You say 'Ce n'est pas intéressant' or, more commonly in speech, 'C'est pas intéressant'.
Yes! It's a great 'survival phrase' to show you are engaged even if you are still processing the language.
No. For 'funny', use 'C'est drôle' or 'C'est amusant'.
No. Always use 'très' with adjectives. 'C'est très intéressant'.
'Passionnant' (fascinating) or 'captivant' (captivating).
Yes, if said with a specific downward tone, it can mean 'I don't care' or 'That's stupid'.
Absolutely. 'Ce livre est très intéressant'.
Simply use a rising intonation: 'C'est intéressant ?'
Related Phrases
C'est passionnant
similarIt's fascinating
C'est curieux
similarIt's curious/strange
Ça m'intéresse
builds onThat interests me
C'est ennuyeux
contrastIt's boring
C'est instructif
specialized formIt's educational
