In 15 Seconds
- Refers to a specific, identifiable child in a conversation.
- Adds a layer of precision and narrative focus.
- Common in educational, medical, or storytelling contexts.
Meaning
This phrase refers to a specific child you have in mind without necessarily naming them. It is often used to hint at someone's behavior or a specific person known to the listener.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking to a teacher
Un certain enfant a encore oublié son livre.
A certain child forgot his book again.
Parenting discussion
Je connais un certain enfant qui veut un dessert.
I know a certain child who wants dessert.
Observing a playground
Le certain enfant dont je parlais est là-bas.
The certain child I was talking about is over there.
Cultural Background
The use of 'un certain' reflects the French value of 'pudeur' (discretion). It's common in literature and news to avoid direct naming. In Quebec, while the phrase is used, people might more often use 'un tel' or 'une telle' in informal speech. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, 'un certain' can sometimes be used to show respect, avoiding the direct use of a name which might be seen as too familiar. Usage is identical to France, often appearing in administrative or educational contexts to maintain neutrality.
The 'Secret' Rule
Use 'un certain' when you want to sound like you have a secret. It immediately makes the listener pay more attention.
Plural Trap
Never say 'des certains enfants'. Just say 'certains enfants'. The 'des' is built-in!
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to a specific, identifiable child in a conversation.
- Adds a layer of precision and narrative focus.
- Common in educational, medical, or storytelling contexts.
What It Means
This phrase is all about specificity. You are talking about a particular kid. You aren't just saying 'a child' in general. You are pointing one out in a conversation. It implies you and the listener know who it is. It adds a layer of mystery or focus. It is simple but very effective.
How To Use It
You use it as a subject or object. Place it where you would put any noun. Use un certain enfant for 'a certain child'. Use le certain enfant if you've already mentioned them. It works best when describing a specific habit. You can use it to avoid using a name. It sounds a bit more descriptive than just saying cet enfant.
When To Use It
Use it when telling a story about a kid. It works great at a parent-teacher meeting. Use it when gossiping with other parents. It is perfect for describing a 'mystery' culprit at home. Use it when you want to be precise. It fits well in written stories too. Use it when you want to sound observant.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for general childhood facts. Avoid it if you are talking about all kids. It sounds weird if the child is unknown. Do not use it for your own child usually. It can sound a bit detached or clinical. If you are angry, just use their name. Don't use it in very short, blunt commands.
Cultural Background
French speakers love nuances in descriptions. Using certain adds a touch of literary flair. It dates back to classical French storytelling. It feels a bit like a narrator speaking. It is common in psychology and education circles. It reflects the French desire for precise categorization. It’s a very 'organized' way to speak.
Common Variations
You will often hear un certain petit. Or you might hear une certaine enfant for a girl. Sometimes people say ce certain individu to be funny. You can swap enfant for garçon or fille. The structure remains the same and reliable. It is a building block for French descriptions.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral to slightly formal collocation. Ensure you match the gender of 'certain' (certain/certaine) to the child's gender.
The 'Secret' Rule
Use 'un certain' when you want to sound like you have a secret. It immediately makes the listener pay more attention.
Plural Trap
Never say 'des certains enfants'. Just say 'certains enfants'. The 'des' is built-in!
Politeness
If you need to complain about a child to their parent, using 'un certain enfant' can make it sound less like a personal attack.
Examples
6Un certain enfant a encore oublié son livre.
A certain child forgot his book again.
Used here to be polite while pointing out a recurring issue.
Je connais un certain enfant qui veut un dessert.
I know a certain child who wants dessert.
A playful way to talk to or about your own kid.
Le certain enfant dont je parlais est là-bas.
The certain child I was talking about is over there.
Used to identify the subject of a previous conversation.
L'observation porte sur un certain enfant du groupe.
The observation focuses on a certain child in the group.
Standard objective language for a professional report.
Un certain enfant ne veut pas dormir !
A certain child doesn't want to sleep!
Relatable frustration shared between parents.
Il était une fois un certain enfant très courageux.
Once upon a time, there was a certain very brave child.
Sets a specific protagonist for the story.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to mean 'a particular child' (unnamed).
Regarde, ________ a laissé son vélo ici.
'Certain' must come before the noun to mean 'particular'.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'certain'.
Il y a _________ filles qui veulent jouer au ballon.
'Filles' is feminine plural, so we use 'certaines'.
What would a teacher say to be discreet about a student?
Professeur A: 'Comment ça va en classe?' Professeur B: 'Bien, mais _________ m'inquiète un peu.'
This is the most professional and discreet way to refer to an unnamed student.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Position Matters!
When to use 'Un Certain Enfant'
Gossip
- • Sharing rumors
- • Being discreet
- • Naming without naming
Parenting
- • Teasing
- • Gentle scolding
- • Surprises
Stories
- • Mystery
- • Fairy tales
- • Character intro
Practice Bank
3 exercisesRegarde, ________ a laissé son vélo ici.
'Certain' must come before the noun to mean 'particular'.
Il y a _________ filles qui veulent jouer au ballon.
'Filles' is feminine plural, so we use 'certaines'.
Professeur A: 'Comment ça va en classe?' Professeur B: 'Bien, mais _________ m'inquiète un peu.'
This is the most professional and discreet way to refer to an unnamed student.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes! 'Un certain homme' or 'une certaine femme' works perfectly.
No, it's usually polite or playful. However, tone of voice matters.
You can, but it's rare. 'Un' is the standard for this idiom because it maintains the 'mystery'.
Only when it means 'a particular'. If it means 'sure', it goes after.
Use 'une certaine fille' or 'une certaine enfant'.
Yes, often with a smirking emoji 😏 to imply you're talking about the person you're texting.
'Un certain' is more specific. 'Quelque' is more like 'some random'.
Yes, to refer to a specific project or person without naming them: 'Un certain projet m'a appris...'
It's neutral. It fits in both a casual chat and a formal essay.
No, the phrase stays the same. Only the verb in the sentence changes.
Yes! 'Un certain livre', 'une certaine voiture'.
Not exactly, but 'un genre de' can sometimes fill a similar role.
Because 'certain' ends in a consonant and 'enfant' starts with a vowel.
Very. Narrators often use it to introduce characters.
Related Phrases
un tel
similarsuch a / so-and-so
quelqu'un
similarsomeone
ce fameux
similarthat famous/notorious
un certain nombre
builds ona certain number / several
