In 15 Seconds
- Refers to having good discernment or refined taste in a situation.
- Commonly used with the verb 'avoir' to compliment someone's wisdom.
- Rooted in the French cultural value of independent critical thinking.
Meaning
This phrase describes someone who possesses a specific level of discernment or a particular way of evaluating situations. It suggests having 'good taste' or the wisdom to make a sound decision rather than just following the crowd.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reviewing a colleague's work
Elle a un certain jugement pour choisir les bons partenaires.
She has a certain judgment when it comes to choosing the right partners.
Discussing a friend's fashion sense
Tu as un certain jugement en matière de mode, j'adore ta veste.
You have a certain judgment in fashion; I love your jacket.
A formal recommendation
Le candidat a fait preuve d'un certain jugement lors de la crise.
The candidate showed a certain judgment during the crisis.
Cultural Background
In France, 'le jugement' is linked to the Enlightenment (Les Lumières). It is seen as a duty of a citizen to have independent judgment. In Quebec, the phrase is used similarly but might be replaced by 'avoir du front' if the judgment involves being bold or gutsy. Swiss French often uses this in the context of 'la mesure' (moderation), reflecting the national value of neutrality and careful thought. In Belgium, the phrase is common in administrative and legal French to describe the 'bon père de famille' (the reasonable person) standard.
The 'Certain' Trick
Remember that 'certain' before the noun acts like a 'softener' that actually makes the compliment stronger in French culture.
Avoid Plurals
Even if you are talking about many people, keep 'jugement' singular if you mean the quality. 'Ils ont un certain jugement.'
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to having good discernment or refined taste in a situation.
- Commonly used with the verb 'avoir' to compliment someone's wisdom.
- Rooted in the French cultural value of independent critical thinking.
What It Means
Un certain jugement is that invisible compass inside your head. It is not just about being 'judgmental' in a negative way. Instead, it refers to your ability to weigh options and see the truth. When you say someone has un certain jugement, you are giving them a compliment. You are saying they have a refined sense of logic or taste. It is that 'je ne sais quoi' of decision-making.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this with the verb avoir (to have). For example, Il a un certain jugement. You can also use it with faire preuve de (to show/demonstrate). It works best when you want to highlight someone's expertise without being too specific. It sounds sophisticated and thoughtful. Think of it as saying someone has 'a certain eye' for things, but for their brain.
When To Use It
Use this when discussing someone's professional skills or personal wisdom. It is perfect for a job recommendation or a performance review. You can also use it when talking about art, wine, or fashion. If your friend always picks the best restaurants, they have un certain jugement. It is a great way to sound like a refined critic at a dinner party.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for simple, everyday facts. If someone knows that 2+2=4, they do not have un certain jugement; they just have basic math skills. Avoid using it in very slangy or 'street' conversations. It might sound a bit too 'posh' or academic there. Also, be careful not to confuse it with un jugement certain, which means a 'sure/guaranteed judgment.' Word order matters!
Cultural Background
In France, *l'esprit critique* (critical thinking) is a national treasure. From a young age, French people are taught to analyze and debate. Having un certain jugement is highly valued because it means you are an independent thinker. It reflects the Enlightenment values of using your own reason. It is less about being 'right' and more about having a developed perspective.
Common Variations
You might hear avoir du jugement for a more general sense of wisdom. If someone is being reckless, you might say they manquent de jugement (lack judgment). In more formal settings, people might use faire preuve de discernement. However, un certain jugement remains the most versatile way to describe that specific, nuanced ability to choose well.
Usage Notes
This phrase is most natural in the singular. It sits in the 'neutral' register, making it safe for both office environments and social gatherings with people you don't know well.
The 'Certain' Trick
Remember that 'certain' before the noun acts like a 'softener' that actually makes the compliment stronger in French culture.
Avoid Plurals
Even if you are talking about many people, keep 'jugement' singular if you mean the quality. 'Ils ont un certain jugement.'
Job Interviews
Using this phrase in a French interview shows you understand the value of 'esprit critique', which is highly prized by French recruiters.
Examples
6Elle a un certain jugement pour choisir les bons partenaires.
She has a certain judgment when it comes to choosing the right partners.
Highlights professional discernment.
Tu as un certain jugement en matière de mode, j'adore ta veste.
You have a certain judgment in fashion; I love your jacket.
Uses the phrase to compliment personal taste.
Le candidat a fait preuve d'un certain jugement lors de la crise.
The candidate showed a certain judgment during the crisis.
Formal use with 'faire preuve de'.
J'ai besoin de ton certain jugement pour ce mail, tu peux relire ?
I need your certain judgment for this email; can you proofread?
Playful way to ask for a second opinion.
Mon chien a un certain jugement : il ne mange que du jambon bio.
My dog has a certain judgment: he only eats organic ham.
Personifies a pet using a sophisticated phrase for comedy.
Je m'en remets à ton certain jugement pour notre avenir.
I trust your certain judgment for our future.
Shows deep emotional trust in someone's choices.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Pour réussir dans les affaires, il faut faire preuve d'___ _______ ________.
The phrase is masculine singular and requires the article 'un'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a professional context?
A) Il a un certain jugement pour les frites. B) Son certain jugement lui permet de gérer l'équipe avec brio.
Option B uses the phrase to describe professional discernment, which is its primary high-level use.
What would a manager say to praise an employee's decision?
Employé: 'J'ai décidé d'attendre avant de signer le contrat.' Manager: 'C'est bien, vous avez fait preuve d'___ _______ ________.'
'Un certain jugement' is the standard collocation for showing discernment.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use it
Professional
- • Interviews
- • Reviews
- • Strategy
Social
- • Art
- • Politics
- • Advice
Practice Bank
3 exercisesPour réussir dans les affaires, il faut faire preuve d'___ _______ ________.
The phrase is masculine singular and requires the article 'un'.
A) Il a un certain jugement pour les frites. B) Son certain jugement lui permet de gérer l'équipe avec brio.
Option B uses the phrase to describe professional discernment, which is its primary high-level use.
Employé: 'J'ai décidé d'attendre avant de signer le contrat.' Manager: 'C'est bien, vous avez fait preuve d'___ _______ ________.'
'Un certain jugement' is the standard collocation for showing discernment.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsPartially. It includes good taste but also covers moral and logical decision-making.
It sounds a bit formal for a child. Better to say 'Il est très raisonnable'.
You can, but 'un' is more common because it refers to a quality the person possesses among others.
Yes, it's a very sophisticated, biting insult. It implies they are foolish or easily led.
Related Phrases
avoir du discernement
synonymTo have discernment
faire preuve de sagesse
similarFocuses more on age and experience than critical thinking.
manquer de jugement
contrastTo lack judgment
avoir le sens critique
builds onTo have a critical mind
