se souvenir les qualité
to se souvenir the quality
Literally: to remember oneself of the qualities
In 15 Seconds
- Recalling the positive traits and strengths of a person or thing.
- Always use 'des' because 'se souvenir' requires the preposition 'de'.
- Perfect for toasts, recommendations, or nostalgic conversations with friends.
Meaning
This phrase means to keep someone's best traits or positive characteristics in your mind. It is about focusing on the good parts of a person or a thing when thinking back.
Key Examples
3 of 6Writing a recommendation for a former employee
Je me souviens des qualités professionnelles de mon ancien collègue.
I remember the professional qualities of my former colleague.
Talking about a late grandparent
Nous nous souvenons tous des qualités de cœur de notre grand-père.
We all remember our grandfather's qualities of the heart.
Texting a friend about a recent date
Essaie de te souvenir des qualités de Marc avant de rompre !
Try to remember Marc's qualities before breaking up!
Cultural Background
In French social etiquette, it is considered 'élégant' to speak of the qualities of a rival or an ex-partner. It shows 'grandeur d'âme'. Quebecers use this phrase similarly, but might also use 'se rappeler' more frequently in casual speech due to English influence, though 'se souvenir' remains the standard for emotional depth. In many African cultures, remembering the qualities of ancestors is a sacred duty. The phrase takes on a more spiritual weight. The Swiss often use this in professional certificates (certificats de travail) to highlight a worker's strengths even if the contract ended.
The 'DE' Rule
Always link 'souvenir' with 'de'. If you forget 'de', the sentence breaks!
Gender Check
Qualité is feminine. If you add an adjective, make it feminine (e.g., de belles qualités).
In 15 Seconds
- Recalling the positive traits and strengths of a person or thing.
- Always use 'des' because 'se souvenir' requires the preposition 'de'.
- Perfect for toasts, recommendations, or nostalgic conversations with friends.
What It Means
When you use this phrase, you are choosing to focus on the positive. It is about recalling the strengths, virtues, or 'qualities' that make someone special. In French, se souvenir is reflexive, meaning you are literally 'reminding yourself.' It is a warm way to look back at a person, a job, or even a past relationship. You are filtering out the bad and keeping the good.
How To Use It
Grammar alert: you must use de after se souvenir. Since qualités is plural, de + les becomes des. So, you will usually say se souvenir des qualités. You can use it with a person (ses qualités) or a thing (les qualités du projet). It is very flexible. Just remember to conjugate the se to match who is doing the remembering. For example, je me souviens or nous nous souvenons.
When To Use It
Use this when you are reminiscing with friends about an old teacher. It is perfect for a professional setting when writing a recommendation letter. You might use it during a toast at a wedding to highlight why the groom is great. It is also common when someone passes away and you want to honor their memory. It shows you have a thoughtful and appreciative perspective.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are trying to be critical or negative. If you are listing someone's flaws, this phrase will sound very sarcastic. Also, avoid it for very trivial things. You wouldn't usually 'remember the qualities' of a paperclip. It is usually reserved for things with character or depth. If you just remember a fact, use se souvenir de without the 'qualities' part.
Cultural Background
French culture places a high value on 'le savoir-être' (knowing how to be). This refers to personal character and social grace. When you talk about someone's qualités, you are acknowledging their contribution to the social fabric. It is not just about being 'good' at a job. It is about their essence as a human being. This reflects the French appreciation for deep personality over superficial traits.
Common Variations
You might hear se rappeler ses qualités. This means the same thing but uses a different verb. Another common one is garder en mémoire ses qualités. This implies a more permanent 'keeping' of those traits in your heart. If you want to be more poetic, you could say évoquer ses belles qualités. This sounds a bit more like you are painting a picture with words.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and can be used in almost any context. Just be careful with the 'de' preposition—it is the most common mistake for learners.
The 'DE' Rule
Always link 'souvenir' with 'de'. If you forget 'de', the sentence breaks!
Gender Check
Qualité is feminine. If you add an adjective, make it feminine (e.g., de belles qualités).
Professionalism
Use this phrase in interviews to talk about past conflicts without sounding negative.
Examples
6Je me souviens des qualités professionnelles de mon ancien collègue.
I remember the professional qualities of my former colleague.
Here, it highlights specific strengths in a work context.
Nous nous souvenons tous des qualités de cœur de notre grand-père.
We all remember our grandfather's qualities of the heart.
A touching way to describe someone's kindness.
Essaie de te souvenir des qualités de Marc avant de rompre !
Try to remember Marc's qualities before breaking up!
A friendly piece of advice to look at the bright side.
Je me souviens des qualités de ma vieille voiture... elle démarrait parfois !
I remember my old car's qualities... it started sometimes!
Using the phrase ironically for a humorous effect.
Il est important de se souvenir des qualités qui ont fait son succès.
It is important to remember the qualities that made him successful.
Standard formal usage for a public tribute.
Tu te souviens des qualités de Mme Martin ? Elle était si patiente.
Do you remember Mrs. Martin's qualities? She was so patient.
Casual nostalgia between former classmates.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'se souvenir' and the preposition.
Je ________ ________ ________ qualités de mon professeur.
'Se souvenir' is reflexive (me) and takes 'de' (de + les = des).
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
'Se rappeler' does not take 'de'. The other two options are common mistakes.
Fill in the missing line to show a positive attitude.
A: Ton ex-patron était terrible, non ? B: Oui, mais je préfère ________________.
This is the idiomatic way to pivot to a positive memory.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesJe ________ ________ ________ qualités de mon professeur.
'Se souvenir' is reflexive (me) and takes 'de' (de + les = des).
Choose the correct option:
'Se rappeler' does not take 'de'. The other two options are common mistakes.
A: Ton ex-patron était terrible, non ? B: Oui, mais je préfère ________________.
This is the idiomatic way to pivot to a positive memory.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, that is grammatically incorrect. You must say 'se souvenir DES qualités' because the verb requires the preposition 'de'.
In this specific phrase, yes. While 'une qualité' can technically mean any characteristic, in this collocation it almost always implies a virtue or strength.
'Se souvenir' is slightly more formal and emotional. 'Se rappeler' is more for facts. Crucially, 'se rappeler' does not use 'de'.
Use 'être' as the auxiliary: 'Je me suis souvenu des qualités.'
Yes, e.g., 'Je me souviens des qualités de ce téléphone', though it is more common for people.
Related Phrases
se rappeler
similarTo recall
faire l'éloge de
specialized formTo praise
garder le meilleur
similarTo keep the best
oublier les torts
contrastTo forget the wrongs
