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dégoutant

B1 adjective #7,000 most common 13 min read

dégoutant

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips dégoutant in 30 Seconds

Explanation dégoutant in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'dégoutant' is introduced as a basic adjective to express dislike or physical revulsion toward simple objects. Learners at this stage should focus on its primary meaning of 'disgusting' or 'gross'. It is often used in simple 'C'est...' (It is...) sentences. For example, a child might say 'C'est dégoutant !' when looking at a dirty toy or a vegetable they don't like. At this level, you don't need to worry too much about complex grammar, but you should recognize that the word describes something unpleasant. It's a useful word for basic survival French, especially when you need to express that something is unsanitary or unpalatable. You will mostly use the masculine singular form 'dégoutant' because it follows 'C'est'. The goal is to understand the core emotion behind the word and be able to use it to react to immediate physical stimuli. Think of it as a step up from 'pas bon' (not good) or 'sale' (dirty). It adds a bit of flavor to your descriptions, even if your sentences are still very short. You might also hear it in the context of basic hygiene, like 'mains dégoutantes' (dirty hands). Even at A1, knowing this word helps you communicate basic needs and boundaries, such as refusing food or pointing out a mess.

By the A2 level, you should start paying attention to how 'dégoutant' changes based on what you are talking about. This is where adjective agreement becomes important. If you are describing 'une pomme' (an apple) that is rotten, you must say 'une pomme dégoutante'. If you are talking about 'des chaussures' (shoes) that are covered in mud, you say 'des chaussures dégoutantes'. A2 learners should be able to incorporate 'dégoutant' into slightly longer sentences and use it with a variety of nouns. You might use it to describe a place, like 'une chambre dégoutante' (a disgusting room), or a smell, like 'une odeur dégoutante'. This level is about expanding the range of things you can describe as disgusting. You should also be able to understand the word when it's used in simple questions, like 'Est-ce que c'est dégoutant ?' (Is it disgusting?). You are beginning to move beyond just reacting to things and starting to describe the world around you with more detail. You might also encounter the informal version 'dégueu' in casual conversations or songs, and while you might not use it yourself yet, recognizing it is a key A2 skill. You should also be aware that 'dégoutant' can be used for simple behaviors, like 'C'est dégoutant de manger avec la bouche ouverte' (It's disgusting to eat with your mouth open).

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'dégoutant' with more nuance and in more varied contexts. This includes moving from physical disgust to moral or social disgust. You might describe a 'comportement dégoutant' (disgusting behavior) or a 'mensonge dégoutant' (a disgusting lie). At this stage, you should be comfortable with all forms of agreement (dégoutant, dégoutante, dégoutants, dégoutantes) and be able to use them correctly in both speech and writing. You should also start using adverbs to modify the intensity, such as 'vraiment dégoutant' (truly disgusting) or 'assez dégoutant' (quite disgusting). B1 learners should also be able to use the word in the 'C'est dégoutant de + infinitive' structure to express opinions on social norms and ethics. For example, 'C'est dégoutant de traiter les gens comme ça' (It's disgusting to treat people like that). You are now using the word to engage in discussions and express more complex feelings. You should also be able to distinguish 'dégoutant' from its synonyms like 'sale' or 'mauvais', choosing 'dégoutant' specifically when you want to convey a sense of revulsion. This is also the level where you should be aware of the two spellings (with and without the circumflex) and understand that they are both valid. Your ability to use 'dégoutant' to describe both a physical mess and a moral failing shows a maturing command of the language.

At the B2 level, 'dégoutant' becomes part of a broader vocabulary of critique and description. You should be able to use it fluently in debates and more formal writing. For instance, in an essay about environmental issues, you might describe the 'pollution dégoutante' of a local river. You should also be familiar with the more formal synonyms like 'répugnant' or 'écœurant' and know when to use them instead of 'dégoutant' to vary your language. B2 learners should be able to use 'dégoutant' in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Ce que je trouve le plus dégoutant, c'est...' (What I find most disgusting is...). You should also be able to perceive the subtle difference in tone between 'dégoutant' and the slang 'dégueulasse', using the latter only in appropriate informal settings. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are using it strategically to create an effect or emphasize a point. You might use it in a literary analysis to describe the atmosphere of a scene or in a political discussion to condemn a certain policy. Your understanding of the word should also include its idiomatic uses and how it fits into the larger family of words related to 'goût'. You are expected to have a high level of accuracy in agreement and pronunciation, including the nasal 'an' sound and the audible 't' in the feminine forms.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated understanding of 'dégoutant' and its place in the French language. You can use it to express subtle shades of meaning and can easily swap it for more precise or elevated terms like 'abject', 'immonde', or 'nauséabond' depending on the exact nature of the disgust. You should be able to use 'dégoutant' in high-level academic or professional contexts, though you might often opt for its more formal counterparts. C1 learners can use the word to discuss abstract philosophical or social concepts, such as the 'dégoutant' nature of certain historical events or ideologies. You should also be able to appreciate how authors use the word in literature to evoke specific emotions or create vivid, visceral imagery. Your command of the word includes a perfect grasp of its morphology and its relationship to other words in the 'goût' family (e.g., 'dégoût', 'dégoûter', 'dégustation'). You can also use the word ironically or for rhetorical effect. At this level, your use of 'dégoutant' is effortless, and you can navigate between different registers—from the very formal to the very slang—with ease and appropriateness. You understand the cultural weight the word carries in French society, particularly in relation to food, cleanliness, and social decorum, and you can use this knowledge to communicate more effectively with native speakers.

At the C2 level, you have mastered 'dégoutant' to the point of near-native proficiency. You can use it in all its forms and registers with complete accuracy and subtle nuance. You are fully aware of the historical evolution of the word, including the spelling changes and its etymological roots. You can use the word in complex rhetorical structures, such as in a persuasive speech or a piece of creative writing, to elicit a specific reaction from your audience. You are also adept at using the word in wordplay or puns. Your understanding of 'dégoutant' extends to its use in various dialects and regional variations of French. You can analyze the use of the word in classical French literature versus modern street slang, and you can adapt your own usage accordingly. At this level, 'dégoutant' is just one of many tools in your extensive linguistic toolkit, and you use it with a high degree of precision and cultural sensitivity. You can discuss the psychological aspects of 'dégoût' and how the adjective 'dégoutant' is used to define the boundaries of the 'self' and the 'other' in social and anthropological contexts. Your mastery is such that you can use the word to blend in perfectly in any French-speaking environment, whether you are in a high-society salon or a gritty urban neighborhood.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

dégoutant in 30 Seconds

Dégoutant is a French adjective meaning 'disgusting' or 'gross', used for physical and moral revulsion.
It must agree in gender and number with the noun: dégoutant, dégoutante, dégoutants, dégoutantes.
In informal speech, it is often shortened to 'dégueu', but this should be used carefully.
Commonly used for food, hygiene, pollution, and unethical behavior to express strong distaste.

Imagine walking through a bustling Parisian market on a sweltering July afternoon. You turn a corner and encounter a pile of discarded fish remains that have been baking in the sun for hours. The visceral reaction you feel—the wrinkling of the nose, the slight recoil, the immediate desire to look away—is exactly what the French word dégoutant captures. At its core, this adjective describes something that causes a strong sense of revulsion or physical distaste. It is the linguistic equivalent of the English 'disgusting' or 'gross,' but it carries a weight that can range from a child refusing to eat broccoli to a witness describing a horrific crime scene.

Physical Sensation: The word is primarily used for things that affect the senses: a foul smell, a slimy texture, or a nauseating sight. It is deeply connected to the root word 'goût' (taste), implying that the object is so offensive it 'takes away the taste' or ruins the appetite.

Regarde cette poubelle, c'est absolument dégoutant !

Beyond the physical, the word transitions into the moral and social realms. In French culture, social etiquette and cleanliness are highly valued; therefore, calling something 'dégoutant' is a powerful indictment. It can refer to a person's behavior, such as someone cheating in a game or a politician involved in a scandal. In these cases, the 'disgust' is metaphorical but no less intense. It suggests that the action is so contrary to human decency that it provokes a similar physical reaction of rejection.

Intensity Levels: While 'dégoutant' is strong, it can be amplified with adverbs like 'vraiment' (truly) or 'absolument' (absolutely). For even stronger revulsion, one might move to words like 'immonde' (vile) or 'abject' (abject/despicable).

Il a mangé avec ses doigts sales, c'était vraiment dégoutant.

In everyday life, you might use it to describe a dirty bathroom, spoiled milk, or even a 'gross' joke. It is a versatile word that every B1 learner should master because it allows you to express a very human and very common reaction to the unpleasantries of life. Whether you are complaining about the state of the metro or reacting to a plot twist in a movie, 'dégoutant' provides the necessary punch to your expression. It is a word that bridges the gap between basic vocabulary and expressive, emotional fluency.

Spelling Note: You may see it spelled as 'dégoûtant' with a circumflex on the 'u'. This is the traditional spelling. The spelling 'dégoutant' (without the circumflex) is the result of the 1990 orthographic rectifications, which aimed to simplify French spelling. Both are accepted, but the newer version is increasingly common in digital and modern contexts.

L'odeur dans ce vestiaire est dégoutante.

C'est dégoutant de voir autant de gaspillage.

Cette viande a un aspect dégoutant.

Using 'dégoutant' correctly requires an understanding of French adjective agreement. Since it is an adjective, it must match the gender (masculine or feminine) and number (singular or plural) of the noun it modifies. This is a fundamental rule that separates beginners from intermediate speakers. Let's break down the four possible forms: dégoutant (masculine singular), dégoutante (feminine singular), dégoutants (masculine plural), and dégoutantes (feminine plural). Notice how the pronunciation changes slightly in the feminine form, as the 't' becomes audible.

Agreement Rules: Always identify the noun first. If you are talking about 'un plat' (a dish), it is 'dégoutant'. If you are talking about 'une soupe' (a soup), it is 'dégoutante'. If you are using the neutral 'C'est...', you almost always use the masculine singular form.

Ces toilettes publiques sont vraiment dégoutantes.

Placement is also key. In French, most adjectives follow the noun. 'Dégoutant' is no exception. You would say 'un film dégoutant' (a disgusting movie) rather than 'un dégoutant film'. However, when using it with linking verbs like 'être' (to be), 'sembler' (to seem), or 'paraître' (to appear), it follows the verb and agrees with the subject. For example, 'Leur comportement semble dégoutant' (Their behavior seems disgusting).

Abstract vs Concrete: Concrete usage refers to physical objects (food, mud, trash). Abstract usage refers to ethics and behavior (lies, betrayal, greed). The grammar remains the same, but the context changes the emotional impact.

Il a dit des choses dégoutantes sur sa famille.

Another important aspect is the use of 'dégoutant' as a predicate adjective after direct objects. For instance, 'Je trouve ce plat dégoutant' (I find this dish disgusting). In this structure, the adjective agrees with the direct object ('ce plat'). If you said 'Je trouve ces remarques dégoutantes', the adjective becomes feminine plural to match 'remarques'. Mastering these variations is essential for achieving a B1 level of proficiency, as it shows you can handle the internal logic of the French language while expressing complex opinions.

Negation: To say something is not disgusting, use the standard 'ne... pas' wrap. 'Ce n'est pas dégoutant, c'est juste spécial' (It's not disgusting, it's just special).

Ce n'est pas dégoutant, c'est juste un peu amer.

Tu as les mains dégoutantes, va les laver !

Quel spectacle dégoutant !

The word dégoutant is ubiquitous in French daily life, appearing in contexts ranging from the kitchen to the newsroom. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the domestic sphere. Parents often use it with children to discourage them from touching dirty objects or putting unsanitary things in their mouths. 'Ne touche pas à ça, c'est dégoutant !' is a phrase heard in parks and homes across the Francophone world. In this context, it serves as a primary teaching tool for hygiene and safety.

Culinary Critique: In a country that prides itself on gastronomy, 'dégoutant' is the ultimate insult to a chef. While people might politely say 'ce n'est pas à mon goût' (it's not to my taste) in a restaurant, they will use 'dégoutant' in private to describe a truly poorly prepared meal, spoiled ingredients, or a dirty kitchen.

La cuisine de ce restaurant est dégoutante, il y a de la poussière partout.

In urban environments, you will hear people use the word to complain about the state of public infrastructure. Whether it's the smell of the Paris Metro, litter on the sidewalks, or graffiti in a historic area, 'dégoutant' is the go-to adjective for expressing civic frustration. It reflects a certain standard of living that the speaker feels is being compromised. You might hear a commuter mutter, 'C'est dégoutant, les gens ne respectent rien,' (It's disgusting, people respect nothing) when they see trash left on a seat.

Social and Political Discourse: The word is also a staple of political commentary. When a scandal breaks involving corruption or the mistreatment of vulnerable populations, commentators and citizens alike use 'dégoutant' to express their moral outrage. It signals that the behavior has crossed a line from merely 'wrong' to 'nauseating'.

Leur manière de traiter les employés est tout simplement dégoutante.

Furthermore, in French cinema and literature, 'dégoutant' is used to create atmosphere. A gritty detective novel might describe a 'ruelle dégoutante' (disgusting alley) to set a dark mood. A character in a film might use the word to reject a romantic advance that they find inappropriate or 'creepy'. This versatility means that as you consume French media, you will encounter the word in many different shades, helping you understand the cultural boundaries of what is considered acceptable versus what is considered 'dégoutant'.

Digital Contexts: On social media, you'll see 'dégoutant' in comments sections under videos of animal cruelty or environmental disasters. It serves as a quick, powerful reaction that requires no further explanation.

C'est dégoutant de voir autant de plastique dans l'océan.

Une odeur dégoutante s'échappait de la cave.

Ses chaussures étaient dégoutantes après la randonnée.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using dégoutant is confusing it with the past participle 'dégoûté'. While they share the same root, they serve different functions. 'Dégoutant' describes the *source* of the disgust (e.g., 'The food is disgusting'), whereas 'dégoûté' describes the *person* who feels the disgust (e.g., 'I am disgusted'). Saying 'Je suis dégoutant' literally means 'I am a disgusting person,' which is likely not what you intended if you just wanted to say you were grossed out by something you saw.

The Agreement Trap: Many learners forget to add the 'e' for feminine nouns or the 's' for plural nouns. This is especially tricky with 'dégoutante' because the 't' becomes pronounced. If you omit the 'e' in writing but pronounce the 't', or vice versa, it creates a grammatical mismatch that is very noticeable to native speakers.

Incorrect: Cette poubelle est dégoutant. Correct: Cette poubelle est dégoutante.

Another mistake involves the spelling. As mentioned before, there is a traditional spelling with a circumflex (dégoûtant) and a modern one without (dégoutant). The mistake is mixing them up within the same document or applying the circumflex inconsistently across related words. While both are technically correct, consistency is a sign of high-level writing. Also, be careful not to confuse it with 'dégoût' (the noun), which always keeps its circumflex in traditional spelling but can lose it in modern spelling.

Pronunciation Pitfalls: In the masculine singular 'dégoutant', the final 't' is silent. English speakers often have a habit of pronouncing final consonants. If you pronounce the 't' in the masculine form, it will sound like the feminine form 'dégoutante', which can lead to confusion about the gender of the noun you are describing.

Pronunciation Tip: 'Dégoutant' ends with a nasal 'an' sound, like the word 'en'. The 't' is only heard when you add the 'e' for the feminine form.

Finally, learners sometimes misuse the slang version 'dégueu'. While it is a great word to know, using it in a professional email or during a formal dinner would be a major register error. It is strictly for informal, spoken French. If you are describing a 'disgusting' situation to your boss, stick to 'dégoutant' or, better yet, a more formal synonym like 'répugnant'. Understanding these nuances in register and grammar will help you avoid the most common pitfalls associated with this word.

Overuse: Avoid using 'dégoutant' for every negative experience. If a movie is boring, it's 'ennuyeux', not 'dégoutant'. Using it too often dilutes its power.

C'est dégoutant de mentir ainsi à ses amis.

Le sol de la cuisine était dégoutant après la fête.

Ne sois pas dégoutant, ferme la bouche quand tu manges !

While dégoutant is a fantastic all-purpose word, the French language offers a rich palette of synonyms that allow for greater precision depending on the context and intensity of the revulsion. Knowing these alternatives will elevate your French from functional to expressive. For example, if you want to describe something that is physically sickening to the point of causing nausea, you might use 'écœurant'. This word is derived from 'cœur' (heart/stomach), emphasizing the physical feeling of being 'sick to one's stomach'.

Formal Alternatives: In literary or formal contexts, 'répugnant' is a strong choice. It implies a deep, instinctive rejection. 'Immonde' is another powerful word, often used for things that are not just dirty but morally or physically filthy (e.g., 'un crime immonde').

Cette odeur de pourriture est absolument écœurante.

If the disgust is related to extreme dirtiness or lack of hygiene, 'sale' (dirty) is the basic word, but 'crasseux' (grimy/filthy) or 'malpropre' (unclean) provide more detail. For something that is so bad it's almost poisonous or foul, 'infect' is an excellent adjective. You might describe the air in a poorly ventilated room as 'infect'. On the other hand, if you are looking for something very informal, as mentioned before, 'dégueu' or 'dégueulasse' are the slang equivalents. Use these only with people you know very well, as 'dégueulasse' can be perceived as quite vulgar.

Synonym Comparison Table

Écœurant: Sickening, nauseating (often food-related).
Répugnant: Repulsive, disgusting (more formal).
Immonde: Vile, filthy (very strong).
Infect: Foul, wretched (smells or tastes).
Dégueulasse: Gross, disgusting (very informal/slang).

Leur comportement lors de la réunion était répugnant.

When talking about aesthetics, if something is just very ugly or 'gross' looking, you could use 'moche' (informal) or 'hideux' (hideous). If a situation is unfair or 'grossly' unjust, you might use 'scandaleux' (scandalous) or 'inadmissible' (unacceptable). By choosing the right word from this list, you show that you understand the nuances of the French language and can tailor your message to the specific type of 'disgust' you are experiencing. This level of precision is what distinguishes a B2 or C1 speaker from those at lower levels.

Antonyms: To describe the opposite, use 'délicieux' (delicious), 'propre' (clean), 'admirable' (admirable), or 'agréable' (pleasant). These provide a clear contrast to 'dégoutant'.

C'est une habitude immonde de jeter ses déchets par la fenêtre.

Le temps est infect aujourd'hui, il pleut et il fait froid.

C'est dégoutant de voir comment ils traitent les animaux.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'dégoutant' is one of the words affected by the 1990 spelling reform. The circumflex on the 'u' was removed because it didn't change the pronunciation, making it 'dégoutant'. However, many French people still prefer the traditional 'dégoûtant' because they feel it looks more 'French'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /de.ɡu.tɑ̃/

US /de.ɡu.tɑ̃/

In French, the stress is generally even, but a slight emphasis is placed on the final syllable 'tɑ̃'.

Rhymes With

pourtant content important maintenant enfant étudiant pendant sang

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 't' in the masculine form (it should be silent).
Pronouncing the 'n' in the nasal 'an' sound.
Using an English 'u' sound instead of the French 'ou'.
Failing to pronounce the 't' in the feminine form 'dégoutante'.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'dégoûté' (the 'é' vs 'an' ending).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the root 'goût' and similarity to English 'disgusting'.

Writing 4/5

Requires attention to adjective agreement and the optional circumflex.

Speaking 4/5

The nasal 'an' and the silent/audible 't' distinction can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with 'dégoûté'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

goût sale mauvais être trouver

Learn Next

écœurant répugnant immonde nauséabond dégoûter

Advanced

abject sordide viscéral haut-le-cœur répulsion

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement with Nouns

Le plat (m) est dégoutant. La soupe (f) est dégoutante.

Adjectives after 'Quelque chose de'

J'ai vu quelque chose de dégoutant (always masculine singular).

Adverbs of intensity before adjectives

C'est absolument dégoutant.

Placement of adjectives in French

Un mensonge (noun) dégoutant (adjective).

Infinitive phrases with 'C'est'

C'est dégoutant de fumer.

Examples by Level

C'est dégoutant !

It's disgusting!

Simple 'C'est' + adjective structure.

Le fromage est dégoutant.

The cheese is disgusting.

Masculine singular agreement with 'le fromage'.

Beurk, c'est dégoutant !

Yuck, it's disgusting!

'Beurk' is a common interjection for disgust.

Ma pomme est dégoutante.

My apple is disgusting.

Feminine singular agreement with 'la pomme'.

Tes mains sont dégoutantes.

Your hands are disgusting.

Feminine plural agreement with 'les mains'.

Ce n'est pas dégoutant.

It is not disgusting.

Negative structure 'ce n'est pas'.

L'eau est dégoutante.

The water is disgusting.

Feminine singular agreement with 'l'eau'.

Quel plat dégoutant !

What a disgusting dish!

Exclamative 'Quel' + noun + adjective.

La rue est vraiment dégoutante aujourd'hui.

The street is really disgusting today.

Use of the adverb 'vraiment' for emphasis.

Je trouve ce film un peu dégoutant.

I find this movie a bit disgusting.

'Je trouve' + object + adjective structure.

Il y a une odeur dégoutante dans la cuisine.

There is a disgusting smell in the kitchen.

Feminine singular agreement with 'une odeur'.

Tes chaussures sont dégoutantes après la pluie.

Your shoes are disgusting after the rain.

Feminine plural agreement with 'les chaussures'.

C'est dégoutant de ne pas se laver les mains.

It's disgusting not to wash your hands.

'C'est dégoutant de' + infinitive.

Cette viande a un aspect dégoutant.

This meat looks disgusting.

Agreement with 'un aspect' (masculine singular).

Les toilettes sont très dégoutantes.

The toilets are very disgusting.

Feminine plural agreement with 'les toilettes'.

Je ne veux pas manger ça, c'est dégoutant.

I don't want to eat that, it's disgusting.

Two independent clauses linked by a comma.

Son comportement envers elle est dégoutant.

His behavior towards her is disgusting.

Abstract use to describe behavior.

C'est dégoutant de voir autant de gaspillage alimentaire.

It's disgusting to see so much food waste.

Moral judgment using 'C'est dégoutant de'.

Elle a raconté des mensonges dégoutants sur lui.

She told disgusting lies about him.

Masculine plural agreement with 'des mensonges'.

La pollution dans cette rivière est dégoutante.

The pollution in this river is disgusting.

Feminine singular agreement with 'la pollution'.

Je suis dégoûté par ce spectacle dégoutant.

I am disgusted by this disgusting sight.

Contrast between the person's feeling (dégoûté) and the object (dégoutant).

Il est dégoutant de tricher pendant un examen.

It is disgusting to cheat during an exam.

Impersonal 'Il est' structure.

Ces pratiques commerciales sont absolument dégoutantes.

These business practices are absolutely disgusting.

Feminine plural agreement with 'ces pratiques'.

L'état de cet appartement est tout simplement dégoutant.

The state of this apartment is quite simply disgusting.

Agreement with 'l'état' (masculine singular).

L'industrie de la mode cache parfois des réalités dégoutantes.

The fashion industry sometimes hides disgusting realities.

Feminine plural agreement with 'des réalités'.

Il est dégoutant que de telles inégalités existent encore.

It is disgusting that such inequalities still exist.

'Il est dégoutant que' + subjunctive (though 'existent' looks like indicative).

Le film explore le côté dégoutant de l'âme humaine.

The film explores the disgusting side of the human soul.

Masculine singular agreement with 'le côté'.

C'est une habitude dégoutante que de fumer à l'intérieur.

It's a disgusting habit to smoke indoors.

Use of 'que de' for emphasis in the infinitive phrase.

Les conditions de vie dans ces camps étaient dégoutantes.

The living conditions in these camps were disgusting.

Feminine plural agreement with 'les conditions'.

Je trouve dégoutant qu'il n'ait pas présenté d'excuses.

I find it disgusting that he didn't offer an apology.

'Je trouve dégoutant que' + subjunctive 'ait'.

L'odeur nauséabonde et dégoutante nous a forcés à partir.

The foul and disgusting smell forced us to leave.

Use of two adjectives to describe one noun.

Elle a un rire dégoutant qui me met mal à l'aise.

She has a disgusting laugh that makes me uncomfortable.

Masculine singular agreement with 'un rire'.

L'auteur décrit avec une précision dégoutante la décomposition du corps.

The author describes with disgusting precision the decomposition of the body.

Feminine singular agreement with 'une précision'.

Il y a quelque chose de dégoutant dans son obsession pour l'argent.

There is something disgusting in his obsession with money.

'Quelque chose de' + masculine singular adjective.

La complaisance des médias face à ce scandale est dégoutante.

The complacency of the media in the face of this scandal is disgusting.

Feminine singular agreement with 'la complaisance'.

Ce crime est d'une cruauté dégoutante.

This crime is of a disgusting cruelty.

Use of 'd'une' + noun + adjective.

Elle éprouvait un plaisir dégoutant à voir les autres échouer.

She felt a disgusting pleasure in seeing others fail.

Masculine singular agreement with 'un plaisir'.

Les relents dégoutants du passé ressurgissent parfois.

The disgusting hints of the past sometimes resurface.

Masculine plural agreement with 'les relents'.

Il est dégoutant de constater le mépris de certains élus.

It is disgusting to note the contempt of some elected officials.

Infinitive clause as the logical subject.

Cette mise en scène est d'un goût dégoutant.

This staging is of a disgusting taste.

Agreement with 'un goût' (masculine singular).

L'esthétique du déchet peut être à la fois fascinante et dégoutante.

The aesthetics of waste can be both fascinating and disgusting.

Feminine singular agreement with 'l'esthétique'.

Une atmosphère dégoutante de suspicion régnait dans le bureau.

A disgusting atmosphere of suspicion reigned in the office.

Feminine singular agreement with 'une atmosphère'.

Le protagoniste est hanté par des visions dégoutantes de son enfance.

The protagonist is haunted by disgusting visions of his childhood.

Feminine plural agreement with 'des visions'.

Il est dégoutant de voir comment la vérité est ainsi bafouée.

It is disgusting to see how the truth is thus flouted.

Passive voice 'est bafouée' in the subordinate clause.

Le texte s'attarde sur les détails les plus dégoutants de la scène.

The text lingers on the most disgusting details of the scene.

Superlative 'les plus dégoutants'.

Cette forme de manipulation psychologique est proprement dégoutante.

This form of psychological manipulation is strictly disgusting.

Use of the adverb 'proprement' to mean 'strictly' or 'downright'.

Le contraste entre le luxe et la misère est dégoutant.

The contrast between luxury and misery is disgusting.

Masculine singular agreement with 'le contraste'.

Rien n'est plus dégoutant que l'hypocrisie érigée en système.

Nothing is more disgusting than hypocrisy built into a system.

Comparative structure 'plus... que'.

Common Collocations

odeur dégoutante

comportement dégoutant

spectacle dégoutant

absolument dégoutant

plat dégoutant

mensonge dégoutant

endroit dégoutant

habitude dégoutante

aspect dégoutant

vraiment dégoutant

Common Phrases

C'est dégoutant !

— The most common way to say 'It's disgusting!' in reaction to something.

Regarde cette tache, c'est dégoutant !

Quelle horreur, c'est dégoutant.

— Used to express shock and revulsion simultaneously.

Tu as vu l'état de la cuisine ? Quelle horreur, c'est dégoutant.

Trouver ça dégoutant.

— To find something disgusting or gross.

Je trouve ça dégoutant de fumer à table.

Rendre dégoutant.

— To make something disgusting.

La pluie a rendu le jardin dégoutant.

Pas dégoutant.

— Often used ironically to mean something is actually quite good or impressive.

Son nouveau salaire ? Pas dégoutant du tout !

Être dégoutant avec quelqu'un.

— To behave in a disgusting or mean way toward someone.

Il a été dégoutant avec elle pendant la rupture.

Un petit côté dégoutant.

— Used when something has a slightly disgusting aspect.

Ce film a un petit côté dégoutant mais il est bien.

Dégoutant de saleté.

— Extremely dirty; disgusting because of filth.

Le canapé était dégoutant de saleté.

C'est dégoutant de sa part.

— It's disgusting of him/her (referring to an action).

C'est dégoutant de sa part de ne pas avoir aidé.

Devenir dégoutant.

— To become disgusting (e.g., food going bad).

Le lait a fini par devenir dégoutant.

Often Confused With

dégoutant vs dégoûté

This is a past participle meaning 'disgusted'. Use it for people's feelings, not to describe the object.

dégoutant vs mauvais

Means 'bad'. 'Dégoutant' is much stronger and implies a physical reaction.

dégoutant vs dégoût

This is the noun meaning 'disgust'. 'Dégoutant' is the adjective.

Idioms & Expressions

"C'est pas dégoutant"

— Literally 'it's not disgusting,' but idiomatically used to say something is quite decent, profitable, or attractive.

Il a gagné dix mille euros ? C'est pas dégoutant !

Informal

"Avoir un goût dégoutant"

— To have a disgusting taste, used both literally and for aesthetic choices.

Cette décoration a un goût dégoutant.

Neutral

"Être d'un dégoutant"

— To be incredibly disgusting (using the adjective as a noun in a specific structure).

Cet appartement est d'un dégoutant, tu n'imagines pas !

Informal

"Le dégoût de soi"

— Self-loathing or self-disgust (related noun phrase).

Il est tombé dans le dégoût de soi après ses erreurs.

Formal

"Prendre quelqu'un en dégoût"

— To take a dislike to someone; to find someone disgusting.

Elle l'a pris en dégoût après avoir découvert ses mensonges.

Neutral

"Un spectacle à vous dégoûter"

— A sight that would make you disgusted (using the verb).

C'était un spectacle à vous dégoûter de la politique.

Neutral

"Dégoutant comme tout"

— Extremely disgusting (using 'comme tout' as an intensifier).

Ce vieux tapis est dégoutant comme tout.

Informal

"C'est dégoutant de vérité"

— Used in art/film to say something is so realistic it's almost unpleasant.

Sa performance était dégoutante de vérité.

Literary

"Faire le dégoûté"

— To act like you are disgusted, often implying you are being too picky.

Ne fais pas le dégoûté, mange ta soupe !

Informal

"À dégoûter les chiens"

— Something so bad or disgusting even a dog wouldn't want it.

Cette nourriture est à dégoûter les chiens.

Informal

Easily Confused

dégoutant vs dégoûté

Similar sound and same root.

Dégoutant describes the thing (disgusting). Dégoûté describes the person (disgusted).

Le plat est dégoutant, je suis dégoûté.

dégoutant vs écœurant

Both mean disgusting.

Écœurant is more about being sick to the stomach (nausea). Dégoutant is more general revulsion.

Cette odeur est écœurante.

dégoutant vs infect

Both describe bad smells or tastes.

Infect is often used for foul air or very poor quality things. Dégoutant is more about filth.

L'air est infect ici.

dégoutant vs immonde

Both imply dirtiness.

Immonde is much stronger, often implying something that is filthy beyond belief or morally vile.

Un crime immonde.

dégoutant vs sale

Both involve lack of cleanliness.

Sale just means dirty. Dégoutant means so dirty it causes revulsion.

Tes mains sont sales (dirty), tes mains sont dégoutantes (gross/filthy).

Sentence Patterns

C'est + dégoutant.

C'est dégoutant !

Le/La [noun] est + dégoutant(e).

La viande est dégoutante.

C'est dégoutant de + [infinitive].

C'est dégoutant de mentir.

Je trouve [noun] + dégoutant(e).

Je trouve ce comportement dégoutant.

Un(e) [noun] + dégoutant(e).

Un spectacle dégoutant.

Il est dégoutant que + [subjunctive].

Il est dégoutant qu'il agisse ainsi.

D'une [noun] dégoutante.

D'une saleté dégoutante.

Rien n'est plus dégoutant que + [noun/infinitive].

Rien n'est plus dégoutant que la trahison.

Word Family

Nouns

dégoût (disgust)

dégoûtation (disgusting thing - rare/informal)

Verbs

dégoûter (to disgust/to put off)

Adjectives

dégoutant (disgusting)

dégoûté (disgusted)

goût (taste)

goûter (to taste)

dégoûtant (the 1990 spelling)

dégoûtant (the traditional spelling)

dégueu (slang)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written French.

Common Mistakes

Je suis dégoutant. → Je suis dégoûté.
Saying 'Je suis dégoutant' means 'I am a disgusting person'. To say 'I am disgusted', use 'dégoûté'.
Cette soupe est dégoutant. → Cette soupe est dégoutante.
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'soupe'.
Pronouncing the 't' in 'C'est dégoutant'. → Silent 't'.
In the masculine singular form, the final 't' is always silent.
Using 'dégoutant' for a boring movie. → Ce film est ennuyeux.
'Dégoutant' is for revulsion, not boredom. Only use it if the movie is gross.
Writing 'degoutant' without any accents. → dégoutant (or dégoûtant).
The accent on the 'é' is mandatory for correct pronunciation and spelling.

Tips

Agreement Check

Always check the noun's gender. 'Une situation dégoutante' needs that 'e'. It's a common mistake even for intermediate learners.

Silent T

In the masculine form, the 't' is silent. Don't say 'day-goo-tont'. Say 'day-goo-tah'. Only pronounce the 't' if you see an 'e' at the end.

Slang Alert

Learn 'dégueu' to understand natives, but stick to 'dégoutant' in your own speech until you are very comfortable with informal registers.

Moral Disgust

Don't forget you can use this for behavior. 'C'est dégoutant de mentir' is a great way to express moral outrage.

Vary Your Synonyms

If you are writing a story, use 'nauséabond' for smells and 'écœurant' for food to make your French sound more sophisticated.

Food Sensitivity

Be careful using 'dégoutant' at a dinner party. It's very blunt. 'Ce n'est pas à mon goût' is much more polite.

The 'Goût' Connection

Link 'dégoutant' to 'goût' (taste). It helps you remember the spelling and the core meaning of 'distasteful'.

Nasal 'An'

The final syllable 'ant' is a nasal sound. Practice it by saying 'en' or 'dans'. Don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth.

Circumflex Choice

Decide if you want to use the traditional 'dégoûtant' or the modern 'dégoutant' and stick to it for the whole text.

Exclamations

Use 'Beurk, c'est dégoutant !' to sound more like a native when reacting to something gross.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Day-Goo-Tan'. On a sunny DAY, you step in sticky GOO and get a TAN on your feet from the sun—it's a 'dégoutant' mess!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant, green, slimy 'G' (for 'Gout') being crossed out by a big 'D' (for 'Dé'). No taste = Dégoutant.

Word Web

goût dégoût dégoûter dégoutant écœurant répugnant immonde infect

Challenge

Try to find three things today that you can describe as 'dégoutant' (a messy desk, a bad smell, a mean comment) and say the sentence out loud in French.

Word Origin

Derived from the French verb 'dégoûter', which combines the prefix 'dé-' (expressing reversal or negation) and the noun 'goût' (taste). It literally means to 'take away the taste'.

Original meaning: Causing a loss of appetite or a feeling of distaste for food.

Romance (Latin root 'gustus' for taste).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'dégoutant' to describe people's appearances or cultural practices, as it can be very offensive and xenophobic if misused.

English speakers often use 'gross' for almost anything. In French, 'dégoutant' is slightly heavier and more visceral. 'C'est dégueu' is the closer equivalent to 'That's gross'.

The film 'La Grande Bouffe' (The Big Feast) is often described as having 'dégoutant' scenes of excess. Baudelaire's poem 'Une Charogne' uses 'dégoutant' imagery to discuss beauty and decay. The phrase 'C'est dégueulasse !' is famously shouted by Jean Seberg in the final scene of 'À bout de souffle' (Breathless).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a restaurant

Ce plat est dégoutant.
Il y a une mouche, c'est dégoutant.
La nappe est dégoutante.
C'est dégoutant de manger ici.

Cleaning the house

Le frigo est dégoutant.
Tes chaussettes sont dégoutantes.
C'est dégoutant sous le lit.
L'évier est vraiment dégoutant.

Talking about news/politics

C'est un scandale dégoutant.
Leur politique est dégoutante.
C'est dégoutant de mentir au peuple.
Un comportement dégoutant de la part des élus.

Walking in the city

Le trottoir est dégoutant.
L'odeur est dégoutante.
C'est dégoutant de voir ces graffitis.
La station de métro est dégoutante.

Social interactions

Il a été dégoutant avec moi.
C'est dégoutant de tricher.
Ne sois pas dégoutant !
Une blague dégoutante.

Conversation Starters

"Tu ne trouves pas que l'odeur dans ce couloir est dégoutante ?"

"Est-ce que tu as déjà mangé quelque chose de vraiment dégoutant ?"

"C'est dégoutant de voir comment les gens jettent leurs déchets, non ?"

"Quel est le film le plus dégoutant que tu as jamais vu ?"

"Tu trouves ça dégoutant de manger de la viande de cheval ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris une situation où tu as vu quelque chose de dégoutant. Comment as-tu réagi ?

Penses-tu qu'il est dégoutant de mentir pour protéger quelqu'un ? Pourquoi ?

Quelle est l'habitude la plus dégoutante que tu aies vue chez quelqu'un d'autre ?

Décris un endroit qui était si dégoutant que tu as dû partir immédiatement.

Comment définirais-tu la différence entre quelque chose de 'mauvais' et quelque chose de 'dégoutant' ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Both are correct. 'Dégoûtant' is the traditional spelling, and 'dégoutant' is the simplified spelling from the 1990 reform. Most modern dictionaries accept both, but the reform version is becoming more common in digital text.

Yes, but be careful. If you say 'Il est dégoutant', you are saying he is a disgusting person (either physically dirty or morally bad). To say he 'feels' disgusted, you must say 'Il est dégoûté'.

'Dégoutant' is neutral and can be used in most situations. 'Dégueu' is very informal slang and should only be used with friends. Using 'dégueu' in a formal setting would be considered rude.

Simply add an 'e' at the end: 'dégoutante'. Remember that when you add the 'e', you must pronounce the 't' sound at the end of the word.

Yes, it is quite strong. It implies a sense of physical revulsion. If you just dislike something a little bit, use 'pas bon' or 'désagréable' instead.

Absolutely. 'Une odeur dégoutante' is a very common phrase to describe a foul or sickening smell.

In most cases, yes. For example, 'un film dégoutant'. However, it can also follow linking verbs like 'être' (to be) or 'sembler' (to seem).

The most common opposites are 'délicieux' (delicious), 'excellent', or simply 'très bon' (very good).

Yes! Both come from the Latin 'gustus', meaning taste. 'Dégoutant' literally means something that goes against your sense of taste.

Use 'répugnant' in formal writing or when you want to describe a deeper, more instinctive sense of rejection that isn't necessarily related to dirt or food.