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A2 adjective #3,000 most common 2 min read

gentil(le)

Examples

§ "Gentil(le)" at Work

You'll often hear gentil(le) used in professional settings to describe colleagues, clients, or even supervisors. It's a way to express that someone is pleasant to work with or helpful.

Notre nouvelle collègue est vraiment gentille.

Hint
Our new colleague is really kind.

It can also be used to politely describe a task or request. For example, if someone asks you to do something, they might add "C'est très gentil de votre part" (It's very kind of you) to show appreciation.

C'était gentil de m'aider avec ce rapport.

Hint
It was kind of you to help me with this report.

§ "Gentil(le)" in School

In academic environments, gentil(le) is commonly used by students and teachers. Students might describe a teacher as gentil(le) if they are approachable and understanding.

Notre professeur d'histoire est très gentil avec tout le monde.

Hint
Our history teacher is very kind to everyone.

Conversely, teachers might use it to describe a well-behaved or cooperative student. It's a positive descriptor for good behavior or a pleasant demeanor.

C'est une élève gentille et travailleuse.

Hint
She is a kind and hardworking student.

§ "Gentil(le)" in the News & Everyday Life

While you won't typically hear gentil(le) in formal news reports, it can appear in interviews or human-interest stories where people are describing individuals. For instance, a witness might describe someone involved in a positive event.

Les voisins ont décrit l'homme comme étant très gentil et serviable.

Hint
The neighbors described the man as very kind and helpful.

More broadly, in everyday conversations, gentil(le) is a very common and versatile word. It's used when talking about:

  • People: Describing friends, family, or strangers.
  • Animals: "Mon chien est très gentil." (My dog is very gentle/nice.)
  • Actions: "C'était un geste gentil." (It was a kind gesture.)

Elle est toujours gentille avec les enfants.

Hint
She is always kind with children.

Examples by Level

1

Mon voisin est toujours très gentil. Il m'aide souvent avec mes courses.

My neighbor is always very kind. He often helps me with my groceries.

Masculine singular form 'gentil' used with 'voisin' (neighbor).

2

Elle est vraiment gentille avec tout le monde, c'est agréable.

She is really nice to everyone, it's pleasant.

Feminine singular form 'gentille' used with 'elle' (she).

3

Les enfants ont été très gentils aujourd'hui, ils ont bien joué ensemble.

The children were very kind today, they played well together.

Masculine plural form 'gentils' used with 'les enfants' (the children, often masculine plural in general context).

4

Nous avons rencontré des personnes très gentilles pendant notre voyage.

We met some very kind people during our trip.

Feminine plural form 'gentilles' used with 'des personnes' (some people, feminine noun).

5

C'est gentil de ta part de m'avoir invité à ta fête.

It's kind of you to have invited me to your party.

Impersonal expression 'C'est gentil de...' meaning 'It's kind of you to...'

6

Il ne faut pas être trop gentil, sinon les gens profitent de toi.

You shouldn't be too nice, otherwise people will take advantage of you.

Negative imperative construction 'Il ne faut pas être trop gentil' (You shouldn't be too kind).

7

Malgré la situation difficile, elle est restée gentille et compréhensive.

Despite the difficult situation, she remained kind and understanding.

Use of 'restée gentille' (remained kind), agreeing with 'elle' (she).

8

Soyez gentils les uns envers les autres et tout ira bien.

Be kind to one another and everything will be fine.

Imperative 'Soyez gentils' (Be kind) addressing multiple people.

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