is inteligente masculine or feminine in french

2 min read 24-01-2025

is inteligente masculine or feminine in french

The French adjective intelligent presents a common point of confusion for learners: is it masculine or feminine? The answer, as with many French adjectives, depends on the gender of the noun it modifies. This article will explore the intricacies of gender agreement with intelligent, providing clear examples and helpful tips to avoid making mistakes.

Understanding Gender Agreement in French

French adjectives, unlike their English counterparts, change their form to agree in gender and number with the nouns they describe. This means that masculine nouns take a masculine adjective form, and feminine nouns take a feminine adjective form. This applies to intelligent as well.

Masculine Form of Intelligent

The masculine singular form of intelligent is simply intelligent. Notice it doesn't change.

Example: Un homme intelligent (An intelligent man)

Feminine Form of Intelligent

The feminine singular form of intelligent adds an "e" to the end: intelligente.

Example: Une femme intelligente (An intelligent woman)

Plural Forms: A Quick Look

The plural forms follow the same logic. For masculine plural nouns, the adjective remains intelligents. For feminine plural nouns, the adjective becomes intelligentes.

Examples:
- Des hommes intelligents (Intelligent men)
- Des femmes intelligentes (Intelligent women)

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

A common mistake is forgetting to add the "e" to the feminine form of intelligent. Pay close attention to the gender of the noun you are describing. Always double-check your work!

Beyond the Basics: Using "Intelligent" in Sentences

Let's look at intelligent in a variety of sentence structures to further solidify your understanding.

Example 1: Le chat est très intelligent. (The cat is very intelligent.) – Chat is masculine.
Example 2: La chienne est extrêmement intelligente. (The female dog is extremely intelligent.) – Chienne is feminine.
Example 3: Ses idées sont originales et intelligentes. (Her ideas are original and intelligent.) – Idées is feminine plural.
Example 4: Ces étudiants sont intelligents et travailleurs. (These students are intelligent and hard-working.) – Étudiants is masculine plural.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to master gender agreement with intelligent and other French adjectives is through consistent practice. Try incorporating this adjective into your own sentences and reviewing examples.

Conclusion

While seemingly simple, understanding the masculine and feminine forms of intelligent is crucial for accurate and fluent French. By paying close attention to gender agreement and practicing regularly, you'll confidently use this common adjective in your conversations and writing. Remember: intelligent is masculine in the masculine form and feminine in the feminine form. Mastering this simple rule will significantly improve your French fluency.