le
/ʒɑ̃/
Translation
people
Word origin
From Latin gens (stem gent-) ('clan, people, nation'), related to gignere ('to beget'). English 'gentile', 'gentle' and 'gentry' share this root.
- Origin
- Latin
- Root
- gens
- English cognates
- gentile, gentle, gentry
Grammar
Examples
.
People in this neighbourhood know each other and talk to each other a lot.
cette .
There are very strong people in this new work team.
.
Many people don't know that this museum is free on Sundays.
tous.
The people in the neighbourhood nearly all know each other.
.
Many people prefer working from home.
est un mot pluriel qui n'a pas de singulier propre - il désigne les personnes de façon collective. Sa grammaire est capricieuse : il est masculin pluriel en général (les bonnes gens - exception, ici féminin quand l'adjectif est placé avant) mais devient féminin lorsqu'un adjectif qualificatif antéposé s'y applique (quelles bonnes gens !).
Les gens (people in general) diffère de les personnes (specific individuals). Jeunes gens (young people, young men) est un usage figé. Gens de lettres (men/people of letters, writers) est une désignation littéraire ancienne. L'accord avec les adjectifs placés avant gens est l'une des règles les plus délicates du français.
Where this fits
Used in
Stories
(10)Pas la même chose
2 min read · Core 1000
Chez le médecin
3 min read · Core 1000
La fête surprise
3 min read · Core 1000
Le nouveau voisin
3 min read · Core 1000
Le premier jour de travail
3 min read · Core 1000
Un matin au marché
3 min read · Core 1000
Clara trouve sa place
4 min read · Core 1000
Une rencontre au marché
4 min read · Core 1000
L'homme dont elle parle
5 min read · Core 5000
Pas devant les clients
5 min read · Core 1000
Grammar articles
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gens: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the French word "gens" (people): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 4.