agréable vs gentil
French word comparison
Listen to agréable
Listen to gentil
| agréable | gentil |
|---|---|
/ah-GREH-ahbl/ adjective | /zhahn-tee/ adjective |
| pleasant; nice; agreeable | kind; nice; sweet |
How they differ
"Gentil" emphasizes kindness, politeness, or considerate behavior more than general pleasantness. Unlike "agréable," it is less often used for places or experiences and more often for people, actions, or gestures.
When to use each
When to use agréable: Use "agréable" when you mean something is pleasant in a general way, not necessarily kind or helpful.
When to use gentil: Use "gentil" when you want to highlight kindness, thoughtfulness, or a nice gesture.
Side-by-side examples
- C'était une réunion agréable.
(It was a pleasant meeting.) - C'était une réunion gentille.
(It was a kind meeting.)
Register & nuance: "Gentil" is very common and neutral, but it carries a more personal and affectionate tone than "agréable."