87 personality traits in French to help describe one's character

“ On ne voit bien qu’avec le cœur. L’essentiel est invisible pour les yeux. “

You can only see well with the heart, the essential is invisible to the eye.

This wonderful quote from “Le petit prince“, written by Antoine de Saint Exupéry, is very true. And while it’s useful to know physical traits, French personality adjectives will help you describe yourself and others in a deeper way.

This guide on personality traits in French is a great complement to our article on How to introduce yourself in French. You can use it in the following situations:

• At a job interview, to show off your best qualities and turn your flaws into assets — You know, the typical “I’m a perfectionist”!
• With a new friend, to explain your personality in French.
• To describe someone, for example a family member or the protagonist of a movie.
• To enquire about a blind date or a Tinder match — What? It’s very useful!
• And many more!

What are personality adjectives in French?

We all have different personalities. Personality adjectives are used to describe someone — or a pet — in detail, whether it’s good or bad, and answer the question: “What is she/he like?”.

Some have a different masculine and feminine form, and they all need to be in the plural form when talking about several people.

For example:

Elle me fait souvent des cadeaux, elle est très gentille.

She often gives me gifts; she’s very nice.

Mon frère est timide, il n’ose pas parler aux inconnus.

My brother is shy. He doesn’t dare talk to strangers.

Mon lapin est caractériel, il n’aime pas qu’on le prenne.

My rabbit is temperamental. It doesn’t like to be picked up.

Mes copains sont un peu paresseux, ils se lèvent très tard.

My friends are a bit lazy. They wake up very late.

Mes sœurs sont très enjouées.

My sisters are very playful.

Ils ont vécu une expérience difficile, ils sont vraiment courageux.

They went through a difficult experience; they are very brave.

Personality traits in French

We have divided the French personality adjectives below into two tables: positive and negative traits. Of course, some of these traits are subjective and may be considered as both positive and negative.

I mean, I’m not restless, I’m dynamic and energetic. And it’s not stubbornness, it’s perseverance, right?

In the tables below, we’ve included the masculine and feminine forms. For the plural, just add an “s”, except if it ends with an “x” — in such cases, the plural form stays the same.

Examples:

Mes parents sont créatifs.
My parents are creative.

Mon copain et moi sommes aventureux.
My boyfriend and I are adventurous.

Positive personality traits in French

I’m sure you only have positive personality traits, so here is a list for you! Add a compliment in French, and you’ll make some friends in no time!

English	French, masculine	French, feminine
Ambitious	Ambitieux	Ambitieuse
Funny	Drôle	Drôle
Outgoing	Extraverti	Extravertie
Intelligent	Intelligent	Intelligente
Creative	Créatif	Créative
Patient	Patient	Patiente
Charismatic	Charismatique	Charismatique
Serious	Sérieux	Sérieuse
Kind	Gentil	Gentille
Brave	Courageux	Courageuse
Playful	Enjoué	Enjouée
Studious	Studieux	Studieuse
Friendly	Amical	Amicale
Nice	Sympathique	Sympathique
Sophisticated	Sophistiqué	Sophistiquée
Calm	Calme	Calme
Adventurous	Aventureux	Aventureuse
Open-minded	Ouvert d'esprit	Ouverte d'esprit
Perfectionist	Perfectionniste	Perfectionniste
Dynamic	Dynamique	Dynamique
Energetic	Énergique	Énergique
Resourceful	Débrouillard	Débrouillarde
Discreet	Discret	Discrète
Ingenious	Ingénieux	Ingénieux
Loyal	Loyal	Loyal
Persevering	Persévérant	Persévérante
Sociable	Sociable	Sociable
Hard-working	Travailleur	Travailleuse
Tolerant	Tolérant	Tolérante
Generous	Généreux	Généreuse
Artistic	Artistique	Artistique
Down-to-earth	Simple, réaliste	Simple, réaliste
Frank	Franc	Franche
Honest	Honnête	Honnête
Grateful	Reconnaissant	Reconnaissante
Interesting	Intéressant	Intéressante
Modest	Modeste	Modeste
Spontaneous	Spontané	Spontanée
Organized	Organisé	Organisée
Polite	Poli	Polie
Quirky	Excentrique	Excentrique
Reliable	Fiable	Fiable
Responsible	Responsable	Responsable
Sincere	Sincère	Sincère
Talkative	Bavard	Bavarde
Understanding	Compréhensif	Compréhensive
Optimistic	Optimiste	Optimiste
Wise	Sage	Sage
Caring	Attentionné	Attentionnée

Negative character traits in French

But just in case you also have a few — very few — negative traits, have a look at the list below. You can also use them to talk about someone else, obviously.

English	French, masculine	French, feminine
Shy	Timide	Timide
Mean	Méchant	Méchante
Scary	Effrayant	Effrayante
Unfriendly	Désagréable	Désagréable
Impatient	Impatient	Impatiente
Lazy	Paresseux	Paresseuse
Boring	Ennuyeux	Ennuyeuse
Temperamental	Caractériel	Caractérielle
Careless	Imprudent	Imprudente
Restless	Agité	Agitée
Unlikeable	Antipathique	Antipathique
Rough	Dur	Dure
Indiscreet	Indiscret	Indiscrète
Unfaithful	Infidèle	Infidèle
Introvert	Introverti	Introvertie
Coward	Lâche	Lâche
Dishonest	Malhonnête	Malhonnête
Uncommunicative	Fermé	Fermée
Apathetic	Apathique	Apathique
Stubborn	Têtu	Têtue
Narrow-minded	Étroit d'esprit	Étroite d'esprit
Intolerant	Intolérant	Intolérante
Ungrateful	Ingrat	Ingrate
Pessimistic	Pessimiste	Pessimiste
Aggressive	Agressif	Agressive
Anxious	Anxieux	Anxieuse
Boastful	Vantard	Vantarde
Cold	Froid	Froide
Disorganized	Désorganisé	Désorganisée
Grumpy	Grincheux	Grincheuse
Hypocritical	Hypocrite	Hypocrite
Rude	Grossier	Grossière
Stupid	Stupide	Stupide
Naive	Naïf	Naïve
Passive	Blasé	Blasée
Selfish	Égoïste	Égoïste
Stingy	Radin	Radine
Pretentious	Prétentieux	Prétentieuse

Monsieur et Madame

Your best allies to learn character traits in French — besides Berlitz and myself, of course — are Monsieur et Madame! What, you don’t know Monsieur et Madame? Just kidding, I don’t think it made it over the pond!

Mr. Men started as a British collection of children’s books in the 70s, followed by a similar series called Little Miss in the 80s. Thank you equality!

The French translation, Monsieur et Madame, was a hit with French kids, myself included. Nowadays, it’s still a classic in 28 countries, with the accompanying merchandising.

Each book introduces a character and his/her main personality trait.

Discover the universe of Monsieur Grognon, Monsieur Bavard, Monsieur Malpoli, Madame Têtue and all their friends!

Learn personality traits with videos

• Learn to use 50 personality adjectives in French in this complete video.
• A short and simple video to learn personality traits with examples.
• A dynamic lesson to learn how to introduce yourself based on your personality — with nuances if you’re un peu, très or trop sympa.
• A small bonus just for fun with my all time favorite Loïc Suberville who is having a personality crisis.

Exercise: Describe your favorite character

Before you close this page and go on with your day, I’d like to suggest a small exercise to assimilate what you’ve learned today. Come on, ne sois pas timide !

Think about your favorite movie or TV show. If you have too many, repeat the exercise with all of them! Now, think about your favorite character and describe their personality.

Here is an example:

Ma série préférée est Sense8. J’aime tous les personnages car ils ont tous leur propre personnalité. Mais je préfère Capheus car il est toujours optimiste, positif, tolérant et jamais désagréable, même si sa vie n’est pas simple. Il est très inspirant et motivant.
My favorite show is Sense8. I like all the characters because they all have their own personalities. But I prefer Capheus because he is always optimistic, positive, tolerant and never unfriendly, even if his life is not easy. He is very inspiring and motivating.

With these personality traits, you’ll be equipped to describe your wonderful self, your super friendly friend or your stubborn cat. Perfect for your French learning skills!

And while you’re at it, it could be useful to learn how to express your feelings in French. Good thing you’re studieux et intelligent !

Find more free French vocabulary lessons on our French blog.