Inklingo
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gentil

/hen-TEEL/

kind

A storybook illustration showing a child offering an apple to a friendly, smiling squirrel, symbolizing kindness.

When describing character, 'gentil' means kind, like this child sharing an apple.

gentil(Adjective)

m/f (Note: The form 'gentil' is the same for both masculine and feminine singular.)A2

kind

?

describing character

,

gentle

?

describing mannerisms or disposition

Also:

nice

?

general politeness

,

amiable

?

formal synonym for pleasant

📝 In Action

Mi vecina es muy gentil y siempre me ayuda con las compras.

A2

My neighbor is very kind and always helps me with the groceries.

Fue un gesto muy gentil de su parte ofrecernos un café.

B1

It was a very nice gesture on his part to offer us coffee.

Necesitas ser más gentil al hablar con niños pequeños.

B1

You need to be gentler when speaking with small children.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • persona gentil – kind person
  • acto gentil – kind act

💡 Grammar Points

Masculine and Feminine

Since 'gentil' ends in -L, it is one of the adjectives that does not change form for masculine or feminine. It only changes in the plural: 'gentiles'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'gentil' for 'gentle' actions

Mistake: "La tela es gentil (The fabric is gentle)."

Correction: La tela es suave (The fabric is soft). 'Gentil' usually describes character or behavior, not physical qualities like softness.

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with Ser vs. Estar

Use 'ser' (es/son) with 'gentil' because it describes an inherent quality of a person (e.g., 'Ella es gentil').

A storybook illustration depicting ancient, moss-covered standing stones in a forest clearing, representing a non-Abrahamic or pagan place of worship.

The historical meaning of 'gentil' refers to someone who is pagan or adheres to a non-Abrahamic religion.

gentil(Adjective)

m/f (Can also function as a noun, referring to a person.)C1

pagan

?

non-Abrahamic religion

Also:

heathen

?

historical term for non-believer

,

gentile

?

non-Jewish person (religious context)

📝 In Action

Los romanos adoraban a muchos dioses gentiles antes de la cristianización.

C1

The Romans worshipped many pagan gods before Christianization.

La Biblia a menudo usa la palabra 'gentil' para referirse a los no judíos.

C2

The Bible often uses the word 'gentile' to refer to non-Jewish people.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • pagano (pagan)
  • infiel (unbeliever, infidel)

Common Collocations

  • dioses gentiles – pagan gods

💡 Grammar Points

Historical Context

This meaning is less common today and is usually found in books discussing history or theology. In modern conversation, 'gentil' almost always means 'kind'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: gentil

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'gentil' in its most common, everyday meaning?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

gentileza(kindness, grace) - noun
gentilmente(kindly, gently) - adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'gentil' change form for men and women?

No. Since 'gentil' ends in the letter 'L', it is one of the adjectives that stays the same whether you are describing a man ('un hombre gentil') or a woman ('una mujer gentil'). It only changes form in the plural: 'gentiles'.

How is 'gentil' different from 'amable'?

'Amable' and 'gentil' are very close synonyms and often interchangeable, both meaning 'kind' or 'friendly.' 'Gentil' sometimes carries a slightly more formal or elegant connotation than 'amable,' suggesting someone who is soft-spoken and courteous.