French · Emotions & Descriptions
"Rude" in French: impoli(e)
impoli(e)
Rude in French is impoli for a man and impolie for a woman. It covers bad manners: interrupting, not saying please, cutting in line.
About a stranger
Ce type était vraiment impoli au guichet.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce impoli(e)
Say it
eem-poh-LEE
/ɛ̃.pɔ.li/
Impoli: eem-poh-LEE. Stress the last syllable. The e in im- is clear; final i is like "ee".
"Rude" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| impoli / impolie | rude Basic adjective; matches gender. | Basic adjective; matches gender. |
| malpoli(e) | ill-mannered Similar, a bit stronger on manners. | Similar, a bit stronger on manners. |
| grossier / grossière | crude / coarse Rude language or jokes. | Rude language or jokes. |
| pas poli | not polite Softer spoken alternative. | Softer spoken alternative. |
How to use impoli(e) in real life
- 1About a stranger
Ce type était vraiment impoli au guichet.
That guy was really rude at the counter.
Guichet = ticket window / desk.
- 2Calling out a friend
Ne sois pas impoli avec ta sœur.
Don't be rude to your sister.
Impoli stays masculine with sois when speaking to a man or in the default form; with a woman: impolie.
- 3Describing a message
Son message est un peu impoli, non ?
His message is a bit rude, isn't it?
Space before ? in French.
Mistakes English speakers make with impoli(e)
Incorrect: Elle est impoli.
Correct: Elle est impolie.
Feminine needs -e: impolie.
Incorrect: C'est rude.
Correct: C'est impoli.
English rude is not used this way in French; say impoli.
Good to know
French politeness leans on bonjour, s'il te plaît, and merci. Skipping them can feel impoli even if your words are fine. With strangers, a quick greeting softens almost any request.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Reacting to a curt reply in a shop
ChatPal
Le vendeur était impoli, tu as vu ?
The salesman was rude, did you see?
You
Oui, trop impoli. On change de magasin.
Yes, too rude. We're switching shops.
ChatPal
Bonne idée. On n'a pas à rester.
Good idea. We don't have to stay.
You
Exactement. Allons ailleurs.
Exactly. Let's go elsewhere.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Rude" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Rude" in French
How does impoli change with gender?
Impoli (m), impolie (f); plurals impolis / impolies.
Is rude used in French?
Not as the everyday adjective; use impoli.
What is a softer way to say it?
Pas très poli or un peu direct.
How do you pronounce impoli?
Eem-poh-LEE.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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