Portuguese · Emotions & Descriptions
"Kind" in Portuguese: gentil
gentil
Note: also: bondoso/a
Kind in Portuguese is gentil for both genders in the singular. Plural is gentis. Bondoso/bondosa is a warmer synonym for kind-hearted.
Thanking help
Você foi muito gentil em me explicar tudo.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce gentil
Say it
zhen-CHEEL
/ʒẽ.ˈtʃiw/
zhen-CHEEL. Soft g like in gente.
"Kind" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| gentil | kind, polite Default adjective. | Default adjective. |
| gentis | kind (plural) Plural form. | Plural form. |
| ser gentil | to be kind Trait. | Trait. |
| bondoso / bondosa | kind-hearted Warmer synonym. | Warmer synonym. |
| muito gentil | very kind Thanks / praise. | Thanks / praise. |
How to use gentil in real life
- 1Thanking help
Você foi muito gentil em me explicar tudo.
You were very kind to explain everything to me.
Muito gentil.
- 2Describing someone
O recepcionista é gentil com todos os hóspedes.
The receptionist is kind to all the guests.
Ser gentil com.
- 3Advice
Seja gentil na mensagem—ela está cansada.
Be kind in the message—she's tired.
Seja gentil.
Mistakes English speakers make with gentil
Incorrect: Ela é gentila.
Correct: Ela é gentil.
Gentil does not take -a in the singular.
Incorrect: Ele é kind.
Correct: Ele é gentil.
Use gentil, not English kind.
Good to know
Muito gentil is a polished thank-you you will hear in shops and emails. Gentil covers polite and kind; bondoso feels more about a warm heart. Plural gentis is easy to miss for learners.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
After a stranger helps with a suitcase
ChatPal
Foi gentil da sua parte ajudar.
It was kind of you to help.
You
Imagina. As pessoas aqui são gentis.
Don't mention it. People here are kind.
ChatPal
É verdade. Um gesto gentil muda o dia.
True. A kind gesture changes the day.
You
Concordo. Quero ser mais gentil também.
I agree. I want to be kinder too.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Kind" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Kind" in Portuguese
Does gentil change for gender?
Not in the singular—gentil for both. Plural gentis.
Gentil vs bondoso?
Gentil is kind/polite; bondoso leans kind-hearted.
How do I say very kind?
Muito gentil.
How do I say be kind?
Seja gentil.
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
