German word

gefällig

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈfɛlɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivenice

Example

Der gefällige Verkäufer half mir.

The nice salesperson helped me.

Illustration for gefällig (nice)

More examples

Das gefällige Design der Webseite spricht viele Nutzer an.

The nice design of the website appeals to many users.

Core concept

A person or thing that fits someone's taste and creates a pleasant impression.

Common phrases

  • gefälliges Design

    nice design

  • gefällige Geste

    friendly gesture

Similar words

angenehm: Creating a pleasant, comfortable feeling or atmosphere.
sympathisch: Giving a favorable impression and easy to like as a person.
nett: Pleasant and approachable in manner or conduct.
freundlich: Showing kindness and politeness toward others.

Definition in German

so, dass es jemandem gefällt; angenehm empfunden

Word origin

Gefällig developed from the verb gefallen with the adjective-forming suffix -ig, giving the original sense of pleasing or agreeable.

Usage tips

  • Gefällig often describes an appearance, style, or manner that pleases, while freundlich more specifically describes a friendly attitude toward others.

Other meanings

  • kindadjective
  • favorableadjective

Opposites

  • abweisenddismissiveadjective

Related words

  • Gefälligkeitact of kindnessnoun

Word lists with this word