French word

courtois

Pronunciation

IPA/kuʁtwa/

Meaning

  • adjectivepolite

Example

Il est toujours courtois avec ses voisins.

He is always polite to his neighbors.

Illustration for courtois (polite)

More examples

Le serveur a été très courtois pendant notre dîner.

The waiter was very polite during our dinner.

Core concept

A calm, respectful manner that keeps social interaction within polite boundaries.

Common phrases

  • être courtois

    be polite

  • un geste courtois

    a polite gesture

  • très courtois

    very polite

Similar words

poli: Using polite, inoffensive language and behavior.
respectueux: Showing regard for another person's position and feelings.

Definition in French

Qui adopte des manières respectueuses et un comportement poli envers autrui.

Word origin

Courtois comes from Old French corteis, meaning "of the court," from cort, "court," ultimately related to Latin cohors, "retinue or enclosure."

Usage tips

  • Courtois usually sounds more formal than poli in casual conversation, while both describe polite behavior.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word