French word

futé

Pronunciation

IPA/fyte/

Meaning

  • adjectiveclever

Example

Il est futé.

He is clever.

Illustration for futé (clever)

More examples

Il a trouvé un moyen futé pour éviter les frais.

He found a shrewd way to avoid the fees.

Core concept

Someone finding a neat practical way around a problem while keeping a sly advantage.

Common phrases

  • être futé

    be shrewd

  • un coup futé

    a shrewd move

  • un type futé

    a shrewd guy

Similar words

malin: Shrewd and sly, using quick thinking or cunning to get ahead.
astucieux: Ingenious at solving problems through creative ideas and practical tricks.
débrouillard: Resourceful and self-reliant when managing with limited means.
intelligent: Intellectually capable of logical thought, learning, understanding, and sound judgment.

Definition in French

Qui montre de l'intelligence pratique et de la ruse pour résoudre un problème ou éviter une difficulté.

Word origin

Futé comes from the older French verb futer and was formed with the adjective ending -é, developing a sense of practical cleverness with a crafty edge.

Usage tips

  • Futé usually sounds admiring but can suggest mild craftiness, whereas intelligent is broader and more neutral.

Other meanings

  • shrewdadjective
  • craftyadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word