French Conversation · Level 55
73 words
French word
malin
Pronunciation
IPA/malɛ̃/
Meaning
- adjectiveclever
Example
Ne sois pas malin quand tu discutes.
Don't get clever when you're arguing.
More examples
Son sourire malin trahit son intention.
His sly smile betrays his intention.
Core concept
A nimble-minded schemer who finds a clever way around an obstacle for personal gain.
Common phrases
un sourire malin
a sly smile
un regard malin
a sly look
un commentaire malin
a sly comment
Similar words
rusé: Cunning and resourceful, using tricks or schemes to achieve a desired goal.
roublard: Shrewd and streetwise, quick to exploit opportunities and outwit others.
sournois: Deceptive and underhanded, secretly tricking or harming people.
calculateur: Coolly calculating, placing personal gain above emotional considerations.
Definition in French
Qui emploie l'astuce pour obtenir un avantage, parfois en trompant ou en contournant les règles.
Word origin
The adjective malin derives from Latin malignus through Old French, retaining an association with bad intentions while developing the sense of sly cleverness.
Usage tips
- Ne sois pas malin is a rebuke meaning not to act sly or try to be clever in a troublesome way, rather than a neutral comment on intelligence.