le seul
alone · only
Quand une personne n'est pas avec d'autres personnes ou n'a personne autour d'elle.
The French word "seul" means "alone" or "only." It is an adjective that can describe a person, object, or situation emphasizing solitude or exclusivity.
Meanings:
-
Alone, by oneself: Refers to someone not accompanied by others.
- Il est seul à la maison. — He is alone at home.
-
Only, sole, single: Emphasizes something unique or exclusive.
- C'est la seule option. — That's the only option.
Agreement:
- Masculine singular: seul
- Feminine singular: seule
- Masculine plural: seuls
- Feminine plural: seules
Synonyms and differences:
-
Uni: Usually means "unique" or "one and only," often more formal; focuses less on solitude and more on uniqueness.
-
Seul(e) vs Isolé(e):
- Seul often describes being without company, sometimes by choice or circumstance.
- Isolé implies isolation, often geographical distance or separation from others.
-
Exclusif/Exclusive: Emphasizes exclusivity but is more commonly used for things like rights or clubs rather than people alone.
Summary:
"Seul" is versatile for indicating either someone's solitude or the singular nature of something, with appropriate forms depending on gender and number.
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Examples
Un enfant ne devrait pas rester seul trop longtemps.adjective
A child should not stay alone for too long.
Marie aime marcher seule dans le parc.adjective
Marie likes to walk alone in the park.
J'ai une seule pomme.adjective
I have only one apple.
Le chat est seul dans la maison.adjective
The cat is alone in the house.
Il a voyagé seul en train hier soir.adjective
He traveled alone by train last night.
Sommes-nous seuls ici ce soir ?adjective
Are we alone here tonight?
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