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gens

people

noun ZHAHN Common

Usage Note

Gens is always plural and carries a quirky grammar: an adjective placed before it goes feminine while one after it stays masculine — ces bonnes gens sont contents puts feminine bonnes in front yet masculine contents behind. For a precise count you switch to personnes, as in trois personnes, since gens can't be numbered.

Examples

"Les gens sont gentils ici."

Natural Translation

People are nice here.

Literal Translation

The people are nice here

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