seul
single
The French word for 'single' is 'seul'. It can be used in the same contexts as in English - for example, to describe an individual person or item, or to express loneliness or singularity. Note that 'seul' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies, so it can also appear as 'seule', 'seuls', or 'seules' depending on the context.
Example sentences using: seul
Je suis seul au cinéma.
I am alone at the cinema.
In this example, 'seul' is being used to express the fact that the speaker is the only person at the cinema. It is an adjective that carries the meaning of 'alone' or 'lonely'
Il veut être seul pour réfléchir.
He wants to be alone to think.
The speaker uses 'seul' to denote that someone (he) wants to be alone for reflection. It shows a need for individual space and solitude.
Ne laissez pas votre enfant seul à la maison.
Do not leave your child alone at home.
The usage of 'seul' in this context implies a cautionary message expressing the need to never leave children unattended at home.
Elle se sent seul sans ses amis.
She feels alone without her friends.
In this context, 'seul' conveys a feeling of loneliness that the subject (she) feels in the absence of her friends. It emphasizes a state of solitude.
Je me suis senti seul dans le bureau.
I felt alone in the office.
In this example, using 'seul' conveys the speaker's experience of feeling alone in the office, emphasizing a lack of companionship.
J'aimerais aller seul.
I would like to go alone.
The use of 'seul' expresses the speaker's desire to go somewhere without accompaniment, reflecting a need for solitude or individuality.
Il est seul dans cette grande ville.
He is alone in this big city.
'Seul' in this context conveys a feeling of isolation or loneliness that a person (he) might experience in a large city.
Je préfère être seul que mal accompagné.
I prefer to be alone than in bad company.
'Seul' is used here to express a preference for solitude over negative companionship. This is an example of a frequently used expression in both English and French.
Le seul effort qui compte est celui du coeur.
The only effort that counts is that of the heart.
In this sentence, 'seul' is used in the sense of 'only'. It highlights that among all efforts, the one from the heart is the most valuable.
Je suis seul, mais je me sens bien.
I am alone, but I feel good.
Here, 'seul' implies solitude but in a positive sense. The speaker is alone but comfortable and happy with that state of being.