French Phrase
La gentillesse compte beaucoup pour moi.
Meaning
This phrase is used to express that kindness is a core personal value. It utilizes the verb 'compter' to indicate that a specific quality or action holds significant weight or importance in the speaker's eyes.
When to use
Use this sentence when discussing your personality, your expectations in a relationship, or why you admire someone's character. It is appropriate for both deep personal conversations and professional interviews regarding workplace culture.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lagentillessecomptebeaucouppourmoi
Compter
In this context, 'compter' means 'to matter' or 'to be important'. It is a regular -er verb conjugated in the third person singular here.
Nouns in -esse
Abstract nouns formed from adjectives often end in '-esse' (like 'gentil' becoming 'gentillesse') and are always feminine.
🗨In Conversation
Pourquoi apprécies-tu autant ton nouveau collègue ?
Why do you like your new colleague so much?
Parce que la gentillesse compte beaucoup pour moi.
Because kindness means a lot to me.
✕Common Mistakes
La gentillesse compte beaucoup à moi.
The verb 'compter' (meaning to matter) requires the preposition 'pour' when indicating the person it matters to.
Le gentillesse compte beaucoup pour moi.
Nouns ending in '-esse' are feminine in French, so you must use the article 'la'.
↔Alternatives
J'accorde beaucoup d'importance à la gentillesse.
I place a lot of importance on kindness.
La gentillesse est essentielle pour moi.
Kindness is essential for me.
Cultural Tip
In France, while formal politeness ('la politesse') is a social requirement, 'la gentillesse' is seen as a deeper, more genuine human quality. Discussing values like this helps build 'le feeling'—the intuitive connection between people.