individu
Chaque individu a des droits fondamentaux.
Every individual has fundamental rights.
A single person or entity considered separately from others
L'individu doit être traité avec respect.
The individual must be treated with respect.
In French, 'individu' can sometimes carry a slightly impersonal or abstract connotation compared to 'personne'.
A person, often with a neutral or slightly formal tone
L'individu en question a été identifié par la police.
The individual in question has been identified by the police.
In legal or official contexts, 'individu' is commonly used.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal
Use 'individu' in formal or technical contexts, such as law or philosophy. For casual conversation, 'personne' is more natural.
Word Origin
From Latin 'individuum', meaning 'undivided' or 'indivisible'.
Usage Notes
While 'individu' can be used interchangeably with 'personne' in many contexts, it is often more abstract or formal. In everyday speech, 'personne' is more common.