Indefinite adjectives add general or specific information to a noun without directly identifying it. Each adjective conveys a different nuance.
Pareil, Pareille
Means "similar" or "identical". It is used to indicate similarity.
- Une bicyclette et un vélo, c'est pareil. (A bicycle and a bike are the same.)
- Il n’y a pareil cas dans aucun autre pays. (There is no such case in any other country.)
- Pareille coïncidence est très rare. (Such a coincidence is very rare.)
- Pareils hommes sont méprisables. (Such men are despicable.)
- Pareilles personnes sont méprisables. (Such people are despicable.)
Maints, Maintes
Expresses an indefinite but considerable quantity. It is often used in literature.
- Il essaya maintes fois de retrouver son chemin. (He tried many times to find his way back.)
- Nous avons eu maints problèmes avec lui. (We had many problems with him.)
Quelconque
Indicates something without distinction or particular importance.
- Choisis un livre quelconque dans la pile. (Choose any book from the pile.)
- Utilise quelconque image de paysage de montagne, ça sera parfait pour illustrer cet article. (Use any image of a mountain landscape; it will be perfect to illustrate this article.)
Divers
Suggests variety or differences between several elements.
- Les opinions diverses enrichissent la discussion. (Diverse opinions enrich the discussion.)
- Nous avons eu diverses surprises pendant le voyage. (We had various surprises during the trip.)
- Elles ont parlé de divers problèmes qu'elles ont au travail. (They talked about various problems they have at work.)
Nul
Used to deny the existence or value of something. Equivalent to "aucun" in certain contexts.
- Nul besoin de s’inquiéter. (No need to worry.)
- Je n'ai nul besoin de ses conseils ! (I have no need for his advice!)
- Elles n'ont nulle envie de jouer ce match dimanche. (They have no desire to play this match on Sunday.)
Tel
Means "of this kind" and is used to refer to a specific example.
- Tel père, tel fils. (Like father, like son.)
- Ils agissent tels des enfants. Ils sont immatures. (They act like children. They are immature.)
- Tel un fou, il s'est mis à crier dans la rue. (Like a madman, he started shouting in the street.)