gefällig
Translation
obliging, helpful, pleasing, agreeable
Examples
Er war sehr gefällig und half mir sofort.
He was very obliging and helped me immediately.
Ein gefälliges Äußeres kann Türen öffnen.
A pleasing appearance can open doors.
Wenn es Ihnen gefällig ist, können wir beginnen.
If it is agreeable to you, we can begin.
Grammar Patterns
((Adjective)) obliging, pleasing He has a pleasing nature.
((sb.dat)) gefällig sein to be agreeable to ((sb.)) If it's agreeable to you, we can go.
Similar Words
Synonyms: freundlich (friendly), hilfsbereit (helpful), zuvorkommend (courteous); Antonyms: unfreundlich (unfriendly), unhöflich (impolite)
Etymology
From the verb 'gefallen' (to please). The prefix 'ge-' often forms participles, and 'fallen' means 'to fall'. Something that 'falls' well with someone is pleasing.
Memory Tips
Think of doing someone a 'favor' ('Gefallen'). A person who does favors is 'gefällig' (obliging).