Download Article
Download Article
French is the language of romance; its sounds and accents just roll together off of the tongue to create a feeling of love. Even sad songs can sound like love songs to a non-French speaker. What better phrase to learn how to say in French than something as beautiful as the language itself?
Steps
-
Tell a woman she is beautiful with "Tu es belle." This literally translates to "You are beautiful." The first part, "tu es" means "you are," and the word "belle" translates as "beautiful." [1] X Research source- "Tu es belle" is pronounced as "Two eh bell."
-
Use the formal "vous êtes belle" when talking to superiors, the elderly, or distinguished people. "Vous" is the formal version of "tu," and is used in "proper" conversation. Though there is no hard and fast rule for when to use "vous," a good rule of thumb is to use it for anyone you would refer to as "Ms." or "Mrs." in English. [2] X Research source- Pronounce this as "vooz eht bell."
- Note how there is no "s" at the end of belle when speaking to one person.
Advertisement -
Tell multiple women they are beautiful by saying "Vous êtes belles." This is the plural form of the equation, but the translation is the same. [3] X Research source Note how you cannot just add an "s" to belles, you need to use the plural form of "you are" as well -- "Vous êtes."- Pronounce this as "vooz eht bell."
-
Learn synonyms for the word "beautiful" in French. If you want to spice up your romantic vocabulary, there are a lot of words that you can substitute for "belle." [4] X Research source Try out these, adding them in the phrases "Tu es _____" or "Vous êtes ____:"- Jolie: Pretty
- Mignonne: Cute
- Superbe, Splendide: Gorgeous
- Séduisante: Alluring or attractive
- Une jolie femme: A beautiful woman.
- Tu es la plus belle fille que j'ai jamais vue: You are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.
Advertisement
-
Tell a man he is beautiful with "Tu es beau." The male form of the word beautiful is "beau." Beau has the same meaning as the female word "belle," but it is male version of the word.- Pronounce this "two eh boh"
- "Beau" is often translated as "Handsome" when speaking about a male.
-
Use the formal "vous êtes beau" when talking to superiors, the elderly, or distinguished people. "Vous" is the formal version of "tu," and is used in proper conversation. Though there is no hard and fast rule for when to use "vous," a good rule of thumb is to use it for anyone you would refer to as "Mr." in English [5] X Research source- Pronounce this as "vooz eht boh."
-
Tell multiple men they are beautiful or handsome by saying "Vous êtes beaux." This is the plural form of the equation, but the translation is the same. To make the word ending in "au" plural, you need to add an "x", making "beaux." You need to use the plural form of "you are" as well -- "Vous êtes _____"- Pronounce this as "vooz eht boh." The "x" is silent.
-
Learn synonyms for "beautiful/handsome" in French. If you want to spice up your romantic vocabulary, there are a lot of words that you can substitute for "beau." [6] X Research source Try out these, adding them in the phrases "Tu es _____" or "Vous êtes ____:"- Joli: Pretty
- Mignon: Cute
- Superb, Splendid: Gorgeous
- Séduisant: Alluring or attractive
- Un bel homme: a handsome man.
- Tu es le plus beau garçon que j'ai jamais vu: You are the most beautiful boy I've ever seen.
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search
-
QuestionHow do I say, "I love you" or "I'm in love with you" in French?Niels ZwaanCommunity AnswerI love you = Je t'aime. I'm in love with you = Je suis amoureux/amoureuse de toi.
-
QuestionHow do I say something such as a picture is beautiful?Community Answer"Beau/belle" depending on whether what's being described is masculine or feminine. "Cette photo est belle."
-
QuestionHow do I say "beautiful and wonderful Montreal" in French Canadian?Community AnswerThe exact translation is "Beau et merveilleux Montréa,l" but "La belle et merveilleuse ville de Montréal!" would be a bit more satisfying.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement
Tips
- Adding the word "très" (pronounced: trε) after "tu es" or "vous êtes" changes the meaning to "you are very beautiful".Thanks
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement
References
- ↑ https://reference.yourdictionary.com/other-languages/60-uniquely-beautiful-french-words-with-meanings.html
- ↑ http://www.french-linguistics.co.uk/grammar/tu_and_vous.shtml
- ↑ https://www.linguajunkie.com/french/french-compliments
- ↑ https://www.frenchlearner.com/articles/beautiful-in-french/
- ↑ http://www.french-linguistics.co.uk/grammar/tu_and_vous.shtml
- ↑ https://www.frenchlearner.com/articles/beautiful-in-french/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
There is no one way to say, “You are beautiful,” in French. When speaking to a woman, say, “Tu es belle,” which is pronounced like, “Two eh bell.” When addressing a female superior, say, “Vous êtes belle,” which is pronounced like, “Vooz eht boh.” When speaking to a man, replace “belle” with “beau,” which sounds like, “boh.” To tell multiple people they are beautiful, just add an “s” to the end of belle and an “x” to beau. To learn more about how to say, “You are beautiful,” in French, like synonyms for beautiful, keep reading!
Did this summary help you?
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 478,555 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "Thoroughly helpful! I didn't realize how many differentiations there were. Now I know! Now for practice."
Advertisement
"Thoroughly helpful! I didn't realize how many differentiations there were. Now I know! Now for practice."
"Very good, I got much information."
"Very helpful and user-friendly."
"It helped me to get a lady."
