PDF download Download Article PDF download 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?

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Talking to Women

PDF download Download Article
  1. This literally translates to "You are beautiful." The first part, "tu es" means "you are," and the word "belle" translates as "beautiful." [1]
    • "Tu es belle" is pronounced as "Two eh bell."
  2. "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]
    • Pronounce this as "vooz eht bell."
    • Note how there is no "s" at the end of belle when speaking to one person.
    Advertisement
  3. This is the plural form of the equation, but the translation is the same. [3] 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."
  4. If you want to spice up your romantic vocabulary, there are a lot of words that you can substitute for "belle." [4] 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.
  5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Talking to Men

PDF download Download Article
  1. 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.
  2. "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]
    • Pronounce this as "vooz eht boh."
  3. 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.
  4. If you want to spice up your romantic vocabulary, there are a lot of words that you can substitute for "beau." [6] 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.
  5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I say, "I love you" or "I'm in love with you" in French?
    Niels Zwaan
    Community Answer
    I love you = Je t'aime. I'm in love with you = Je suis amoureux/amoureuse de toi.
  • Question
    How 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."
  • Question
    How do I say "beautiful and wonderful Montreal" in French Canadian?
    Community Answer
    The exact translation is "Beau et merveilleux Montréa,l" but "La belle et merveilleuse ville de Montréal!" would be a bit more satisfying.
See more answers
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Adding the word "très" (pronounced: trε) after "tu es" or "vous êtes" changes the meaning to "you are very beautiful".
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      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 475,168 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Debra Kai

        Aug 1, 2016

        "Thoroughly helpful! I didn't realize how many differentiations there were. Now I know! Now for practice."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement