What does it mean word for word?
The phrase comme c'est mignon literally translates to "how it is cute".
Which one should you use?
Depending on the situation, you may use different forms: Oh, c'est trop mignon ! is a common informal way to say "it's so cute!" by using trop (too/very) instead of comme. For expressing delight in a more spontaneous way, you can use the informal Oh la la, c'est trop mignon!, which translates to "Oh dear, it's too cute!" If you are reacting to a specific living being rather than a general situation, use Oh, qu'est-ce qu'il/elle est mignon(ne)!, meaning "Oh, he/she is cute!"
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective mignon must agree with the subject it describes. Use the feminine form mignonne if you are referring specifically to a female subject. For a group of things that are masculine or a mixed-gender group, use the masculine plural form mignons.
Did you know?
- In the court of King Henry IV, the mignons were a specific group of young male favorites known for their flamboyant dress and close relationship with the king.
- The term mignon is a cognate of the Old High German word minna, which referred to a mixture of love, desire and memory.
- French has no single word that perfectly captures the English 'cute', often alternating between mignon for physical cuteness and craquant for something so cute it is 'irresistible'.
Examples in context
- Cette photo est tellement choupinette!This photo is so adorable!
- Regarde ce chaton, oh, comme c'est mignon !Look at this kitten, aww, how cute!
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are watching a video of a puppy on a phone.
- EmmaOh, comme c'est mignon !Aww, how cute!
- HugoOui, il est vraiment adorable.Yes, he is really adorable.
- EmmaTu veux un chien, Hugo ?Do you want a dog, Hugo?
- HugoPeut-être un jour.Maybe one day.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, comme, mignon, oh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
