beau garçon
In French, the phrase "beautiful boy" is translated as beau garçon.
The phrase is used to describe a male child or young man who is physically attractive.
Which one should you use?
While beau garçon is a literal description, the slang term beau gosse is commonly used to mean "hot guy" or "handsome guy".
How does it change in a sentence?
In this common phrase, the adjective beau precedes the noun garçon.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using belle garçon. English speakers often mistakenly use the feminine adjective belle with the masculine noun garçon.
Did you know?
- The noun garçon is a distant relative of the English word 'wretch'. Both words trace back to a Germanic root referring to someone driven out or exiled.
- In a French café, calling out garçon to get a waiter's attention is now considered outdated or even rude by some. It is generally better to use s'il vous plaît to get service.
- If a French speaker refers to a boy as a beau gosse, they are often complimenting his style and confidence as much as his physical features.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, vous êtes vraiment un beau garçonHello, you are truly a handsome boy
- C'est un beau garçon.He is a beautiful boy.
- Le nouveau voisin est un beau garçon.The new neighbor is a beautiful boy.
- Quel beau garçon !What a beautiful boy!
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are looking at a photo of a child.
- LucasRegarde cette photo de mon neveu.Look at this photo of my nephew.
- LéaOh, c'est un beau garçon !Oh, he is a beautiful boy!
- LucasMerci, il ressemble à son père.Thank you, he looks like his father.
- LéaIl a vraiment un joli sourire.He really has a lovely smile.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beau, garçon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
