belle couleur
The English phrase 'beautiful colour' is translated into French as belle couleur.
The phrase is used to describe a color that is pleasing to the eye. You can use une belle couleur to specifically mean 'a beautiful color'.
Which one should you use?
Because the noun couleur is feminine, you must use the feminine form belle couleur. Using the masculine version beau couleur is incorrect.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase belle couleur, the adjective belle (beautiful) precedes the noun couleur (colour) because it is a common descriptive adjective that typically comes before the noun in French. Additionally, you can use the masculine form un beau coloris for a singular masculine noun or des beaux coloris for plural masculine nouns.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using bel couleur. While bel is a form of the adjective, it is the masculine form used before a vowel and is grammatically incorrect when paired with the feminine noun couleur.
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, a belle couleur might be described as flashy or gaudy using the term criard, which literally means 'screaming'.
- The adjective belle can also be used figuratively in French to describe a 'beautiful' mistake or a 'beautiful' lie, which sounds quite different in English.
- In French, the word couleur is often used as a euphemism for 'complexion' or 'skin tone'. Saying someone has a belle couleur can refer to their healthy glow rather than a specific pigment.
Examples in context
- Il pense que le bleu est la plus belle couleur.He thinks that blue is the most beautiful colour.This sentence is useful for expressing an opinion about which color is the most beautiful using belle couleur.Tatoeba #132775 by Aiji, translation #817980 by Cindrogriza
- un rouge magnifiqueA magnificent red
- Les couleurs de ce coucher de soleil sont époustouflantes!The colors of this sunset are stunning!
- Cette robe a une couleur vraiment magnifique!This dress has a truly magnificent color!
- C'est une belle couleur pour ta chambre.It is a beautiful colour for your bedroom.
- Cette robe a une très belle couleur.This dress has a very beautiful colour.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- EmmaRegarde cette peinture, Hugo.Look at this painting, Hugo.
- HugoOh, c'est une belle couleur.Oh, it is a beautiful colour.
- EmmaElle est vraiment magnifique, n'est-ce pas ?It is truly magnificent, isn't it?
- HugoOui, elle me plaît beaucoup.Yes, I like it a lot.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
