Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| pulcher | [ˈpʊɫ.kʰɛr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈpul.ker] (narrow) |
| fōrmōsus | |
| bellus | [ˈbɛl.lʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈbɛl.lus] (narrow) |
The term used for beautiful depends on the specific type of attractiveness being described. You can use it to describe something that is physically attractive, well-proportioned or charming.
Which one should you use?
The different forms of the word convey different nuances: pulcher is the standard term and often carries a sense of nobility or excellence alongside physical beauty. fōrmōsus is more descriptive, emphasizing beauty that comes from being well-formed or having good proportions. bellus is a lighter, more colloquial way to say something is pretty or lovely.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the word must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For the word pulcher, you will use pulchra for feminine singular nouns, pulchrum for neuter singular nouns and pulchri for masculine plural nouns.
Did you know?
- The word pulcher was historically linked to the root for 'variegated' or 'motley', suggesting that beauty was once associated with having many colors.
Examples in context
- Hic flos pulcher est.This flower is beautiful.This sentence uses pulcher to describe a flower.Tatoeba #8492072 by alexmarcelo, translation #3826320 by CK
- Mons Fuji pulcher est.Mount Fuji is beautiful.This sentence uses pulcher to describe a mountain.Tatoeba #1177886 by Hans07, translation #3511308 by Hybrid
- Hic locus pulcher est.This place is beautiful.This sentence uses pulcher to describe a place.Tatoeba #8492043 by alexmarcelo, translation #2045764 by CK
- Lucia est puella pulchra.Lucia is a beautiful girl.
- Villa tua pulchra est.Your villa is beautiful.
- Rosae formosae sunt.The roses are beautiful.
- Femina formosa venit.A beautiful woman is coming.
- Pulchritudo vera in interiori hominis habitat.True beauty resides in the inner self of a person.
- Catellus pulchellus est.The puppy is beautiful.
- 83 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucia and Lucius are looking at a garden.
- LuciaHortus iste pulcher est, nonne?That garden is beautiful, isn't it?
- LuciusIta, pulcher et amplus est.Yes, it is beautiful and large.
- LuciaVidi etiam avem pulchram.I also saw a beautiful bird.
- LuciusNatura semper pulchra est.Nature is always beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beautiful” translations and entries pulcher, bellus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bellus, pulcher, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
