belle langue
The English phrase "beautiful language" is translated into French as belle langue.
This phrase is used to describe a language that is pleasing to the ear or has an aesthetic quality.
Which one should you use?
Use belle langue when discussing the aesthetic quality of a language itself, rather than beau langage which refers to elegant way of speaking.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective 'belle' (beautiful) precedes the noun 'langue' (language) in this phrase.
Did you know?
- While belle langue describes the sound, the phrase langue de bois refers to a 'wooden language' used by politicians to avoid giving a straight answer.
- In French, the word langue refers to both a spoken language and the physical organ in the mouth. This duality reflects the ancient belief that speech is an extension of the tongue.
- The word langue shares its roots with the English word 'language', both tracing back to the Latin 'lingua', which means 'tongue'.
Examples in context
- Le papiamento est une belle langue.Papiamento is a beautiful language.This sentence is useful for identifying a language as a belle langue.Tatoeba #8727568 by Julien_PDC, translation #8727566 by Balamax
- Le français est une très belle langue.French is a very beautiful language.This sentence is useful for noting that French is a belle langue.Tatoeba #7769800 by Aiji, translation #6250450 by CK
- Selon Tom, le danois est la plus belle langue du monde.According to Tom, Danish is the most beautiful language in the world.This sentence is useful for expressing an opinion that a language is the most beautiful in the world using belle langue.Tatoeba #7752010 by Katastrauff, translation #5081757 by siranis
- Le français est une belle langueFrench is a beautiful language
- Le français est une langue superbeFrench is a superb language
- J'adore le français, c'est une langue magnifiqueI love French, it's a beautiful language
- La langue française est belle, non seulement pour sa sonorité mais aussi pour sa richesse lexicale.The French language is beautiful, not only for its sound but also for its lexical richness.
- Je trouve que le chinois est une langue splendide. Les caractères sont fascinants!I think Chinese is a splendid language. The characters are fascinating!
- Le langage des poètes est magnifique, il a le pouvoir d'éveiller les émotions les plus profondes.The language of poets is magnificent, it has the power to awaken the deepest emotions.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing linguistics at a café.
- ChloéL'italien est une belle langue, n'est-ce pas ?Italian is a beautiful language, isn't it?
- NathanOui, c'est vrai, mais je préfère le français.Yes, it's true, but I prefer French.
- ChloéNathan, tu trouves que le français est une belle langue ?Nathan, do you find that French is a beautiful language?
- NathanAbsolument, Chloé, c'est une langue très élégante.Absolutely, Chloé, it is a very elegant language.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries langue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
