belle vie
The English phrase "beautiful life" is translated into French as belle vie.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of belle (beautiful) and vie (life).
Which one should you use?
While belle vie means "beautiful life", you can use other variations to change the nuance: La vie magnifique means "The magnificent life" and La vie merveilleuse means "The wonderful life".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because vie is a feminine noun, the adjective must take the feminine form belle. The form beau vie is grammatically incorrect because the adjective does not match the feminine gender of the noun.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use beau vie to say "beautiful life", as the adjective must be in its feminine form to match the noun.
Did you know?
- The adjective belle can be used in the phrase belle-mère to mean 'mother-in-law', which has nothing to do with the woman's physical appearance.
- In many French-speaking regions, the phrase la belle vie is often used ironically to describe someone who is being particularly lazy or enjoying a period of leisure.
- The word vie shares a surprising historical connection with the English word 'way', as both stem from the same ancient roots describing a path or a course of existence.
Examples in context
- C'est une belle vie.It's a beautiful life.This sentence demonstrates the use of belle vie.Tatoeba #3597789 by maydoo, translation #2783523 by al_ex_an_der
- Après toutes ces années de travail acharné, je me sens enfin épanoui(e) et je profite de la belle vie.After all these years of hard work, I finally feel fulfilled and I'm enjoying the beautiful life.
- Depuis que j'ai rencontré mon âme sœur, je vois la vie en rose.Since I met my soulmate, I see life through rose-tinted glasses.
- J'adore ma nouvelle maison au bord du fleuve. Ici, la vie est belle!I love my new house by the river. Life is beautiful here!
- Quelle belle vie !What a beautiful life!
- On a vraiment une belle vie ici.We really have a beautiful life here.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are discussing their retirement plans.
- LucasJe rêve d'une belle vie à la campagne.I dream of a beautiful life in the countryside.
- EmmaMoi aussi, ce serait vraiment calme.Me too, it would be really peaceful.
- LucasOn pourrait avoir un grand jardin, Emma.We could have a large garden, Emma.
- EmmaOui, Lucas, ce serait une belle vie.Yes, Lucas, that would be a beautiful life.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
