bel homme
The phrase 'beautiful man' in French is bel homme.
The phrase is used to describe a man who is physically attractive.
Which one should you use?
The phrase bel homme is the standard way to express this idea. While beau homme is grammatically incorrect in standard French, bel homme is the required form to avoid a hiatus between two vowel sounds.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective uses the form bel instead of beau because it precedes a masculine noun starting with a silent 'h'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using beau homme, as this is grammatically incorrect. Use bel homme instead.
Did you know?
- The word homme shares an unexpected evolutionary path with the word 'earthling', as both trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root '*ǵʰmṓ', which refers to a being belonging to the earth.
- In French culture, describing a man as bel homme often refers to a classical, poised type of handsomeness rather than just 'cute' looks.
Examples in context
- Vous êtes un très bel hommeYou are a very handsome man
- Vous êtes un charmant monsieurYou are a charming gentleman
- Regarde ce mec canonLook at this hot guy
- C'est un bel homme.He is a beautiful man.
- Je cherche un bel homme pour mon roman.I am looking for a beautiful man for my novel.
- Il est devenu un bel homme.He has become a beautiful man.
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are looking at a photo of a famous actor.
- GabrielRegarde cet acteur, il est génial.Look at this actor, he is great.
- ManonOui, c'est vraiment un bel homme.Yes, he is truly a beautiful man.
- GabrielJe suis d'accord avec toi.I agree with you.
- ManonIl a un sourire magnifique.He has a magnificent smile.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bel, homme, CC BY-SA 4.0.
