Which one should you use?
While belle vue is the standard way to say "beautiful view", you can use vue magnifique to mean "magnificent view" when you want to add extra emphasis. For a truly grand view, you can also use the expression panorama grandiose, which translates to "grand view".
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the adjective belle (beautiful) precedes the noun vue (view) because it is a short, frequently used adjective. Because vue is a feminine noun, you must use the feminine form belle. To specify what the view is of or over, use the preposition sur instead of the English word "of", such as in the phrase une belle vue sur…
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using bel vue, as this is incorrect.
When do people say it?
If you are looking at a breathtaking view, you can also simply say c'est magnifique to mean "it's magnificent".
Did you know?
- While belle vue is common, the phrase vue imprenable is used for a view that is so beautiful it is 'un-takable', meaning it cannot be blocked or stolen.
- Using sur to describe a view, as in vue sur la mer, treats the view as if it is physically resting on top of the object being seen.
- French speakers often use the expression avoir un point de vue to describe a mental opinion, which literally translates to 'having a point of view' or a visual vantage point.
Examples in context
- Cette pièce a une belle vue.This room has a beautiful view.This sentence is useful for noting that a room has a belle vue.Tatoeba #8596121 by felix63, translation #8957713 by sundown
- Du balcon, nous avons une belle vue sur le parc.From the balcony, we have a beautiful view of the park.This sentence shows how to use belle vue to describe a view of the park from a balcony.Tatoeba #10211394 by carlosalberto, translation #10211390 by carlosalberto
- On peut avoir une belle vue sur la mer depuis la colline.We can get a beautiful view of the sea from the hill.This sentence illustrates using belle vue to describe a view of the sea from a hill.Tatoeba #427445 by kitanokuma, translation #19884 by CK
- La cathédrale offre une belle vue sur la ville.The cathedral offers a beautiful view of the city.
- Il y a une vue magnifique depuis cette colline.There is a magnificent view from this hill.
- Le sommet de la montagne offre un panorama grandiose sur la vallée.The mountain summit offers a grand view of the valley.
- On a découvert un beau paysage lors de notre randonnée.We discovered a beautiful view during our hike.
- J'ai visité les falaises d'Étretat et la vue était à couper le souffle !I visited the cliffs of Étretat, and the view was breathtaking!
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are arriving at a mountain lookout.
- ManonRegarde Gabriel, quelle belle vue !Look Gabriel, what a beautiful view!
- GabrielC'est incroyable, tout est magnifique.It's incredible, everything is magnificent.
- ManonOn a vraiment une belle vue d'ici.We really have a beautiful view from here.
- GabrielJe suis content d'être venu avec toi.I am glad I came with you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
