de grands yeux
The phrase "big eyes" in French is translated as de grands yeux.
The phrase is used to describe eyes that are large in size.
Which one should you use?
Des yeux de biche is used informally to describe "doe eyes," which refers to eyes that are large and look innocent. For a highly formal context, one might use Yeux d'une taille considérable to describe the considerable size of the eyes.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the indefinite plural article des changes to de because the adjective grands precedes the noun yeux.
Did you know?
- While de grands yeux refers to physical size, the phrase avoir les yeux plus gros que le ventre is used to describe someone who takes more food than they can actually eat.
- To describe someone who is wide-eyed with surprise, French speakers use the phrase avoir les yeux ronds, which literally means 'to have round eyes'.
- The word yeux evolved from the Latin oculus, which is the same root used for the English scientific term 'ocular'.
Examples in context
- Cette poupée a de grands yeux.This doll has big eyes.This sentence shows how to describe the eyes of a doll using de grands yeux.Tatoeba #341336 by TRANG, translation #61270 by CK
- Les hiboux sont pourvus de grands yeux.Owls have big eyes.This sentence is useful for describing the physical characteristics of owls using de grands yeux.Tatoeba #2039062 by sacredceltic, translation #2038375 by Spamster
- J'ai de grands yeux.I have big eyes.This sentence demonstrates how to use de grands yeux when talking about oneself.Tatoeba #12717730 by Adelpa, translation #5850514 by CK
- Ce bébé a des yeux énormes, on dirait des soucoupes volantes !This baby has enormous eyes, they look like flying saucers!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- GabrielRegarde ce portrait, il a de grands yeux.Look at this portrait, he has big eyes.
- ManonOui, ils sont vraiment impressionnants.Yes, they are truly impressive.
- GabrielL'artiste a utilisé de grands yeux pour l'expression.The artist used big eyes for the expression.
- ManonC'est vrai, c'est magnifique.It's true, it's beautiful.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, yeux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
