yeux bleus
The English phrase "blue eyes" is translated into French as yeux bleus.
yeux bleus is used to describe eyes that have a blue color. For more specific descriptions, you can use Des yeux d'un bleu profond to describe eyes with a deep and intense shade of blue or the elevated term Des yeux azur to describe dazzling blue eyes in formal contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the plural noun yeux (eyes) followed by the adjective bleus (blue).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective bleus must agree in gender and number with the masculine plural noun yeux. If you are referring to just one eye, the singular form is un œil bleu.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When describing eye color in French, do not forget to include the definite article les. While English speakers might say "have blue eyes," in French you must use the construction avoir les yeux bleus.
Did you know?
- The singular œil undergoes a phonetic shift to yeux in the plural, changing the starting sound from a vowel to a consonant 'y' sound.
- In French, using the phrase avoir les yeux bleus involves a conceptual difference from English. Instead of simply having a trait, the use of les treats the eyes as specific, distinct organs belonging to the body.
- The word yeux is a distant relative of the English word 'ocular', both descending from the Latin 'oculus'.
Examples in context
- J'ai les yeux bleus.I have blue eyes.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase yeux bleus when describing yourself.Tatoeba #11556435 by Aiji, translation #2359360 by CK
- Tom a les yeux bleus.Tom has blue eyes.This sentence shows how to use yeux bleus with a third-person subject.Tatoeba #5317164 by Aiji, translation #1025403 by CK
- Maria a les yeux bleus.Maria has blue eyes.This sentence demonstrates the use of yeux bleus with a third-person subject.Tatoeba #841083 by Micsmithel, translation #840731 by riccioberto
- Elle a les yeux bleus d'un bleu profond qui semblent briller dans la lumièreShe has deep blue eyes that seem to shine in the light
- Il a les yeux bleus comme le ciel et ça lui donne un air charmantHe has eyes as blue as the sky, and it gives him a charming look
- Elle avait de magnifiques yeux azur, tels deux joyaux étincelants sous la lueur du soleilShe had stunning azure eyes, like two sparkling jewels under the sunlight
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are discussing a photo of a baby.
- GabrielRegarde ce bébé, il a les yeux bleus !Look at this baby, he has blue eyes!
- ChloéOui, ils sont vraiment magnifiques.Yes, they are truly magnificent.
- GabrielEst-ce que tu as les yeux bleus aussi ?Do you have blue eyes too?
- ChloéNon, moi j'ai les yeux marron.No, I have brown eyes.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries yeux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
