charme
/ʃaʁm/
The English word "charm" can be translated into French as charme.
charme is a noun referring to the quality of inspiring delight or admiration.
Meaning: quality of inspiring delight or admiration (noun)
Which one should you use?
While charme is the noun for charm, charmer is the verb used to mean to charm or fascinate. If you are specifically referring to the act of casting a magical spell or bewitching someone, use the verb ensorceler instead of charmer.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃaʁm/
Did you know?
- In a completely different context, the French word charme can also refer to a type of wood from the 'hornbeam' tree. This comes from a separate Latin root meaning 'hard', relating to the strength of the wood.
- While charme describes an alluring quality, the French use the word charisme specifically for the commanding presence of a leader, treating 'charm' and 'charisma' as distinct social tools.
- Because charme can be used as a noun for a magical amulet, a French speaker might use the same word for a 'lucky charm' and a 'charming smile'.
Examples in context
- Elle a du charme.She has charm.This sentence shows how to express that someone has charm using charme.Tatoeba #12480454 by always, translation #8086062 by Amastan
- Il a un certain charme.It has a certain charm.This sentence demonstrates how to say something has a certain charm using charme.Tatoeba #130707 by Julien_PDC, translation #10674341 by sundown
- Il avait un certain charme.He had a certain charm.This sentence shows the past tense use of the phrase with charme.Tatoeba #12034446 by lbdx, translation #288909 by CM
- Il a le charme d'un princeHe has the charm of a prince
- Elle dégage une élégance charmanteShe exudes a charming elegance
- Son sourire dégage une certaine séductionHer smile exudes a certain charm
- Ce garçon a un charme fou!This boy is incredibly charming!
- Elle est vraiment ravissanteShe is truly charming
- Tu es vraiment charmante ce soirYou are really charming tonight
- Son charme discretHer subtle charm
- Le charme fou des fleursThe crazy charm of flowers
- Ils dégagent un charme irrésistibleThey exude an irresistible charm
- Elle a un sourire charmantShe has a charming smile
- Un charme naturelA natural charm
- Un charme irrésistibleAn irresistible charm
- Un charme envoûtantAn enchanting charm
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are discussing an old house they visited.
- ChloéTu as aimé cette maison ancienne ?Did you like this old house?
- GabrielOui, elle a un charme incroyable.Yes, it has an incredible charm.
- ChloéJe suis d'accord, son charme est unique.I agree, its charm is unique.
- GabrielC'est vrai, c'est un endroit magnifique.It's true, it's a magnificent place.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “charm” translations and entries charme, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries charme, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
