classe
/klas/
The English phrase "classy" is translated into French as classe.
classe is an adjective used to describe someone or something as elegant and fashionable. It can also function as a noun in the common expression avoir de la classe, which means "to have class".
Meaning: elegant and fashionable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While classe is the adjective used to mean "classy", it is also frequently used as a noun in the idiomatic expression avoir de la classe (to have class).
How do you pronounce it?
/klas/
When do people say it?
The exclamation quelle classe is a common way to express admiration for someone's style or elegance, functioning as "how classy!"
Did you know?
- The word classe is a learned borrowing from the Latin classis, which originally referred to a division of the Roman people based on wealth or a fleet of ships.
- The expression avoir de la classe is often used in sports to describe a player who possesses a natural, effortless grace in their movements, regardless of their clothing.
- The French language has a distinct concept called le bon ton, which refers to the unwritten social rules of what is considered 'classy' or appropriate in high society.
Examples in context
- Ce laowai, quelle classe !This laowai, how classy!This sentence is useful for seeing how to use classe in an exclamation of admiration.Tatoeba #775707 by U2FS, translation #775708 by U2FS
- Sa tenue était très élégante pour la soirée.Her outfit was very classy for the evening.
- Leur art de la table est très raffiné.Their table setting is very classy.
- Ta nouvelle montre est vraiment chic!Your new watch is really classy!
- Le restaurant où nous sommes allés hier soir était vraiment classe.The restaurant we went to last night was really classy.
- Ta nouvelle voiture est vraiment stylée!Your new car is really classy!
- Elle est vraiment très classe.She is really very classy.
- Ce restaurant est très classe.This restaurant is very classy.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are at a formal party.
- NathanTu trouves que ma tenue est classe ?Do you think my outfit is classy?
- LéaOui, tu es très classe ce soir.Yes, you are very classy tonight.
- NathanMerci, j'ai voulu faire un effort.Thanks, I wanted to make an effort.
- LéaÇa se voit, le résultat est parfait.It shows, the result is perfect.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry classe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries classe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
