compliments
The English phrase 'compliments' is translated into French as compliments.
The word refers to polite expressions of praise or admiration. When you want to say you are giving someone compliments, French speakers typically use the verb faire (to make/do) rather than the English-style donner (to give). The common phrase is faire des compliments.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word compliments is the plural form of the noun. The singular form is compliment.
What mistakes should you avoid?
While the verb complimenter exists in French, it often sounds less natural than the phrase faire des compliments in many contexts.
Did you know?
- The phrase compliments du chef is used in French restaurants to indicate that a dish is provided for free as a gift from the kitchen.
- In certain sophisticated or old-fashioned social circles, a compliment can be used as a subtle euphemism for a romantic or flirtatious gesture.
- The word compliment is a close relative of the English word 'complement' (meaning to complete), but in French, the two meanings are split between compliment for praise and complément for something that completes a whole.
Examples in context
- Tu mérites ces compliments.You deserve those compliments.This sentence shows how to use the form compliments to express that someone is deserving of praise.Tatoeba #6375810 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #6375793 by OsoHombre
- On lui fait souvent des compliments.She gets compliments often.This sentence demonstrates the use of the form compliments when describing how often someone receives praise.Tatoeba #5662619 by Yemana, translation #5648487 by Schierbeck
- Je transmettrai vos compliments au chef.I'll pass along your compliments to the chef.This sentence illustrates how to use the form compliments when passing praise along to someone else, such as a chef.Tatoeba #9095498 by Micsmithel, translation #7306619 by Hybrid
- Vous avez une très belle voix.You have a beautiful voice.
- Votre travail est vraiment impressionnant.Your work is truly impressive.
- Je vous admire pour votre détermination.I admire you for your determination.
- Tu as l'air superbe aujourd'hui.You look amazing today.
- Ton travail est génial !Your work is awesome!
- Je trouve que tu as un grand sens de l'humour.I think you have a great sense of humor.
- T'es trop sympa !You're really nice!
- Votre discours était très inspirant.Your speech was very inspiring.
- T'as un style vestimentaire vraiment cool !You have a really cool fashion sense!
- T'as un accent québécois charmant !You have a charming Quebec accent!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are talking about a presentation.
- EmmaHugo, tu as reçu beaucoup de compliments aujourd'hui.Hugo, you received a lot of compliments today.
- HugoC'est gentil, mais je suis très stressé.That's kind, but I am very stressed.
- EmmaNe t'en fais pas, les compliments sont sincères.Don't worry, the compliments are sincere.
- HugoMerci, Emma, ça me touche beaucoup.Thank you, Emma, that touches me a lot.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
