Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| bouclé | /bu.kle/ |
| frisé | /fʁi.ze/ |
The adjective is used to describe hair that has a curly texture. Related to this is the noun form frisé, which refers to a person or animal with curly hair. Additionally, the related verb form boucler means to curl hair, such as by using a curling iron.
Which one should you use?
The choice between these words depends on the type of curl. bouclé typically refers to hair with defined, structured curls or ringlets. In contrast, frisé refers to hair that is naturally textured, often implying a tighter or more unruly, frizzy or tightly curled pattern.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, you would use bouclée for a feminine singular noun and bouclés or frisés for masculine plural nouns. When describing les cheveux (hair), the adjective must take the masculine plural form bouclés.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /bu.kle/ and consists of two syllables.
Did you know?
- In high-fashion contexts, l'effet bouclé refers to a specific textured fabric, like the famous tweed used by Chanel.
- In French, the expression boucler la boucle means 'to come full circle' or to complete a cycle.
- The verb boucler is also used in a figurative sense to mean 'to wrap up' or 'to finalize' a deal or a project.
Examples in context
- Il a les cheveux frisés.He has curly hair.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of the adjective frisé.Tatoeba #1503886 by martin9, translation #2940765 by Hakaku
- Elle a de longs cheveux bouclés.She has long, curly hair.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of the adjective bouclé.Tatoeba #3625590 by sacredceltic, translation #2505926 by Hybrid
- Mes cheveux sont naturellement bouclés.My hair is naturally curly.Tatoeba #5316995 by Aiji, translation #3367316 by Hybrid
- Sa forme ondulée ajoute une touche d'élégance à la pièceIts curly shape adds a touch of elegance to the room
- J'adore tes cheveux frisés! Ils sont superbes!I love your curly hair! They look amazing!
- Tes cheveux sont bien bouclés aujourd'hui. Trop cool!Your hair is really curly today. So cool!
- Sa chevelure est magnifiquement bouclée.Her hair is beautifully curly.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are talking about a new haircut.
- LucasTu aimes mon nouveau style ?Do you like my new style?
- ManonOui, j'adore ton aspect bouclé !Yes, I love your curly look!
- LucasC'est plus facile à coiffer.It's easier to style.
- ManonC'est très joli sur toi, Lucas.It looks very pretty on you, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “curly” translations and entries bouclé, frisé, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
