joli couple
The English phrase "cute couple" is translated into French as joli couple.
The phrase is used to describe two people in a romantic relationship who look good together or are endearing. When expressing that people "make" a cute couple, French speakers use the verb faire (to make/do) instead of être (to be). For example, you would say faire un joli couple.
What does it mean word for word?
The word joli literally means "pretty" or "nice", which is slightly different from the English sense of "cute" as in "adorable".
Which one should you use?
While you might be tempted to use the word for adorable, mignon, to describe a couple, placing mignon directly before the noun in the form mignon couple sounds much less natural in French than the standard joli couple.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because couple is a masculine noun, the adjective joli remains in its masculine singular form.
Did you know?
- The word joli may share an ancient root with the word 'Yule', stemming from the Old Norse word for the midwinter festival. This suggests a historical link between the concept of being 'pretty' and the joy of the winter season.
- Because couple is a masculine noun, the adjective joli stays masculine even if the couple consists of two women.
- In French, joli can be used sarcastically to describe a 'pretty' mess or a 'nice' mistake, which would be a very odd way to describe a romantic relationship.
Examples in context
- « Je pense que vous feriez un joli couple. » « Hein ?! »"I think you'd make a cute couple." "Whaat?"This sentence shows how to suggest that two people would make a cute couple using joli couple.Tatoeba #5931634 by Aiji, translation #5373268 by Hybrid
- Vous faites un joli couple.You guys make a cute couple.This sentence is a way to tell someone that they make a cute couple using joli couple.Tatoeba #1244367 by Shishir, translation #5372954 by Hybrid
- Ils forment un couple adorableThey make an adorable couple
- Quel charmant couple!What a charming couple!
- Ils sont mignons tout pleinThey are super cute
- Ils sont trop mignons ensembleThey are so cute together
- Ils forment un joli couple.They make a cute couple.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are looking at a photo of their friends.
- HugoRegarde cette photo de Marc et Julie.Look at this photo of Marc and Julie.
- ChloéC'est vrai, ils sont un joli couple.It's true, they are a cute couple.
- HugoIls ont l'air si heureux ensemble.They look so happy together.
- ChloéJe suis tout à fait d'accord.I completely agree.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries couple, joli, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
