élégant
/e.le.ɡɑ̃/
The English word "elegant" is translated into French as élégant.
élégant is used to describe something or someone exhibiting elegance.
Meaning: exhibiting elegance (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
Chic is more commonly used throughout the French-speaking world than classe.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes its ending depending on the gender and number of what you are describing: the feminine form élégante is created by adding an e to the end, the masculine plural form élégants is created by adding an s to the end and the feminine plural form élégantes is created by adding es to the end.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables and is pronounced /e.le.ɡɑ̃/.
Did you know?
- While élégant is perfectly correct, a French person might describe a stylish outfit as being bien mis, which literally means 'well put'.
- The word élégant shares its roots with the Latin 'eligere', meaning 'to choose' or 'to select'.
- In some French contexts, saying someone is très élégant can be used as a polite euphemism to suggest they are overdressed for the occasion.
Examples in context
- Ce n'est pas très élégant.That's not very elegant.This sentence shows how to use élégant in a negative context.Tatoeba #775718 by U2FS, translation #5139832 by CK
- Il y a une solution élégante.There is an elegant solution.This sentence demonstrates the use of élégant to describe a solution.Tatoeba #8636328 by Aiji, translation #3126184 by AlanF_US
- Elle est élégante et raffinée.She's elegant and refined.This sentence shows how to use élégant when describing a person alongside other qualities.Tatoeba #8495767 by Aiji, translation #2568351 by Hybrid
- Elle porte une robe élégante.She's wearing an elegant dress.
- La salle de réception était décorée avec goût et élégance.The reception hall was tastefully and elegantly decorated.
- Le dîner était très raffiné.The dinner was very elegant.
- J'aime son style raffiné.I love her refined style.
- Elle a un style chic et original.She has a chic and original style.
- Cette boutique propose des vêtements chic et haut de gamme.This boutique offers stylish and high-end clothing.
- Il a un look très stylé.He has a very stylish look.
- Ton nouvel appartement est super classe !Your new apartment is really classy!
- J'adore sa tenue, elle est vraiment classe.I love her outfit, it's really elegant.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a wedding reception.
- ManonTu es très élégant ce soir, Hugo.You are very elegant tonight, Hugo.
- HugoMerci, Manon. Toi aussi, tu es très belle.Thank you, Manon. You are very beautiful too.
- ManonCe style est vraiment élégant.This style is truly elegant.
- HugoC'est vrai, c'est un goût très raffiné.It's true, it's a very refined taste.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “elegant” translations and entries élégant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries élégant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
