goût de luxe
The English phrase 'expensive taste' can be translated into French as goût de luxe.
This phrase describes a person's preference for high-quality, luxurious items that require a significant amount of money to acquire.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, goût de luxe translates to 'taste of luxury' rather than 'expensive taste'.
Did you know?
- If you want to describe a person who has very expensive tastes in a slightly more insulting way, you might call them m'as-tu-vu. This literally translates to 'have you seen me', describing someone who uses luxury specifically to attract attention.
- The word goût comes from the Latin 'gustus', which is also the root of the English word 'disgust'.
- While 'expensive taste' focuses on the cost, the French goût de luxe focuses on the status and nature of the objects themselves. An English speaker might say someone has 'expensive taste' to imply they are spending too much, but in French, the phrase sounds more like a compliment to their refined lifestyle.
Examples in context
- Elle a des goûts de luxe en matière de voitures.She has luxurious taste in cars.
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are looking at high-end furniture.
- EmmaRegarde ce canapé, il est magnifique !Look at this sofa, it is magnificent!
- NathanC'est trop cher pour nous, Emma.It is too expensive for us, Emma.
- EmmaJe sais, j'ai un goût de luxe.I know, I have expensive taste.
- NathanC'est vrai, Nathan est d'accord avec ça.That is true, Nathan agrees with that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, goût, luxe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
