bonsoir ma belle
The phrase "good evening beautiful" in French is translated as bonsoir ma belle.
bonsoir ma belle is a romantic or affectionate greeting used to address a woman in the evening.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bonsoir (good evening), ma (my, feminine singular) and belle (beautiful, feminine singular).
Which one should you use?
While bonsoir ma belle translates to "good evening my beautiful", the variation bonsoir, beauté can be used as an informal way to greet someone and compliment their appearance, translating to "good evening, beauty".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
bonsoir ma belle is an informal and affectionate way to address someone you are close to, typically used between romantic partners or very close friends. Similarly, bonsoir, beauté is an informal way to greet someone.
Did you know?
- While ma belle is romantic, adding ma to other nouns can create nicknames that are not romantic at all. For example, ma puce literally means 'my flea' and is a common term of endearment for children or partners.
- If you were to use the masculine version, bonsoir mon beau, it can sometimes sound ironically or even mockingly sarcastic in certain French social circles.
- While bonsoir ma belle is sweet between lovers, using it with a stranger in a bar can be perceived as 'drague' or clumsy flirting.
Examples in context
- Bonsoir, Madame Dupont. Vous êtes radieuse ce soirGood evening, Mrs. Dupont. You look radiant tonight
- Bonsoir ma belle, comment s'est passée ta journée ?Good evening beautiful, how was your day?
- Bonsoir ma belle.Good evening, beautiful.
- Bonsoir ma belle, comment vas-tu ?Good evening, beautiful, how are you?
Example conversation
Hugo greets Manon as she arrives at a restaurant.
- HugoBonsoir ma belle, je suis content de te voir.Good evening beautiful, I am happy to see you.
- ManonBonsoir Hugo, merci pour l'invitation.Good evening Hugo, thank you for the invitation.
- HugoTu as fait bonne route ?Did you have a good trip here?
- ManonOui, tout s'est bien passé.Yes, everything went well.
