magnifique
/ma.ɲi.fik/
The French word for gorgeous is magnifique.
magnifique is used to describe something that is very beautiful. Depending on the context, it can also carry the connotation of being 'magnificent' or 'grand'.
Meaning: very beautiful (adj)
Which one should you use?
While magnifique is a common way to say gorgeous, it can also mean magnificent or great. If you want to express beauty that implies grandeur and elegance in a more formal way, you might use superbe. If you mean specifically 'dazzling' or 'stunning', the formal term is éblouissant or éblouissante.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the adjective in the plural, add an 's' to the end: magnifiques.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ma.ɲi.fik/.
Did you know?
- While magnifique describes beauty, French speakers often use it sarcastically to mean 'just great' or 'wonderful' when something goes wrong.
- If you find a person's beauty 'stunning' in a way that leaves you speechless, you might use renversant, which comes from the verb meaning 'to knock over'.
- In French literature, magnifique was historically used to describe the lavish spending and ostentatious lifestyle of royalty, not just physical beauty.
Examples in context
- Tu es vraiment magnifique.You're really gorgeous.This sentence shows how to use magnifique to describe a person.Tatoeba #5698061 by Aiji, translation #2218347 by CK
- C'est une magnifique journée.It's a gorgeous day.This sentence demonstrates using magnifique to describe a day.Tatoeba #4188629 by sacredceltic, translation #3729550 by CM
- Marie est une femme magnifique.Mary is a gorgeous woman.This sentence illustrates using magnifique to describe a woman.Tatoeba #9654338 by Rovo, translation #6104611 by CK
- Il/Elle est magnifiqueHe/She is gorgeous
- Cette robe est magnifiqueThis dress is gorgeous
- Une vue superbeA gorgeous view
- Elle est éblouissanteShe is gorgeous
- Un coucher de soleil éblouissantA stunning sunset
- Tu es vraiment canon aujourd'huiYou look really gorgeous today
- Un repas sublimeA gorgeous meal
- Quel beau gosse tu esYou're such a handsome guy
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are looking at a view from a balcony.
- ManonRegarde cette vue, elle est magnifique !Look at this view, it is gorgeous!
- GabrielOui, c'est vraiment magnifique.Yes, it is truly gorgeous.
- ManonGabriel, tu trouves ça magnifique aussi ?Gabriel, do you find it gorgeous too?
- GabrielAbsolument, c'est un moment magnifique.Absolutely, it is a gorgeous moment.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry magnifique, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
