beau garçon
The English phrase 'handsome boy' is translated into French as beau garçon.
The phrase is used to describe a boy or young man who is physically attractive. The adjective beau serves as the standard way to express physical attractiveness in this context, meaning either 'handsome' when applied to a man or 'beautiful' when applied to an object.
Which one should you use?
While beau garçon is the standard way to express this, you may encounter other terms depending on the setting. For example, beau gosse is a slang expression for a good-looking boy and mignon is an informal way to describe a boy who is both cute and handsome.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, you might hear the term beau gars to express the same idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because garçon is a masculine noun, you must use the masculine form beau. When using the phrase in a complete sentence, you would typically include the indefinite article un before it, resulting in un beau garçon.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying belle garçon. Because garçon is a masculine noun, you must use the masculine adjective beau instead of the feminine belle.
Did you know?
- The word garçon shares a surprising ancestral connection with the English word 'wretch'. Both stem from a Germanic root meaning an 'exile' or 'outcast' who once served as a mercenary.
- In a French cafe, calling a waiter garçon is now often considered impolite or outdated. It is better to use monsieur to get their attention.
- The adjective beau changes its form to bel when it comes before a masculine noun starting with a vowel or silent H, though it remains beau before garçon.
Examples in context
- C'est un beau garçon.He is a handsome boy.
- Le beau garçon porte un chapeau.The handsome boy is wearing a hat.
- Tu es un beau garçon, Nathan.You are a handsome boy, Nathan.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are looking at an old photograph.
- ManonRegarde ce beau garçon sur la photo.Look at this handsome boy in the photo.
- NathanC'est moi quand j'étais petit.It is me when I was little.
- ManonTu étais vraiment un beau garçon.You were truly a handsome boy.
- NathanMerci, c'est gentil de ta part.Thanks, that is kind of you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beau, garçon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
