comme c'est beau
The English phrase "how beautiful" can be translated into French as comme c'est beau.
comme c'est beau is an exclamation used to express sudden or intense admiration for the beauty of an object, a view or an abstract concept.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of comme (how/as), c' (it), est (is) and beau (beautiful).
Which one should you use?
While comme c'est beau is a common way to express this feeling, Que c'est beau ! is another very frequent alternative used to express the same exclamation of admiration.
Did you know?
- French speakers often replace the phrase comme c'est beau with the slang term c'est canon when admiring something aesthetically striking in a modern, trendy way.
- The word beau descends from the Latin bellus, which was originally a diminutive form meaning 'pretty' or 'cute' rather than 'beautiful'.
- In French, the word beau changes to bel before a noun starting with a vowel or a silent 'h', though it remains beau in the phrase comme c'est beau.
Examples in context
- Comme c'est beau !How beautiful it is!This example shows how to use the phrase as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #13018 by sacredceltic, translation #36004 by AlanF_US
- Comme c'est beau !How beautiful!This example shows the phrase used as a simple exclamation.Tatoeba #1927920 by sacredceltic, translation #1913083 by CK
- Oh ! Comme c'est beau ! C'est exactement ce que j'ai toujours désiré.Oh, how beautiful! It's exactly what I've always wanted!This example shows the phrase used alongside an expression of desire.Tatoeba #2193668 by sacredceltic, translation #4877605 by jshholland
- Regarde comme c'est ravissant!Look how lovely it is!
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are looking at a sunset from a balcony.
- NathanRegarde ce coucher de soleil, Chloé.Look at this sunset, Chloé.
- ChloéOh oui, comme c'est beau !Oh yes, how beautiful!
- NathanLes couleurs sont vraiment incroyables.The colors are truly incredible.
- ChloéC'est un moment magique.It is a magical moment.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beau, c'est, comme, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
