What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of comme (how/as), c'est (it is) and charmant (charming/lovely).
Which one should you use?
While Comme c'est charmant is an exclamation used for emphasis or surprise, the simpler C'est charmant is a straightforward declarative statement meaning "It is lovely".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase comme c'est charmant is somewhat formal or elegant and is often used in literature or polite social commentary. Other formal options include Comme c'est ravissant (How delightful), Quel enchantement (What an enchantment) or Comme c'est merveilleux (How marvelous it is). In contrast, if you want to be informal, you can say Comme c'est chouette to mean "How cool it is".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the impersonal ce (it) to refer to a general situation or object being observed.
Did you know?
- The formal alternative ravissant comes from the verb ravir, which can mean both 'to delight' and 'to kidnap'.
- The word charmant shares its root with the English word 'charm', but in French, it can sometimes be used with a touch of sarcasm to describe something that is actually quite tedious or overly precious.
- Using comme c'est charmant in a very casual setting with close friends might make you sound like a character from a 19th-century novel.
Examples in context
- Comme c'est charmant !How lovely!This sentence is useful for practicing the exclamation comme c'est charmant.Tatoeba #1927915 by sacredceltic, translation #1913086 by CK
- Comme c'est ravissant! Ces tableaux sont vraiment merveilleux.How delightful! These paintings are truly marvelous.
- Tu es si belle! Quel joli sourire tu as.You're so beautiful! What a lovely smile you have.
- Comme c'est charmant, ce petit jardin !How lovely, this little garden!
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are looking at a gift in a shop.
- ManonComme c'est charmant, cette boîte à musique !How lovely, this music box!
- HugoOui, elle est vraiment magnifique.Yes, it is truly magnificent.
- ManonEst-ce qu'elle te plaît, Hugo ?Do you like it, Hugo?
- HugoJe la trouve très élégante.I find it very elegant.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
