j'ai les cheveux blonds
To say "I have blonde hair" in French, use j'ai les cheveux blonds.
This phrase is used to describe the natural hair color on a person's head.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I have the hairs blond".
Which one should you use?
In English, "hair" is typically an uncountable noun, but in French, the phrase uses the plural noun les cheveux to refer to the hair on a person's head.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, hair is treated as a plural noun les cheveux, so the adjective blonds must also be in its plural form to match.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular cheveu or the partitive du cheveu (such as in "j'ai du cheveu blond"). To describe your hair color correctly, you must use the plural les cheveux.
Did you know?
- While blonds refers to hair color, the word blond can also be used to describe a light-colored beer, known as une bière blonde.
- The French expression un cheveu sur la soupe, which literally means 'a hair in the soup', describes an awkward detail or something that is out of place.
- Though blonds is the word for blonde hair, French speakers use roux to describe red hair, which is a distinct category rather than a shade of 'red' or 'brown'.
Examples in context
- J'ai les cheveux blonds.I have blonde hair.This sentence is useful for stating your hair color using j'ai les cheveux blonds.Tatoeba #9547093 by Julien_PDC, translation #5211624 by tabular
- J'ai les cheveux blonds depuis l'enfance.I have had blonde hair since childhood.
- En général, j'ai les cheveux blonds.Generally, I have blonde hair.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their appearances in a cafe.
- HugoEst-ce que tu es blonde ?Are you blonde?
- ManonNon, j'ai les cheveux bruns.No, I have dark hair.
- HugoMoi, j'ai les cheveux blonds.As for me, I have blonde hair.
- ManonC'est une jolie couleur pour toi.It is a pretty color for you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
