je te trouve mignon
The English phrase 'I think you're cute' can be expressed in French as je te trouve mignon.
This phrase is used to tell someone that you find them attractive or endearing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase je te trouve mignon literally translates to 'I find you cute'.
Which one should you use?
There is a subtle difference between je te trouve mignon and tu es mignon. The former expresses a personal opinion ('I find you…'), whereas the latter is a direct statement of fact ('You are…').
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, T'es tellement cute! means 'You're so cute!'
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a woman, you must change the adjective to the feminine form mignonne, resulting in je te trouve mignonne. To make the phrase formal or to direct it at a group of people, use je vous trouve instead of je te trouve.
Did you know?
- Historically, the word mignon was used in the French court of Henry III to describe the king's male favorites, who were known for their elaborate fashion and beauty.
- The adjective mignon is closely related to the Old High German word minna, which meant 'love' or 'desire'.
- In French, the word mignon can be used to describe an object or a child, but when used for an adult, it can sometimes imply a 'pretty boy' look rather than masculine strength.
Examples in context
- Je te trouve mignon quand tu souris.I think you're cute when you smile.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are sitting together in a cafe.
- ChloéTu es très élégant aujourd'hui, Hugo.You are very elegant today, Hugo.
- HugoMerci, c'est gentil de ta part.Thanks, that's kind of you.
- ChloéEn fait, je te trouve mignon.Actually, I think you're cute.
- HugoOh, tu me fais rougir !Oh, you're making me blush!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries je, mignon, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
