c'est beau
The English phrase "it is beautiful" is translated into French as c'est beau.
C'est beau is a phrase used to describe something that is visually pleasing or aesthetically attractive. Depending on the level of intensity or the specific quality you wish to convey, other options exist: C'est magnifique is used for something truly magnificent or breathtaking, C'est splendide describes something splendid or awe-inspiring and C'est ravissant is used for something charming, delightful or lovely.
Which one should you use?
Use c'est beau to describe a general situation or an unspecified object. In contrast, if you are describing a specific feminine person or object, you would use elle est belle.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Québécois French, you can say C'est ben beau to mean "it is very beautiful".
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, describing a situation or an idea as c'est beau can be used ironically to mean 'that is a shame' or 'that is too bad', similar to how an English speaker might say 'that's just great' to mean the opposite.
- While beau describes beauty, the phrase faire beau is used to describe the weather. To say 'it is a beautiful day', a French speaker says il fait beau, which literally means 'it makes beautiful'.
- French has a specific distinction where beau describes a grand or aesthetic beauty, while joli describes something that is 'pretty' or 'cute'. Using c'est beau for a tiny trinket might sound overly dramatic to a native speaker.
Examples in context
- Wow, cette vue est époustouflante!Wow, this view is stunning!
- C'est beau, n'est-ce pas ?It is beautiful, isn't it?
- Regarde ce coucher de soleil, c'est beau.Look at this sunset, it is beautiful.
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are visiting an art gallery.
- HugoLéa, regarde cette sculpture !Léa, look at this sculpture!
- LéaOh oui, c'est beau.Oh yes, it is beautiful.
- HugoTu aimes les couleurs ?Do you like the colors?
- LéaOui, c'est vraiment magnifique.Yes, it is truly magnificent.
