When you come across a mouthwatering dish or meal in French-speaking countries, you’ll want to express just how delicious it looks. Whether you need to use a formal or informal tone, there are several ways to convey this sentiment. In this guide, we will explore different expressions and phrases that can be used to say “It looks delicious” in French. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
Formal language is appropriate when you want to show respect or politeness, such as in formal settings or when speaking to people you don’t know well. Here are a few formal ways to express that something looks delicious:
1. Cela a l’air délicieux.
A simple and elegant phrase, “Cela a l’air délicieux” directly translates to “It looks delicious.” This expression is widely used in formal situations and is suitable for a variety of contexts.
2. C’est très appétissant.
Translating to “It’s very appetizing,” this phrase is a polite and refined way to express that something looks delicious. It can be used in formal conversations, especially in a professional or upscale setting.
3. Je suis impressionné(e) par l’aspect délicieux de cela.
A more elaborate way to say “I am impressed by how delicious it looks,” this expression conveys a formal tone of admiration. It can be used when you want to emphasize your appreciation for the dish’s appearance.
Informal Expressions:
Informal language is used among friends, acquaintances, or in casual situations. Here are some commonly used informal expressions to convey that something looks delicious:
1. Ça a l’air trop bon!
In an informal setting, “Ça a l’air trop bon!” is a popular way to say “It looks delicious!” This phrase is suitable for casual conversations and can be used with friends and family.
2. C’est super appétissant!
A more vibrant and enthusiastic way to say “It’s super appetizing,” this expression is commonly used among friends and peers to convey excitement about a particular dish or meal.
3. Wow, ça donne vraiment envie!
When you want to share your strong desire for a dish that looks delicious, you can say “Wow, ça donne vraiment envie!” meaning “Wow, it really makes me want it!” This expression adds a touch of enthusiasm and can be used in various informal settings.
Tips for Usage:
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind when using these phrases:
- When speaking, pay attention to your pronunciation. Practice the phrases to ensure you are understood correctly.
- Non-verbal communication, such as a smile or an enthusiastic facial expression, can further convey your appreciation for the dish’s appearance.
- Consider the context and your relationship with the person you are speaking to before choosing between formal or informal expressions.
- French cuisine and flavors can vary across regions. While the expressions provided in this guide are widely understood, be open to regional variations or local phrases when traveling.
Examples:
Let’s look at some examples of these phrases in action:
Example 1:
Formal: Je suis impressionné(e) par l’aspect délicieux de cette tarte aux fraises.
Informal: Wow, ça donne vraiment envie cette tarte aux fraises!
Example 2:
Formal: Cela a l’air délicieux, félicitations pour votre talent culinaire.
Informal: Ça a l’air trop bon, tu cuisines vraiment bien!
Example 3:
Formal: Merci pour ce repas, c’est très appétissant.
Informal: C’est super appétissant, j’ai hâte de goûter!
Remember, the key is to adapt your expressions to the appropriate level of formality based on the situation and the person you are speaking to.
Now armed with a variety of expressions to convey how delicious something looks in French, you can confidently express your admiration for mouthwatering dishes. Bon appétit!