Jolie
The French word Jolie means pretty.
Jolie is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is physically attractive or pretty.
Which one should you use?
While jolie means pretty, the feminine adjective belle is a stronger way to say beautiful. For a more formal way to convey the idea of Jolie, you can use Ravissante.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective changes based on gender and number: joli is the masculine singular form, jolies is the feminine plural form and jolis is the masculine plural form. You can also use the adverbial form joliment to mean prettily or nicely.
Did you know?
- The word joli can be used ironically to describe a mistake or a mess, such as une jolie bêtise, meaning 'a nice blunder'.
- You can use joli to describe an amount of money, such as une jolie somme, to mean a 'handsome' or 'substantial' amount.
- While it is a compliment, calling an adult woman jolie instead of belle can sometimes be perceived as patronizing because it suggests a 'cute' or 'youthful' beauty rather than a mature one.
Examples in context
- L'événement s'est déroulé dans une jolie salle de réception.The event took place in a beautiful reception hall.
- J'ai rencontré une jeune femme jolie et intelligente lors du dîner.I met a beautiful and intelligent young woman during dinner.
- Tu as acheté une jolie robe pour la fête.You bought a pretty dress for the party.
- J'ai vu une jolie maison en me promenant dans le quartier.I saw a cute house while walking around the neighborhood.
- Une jolie fleurA pretty flower
- Cette fleur est très jolie.This flower is very pretty.
- Elle porte une jolie robe.She is wearing a pretty dress.
- C'est une jolie maison.It is a pretty house.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are looking at a picture in a magazine.
- ChloéRegarde cette jolie photo.Look at this pretty photo.
- NathanOui, le paysage est magnifique.Yes, the landscape is magnificent.
- ChloéLa femme sur l'image est très jolie.The woman in the image is very pretty.
- NathanElle a un beau sourire.She has a beautiful smile.
