beaucoup
/bo.ku/
In French, "lots" is expressed as beaucoup.
beaucoup is used to describe a large number or amount of something. It can function as an adverb to modify a verb or as part of a phrase meaning "lots of" when followed by a noun.
Which one should you use?
While beaucoup indicates a large quantity, the word trop should be used instead if you want to express that a quantity is "too much" or "too many," implying an excessive amount that causes a problem.
How does it change in a sentence?
When beaucoup is used as an adverb to modify a verb (for example, "I like it a lot"), it stands alone without de. However, when it is used as an adjective meaning "lots of" before a noun, it must be followed by de or d’ (if the next word starts with a vowel), regardless of whether the noun is singular or plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /bo.ku/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying beaucoup des when you mean "lots of" followed by a noun. You should use beaucoup de or beaucoup d’ instead.
Did you know?
- The word beaucoup literally translates to 'a beautiful strike' or 'a good hit'.
- French speakers frequently use the phrase pas mal, which literally means 'not bad', to actually mean 'a lot' or 'quite a few'.
- In many French-speaking regions, particularly in Quebec, people might use plein de or plein instead of beaucoup de to express 'lots of' in casual conversation.
Examples in context
- J'ai beaucoup à dire.I've got lots to say.This sentence is useful for expressing that one has a lot to say using beaucoup.Tatoeba #6455989 by Aiji, translation #3341670 by CK
- Tu as beaucoup d'amies.You have lots of friends.This sentence shows how to use beaucoup to indicate a large number of friends.Tatoeba #3279438 by Julien_PDC, translation #5336881 by AlanF_US
- Tom a beaucoup d'argent.Tom has lots of money.This sentence demonstrates using beaucoup to describe a large amount of money.Tatoeba #5284796 by martin9, translation #2646409 by CK
- Il y a beaucoup de personnes ici.There are lots of people here.
- J'ai énormément de travail cette semaine.I have lots of work this week.
- Nous avons un grand nombre de participants à la conférence.We have a lot of participants at the conference.
- Nous avons une quantité considérable de données à analyser.We have a considerable amount of data to analyze.
- Ce restaurant propose une pléthore de plats délicieux.This restaurant offers a plethora of delicious dishes.
- J'ai beaucoup de choses à faire aujourd'hui.I have lots of things to do today.
- J'ai plein de bonbons dans ma poche.I have lots of candies in my pocket.
- Elle a un tas d'amis à l'école.She has lots of friends at school.
- J'ai un paquet de cadeaux à emballer.I have a ton of gifts to wrap.
- J'ai pas mal de temps libre ce week-end.I have quite a lot of free time this weekend.
- 112 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are talking about a recent concert.
- LéaIl y avait beaucoup de monde.There were lots of people.
- GabrielOui, c'était impressionnant.Yes, it was impressive.
- LéaTu as beaucoup aimé la musique ?Did you like the music a lot?
- GabrielJ'ai adoré l'ambiance.I loved the atmosphere.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry beaucoup, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beaucoup, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
