ma belle
The English phrase "my beautiful" is translated into French as ma belle.
Ma belle is an affectionate term used to address a woman or a girl in a sweet manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive adjective ma (my, feminine singular) and the feminine adjective belle (beautiful).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ma belle is an informal and affectionate term. It is often used between romantic partners or by older people toward younger women.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing a man or a boy, you must use the masculine form mon beau instead of ma belle.
Did you know?
- French uses the phrase belle-mère to mean 'mother-in-law', literally translating to 'beautiful mother'.
- In Quebec, ma belle is frequently used as a friendly, casual greeting among women, even those who are not close friends or romantic partners.
- If you call a woman ma belle in a professional setting, it could be perceived as a serious breach of etiquette or even sexual harassment.
Examples in context
- Lève-toi, ma bien-aimée, ma belle, viens ! Ma colombe, cachée aux creux des rochers, en des retraites escarpées, montre-moi ton visage, fais-moi entendre ta voix, car ta voix est douce et charmant ton visage.Get up, my beloved, my beautiful, come! My dove, hidden in the hollows of the rocks, in steep retreats, show me your face, make me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet and your face is charming.This sentence is useful for seeing ma belle used in a poetic and affectionate context.Tatoeba #12398113 by carlosalberto, translation #12398220 by carlosalberto
- Bonjour, ma belle.Hello, my beautiful.
Example conversation
Gabriel is complimenting Emma on her new dress.
- GabrielTu es magnifique, ma belle.You look magnificent, my beautiful.
- EmmaMerci, Gabriel !Thank you, Gabriel!
- GabrielCette robe te va très bien.This dress suits you very well.
- EmmaC'est très gentil de ta part.That is very kind of you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
