ma jolie sœur
The English phrase "my beautiful sister" can be translated into French as ma jolie sœur.
This phrase is used to describe a sister who is physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ma (my), jolie (pretty/lovely) and sœur (sister).
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between ma jolie sœur and ma belle sœur. While ma jolie sœur specifically means "my pretty sister", ma belle sœur is the standard French term for "my sister-in-law".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because sœur is a feminine noun, the possessive adjective ma and the adjective jolie must both be in the feminine form.
Did you know?
- In French, the word belle is so fundamentally linked to the concept of kinship that belle-famille refers to your 'in-laws' as a whole.
- Avoid using ma jolie sœur if you are addressing a nun. Because 'sister' is a religious title, describing a nun as 'pretty' can be seen as scandalous or inappropriate.
- The word sœur comes from the Latin soror, which is the same root used for the English word 'sorority'.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais témoigner mon admiration à ma sœur magnifique.I would like to express my admiration for my magnificent sister.
- Hey, voici ma belle petite sœur, Sophie!Hey, this is my beautiful little sister, Sophie!
- Ma jolie sœur est une artiste.My beautiful sister is an artist.
- Je présente ma jolie sœur à mes amis.I am introducing my beautiful sister to my friends.
- Regarde une photo de ma jolie sœur.Look at a photo of my beautiful sister.
Example conversation
Nathan is looking at a photograph Chloé is holding.
- ChloéVoici une photo de ma jolie sœur.Here is a photo of my beautiful sister.
- NathanElle est vraiment très charmante.She is truly very charming.
- ChloéMerci, elle est très gentille aussi.Thank you, she is very kind too.
- NathanTu as de la chance, Chloé.You are lucky, Chloé.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ma, sœur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
