ma belle femme
The English phrase "my beautiful wife" is translated into French as ma belle femme.
This phrase is used to refer to one's spouse while complimenting her physical appearance.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to my beautiful woman because femme means both woman and wife.
Did you know?
- The word femme is derived from a root meaning 'the one nursing' or 'breastfeeding'.
- In some contexts, calling a woman ma belle is a casual or flirtatious term of endearment that removes the word femme entirely.
- To avoid the ambiguity of femme, French speakers use the word épouse when they want to specifically mean 'spouse' in a formal or legal context.
Examples in context
- Bonjour mesdames et messieurs, je vous présente ma belle épouse.Hello ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce you to my beautiful wife.
Example conversation
Gabriel is introducing Emma to a colleague.
- GabrielJe vous présente ma belle femme, Emma.I introduce you to my beautiful wife, Emma.
- EmmaEnchantée de vous rencontrer, Emma.Nice to meet you, Emma.
- GabrielElle est très gentille, n'est-ce pas ?She is very kind, isn't she?
- EmmaOui, et elle est ravissante.Yes, and she is lovely.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries femme, ma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
