mes cheveux sont noirs
To say "my hair is black" in French, use mes cheveux sont noirs.
This phrase is used to describe the color of the hair on one's head.
Which one should you use?
While noirs is used to state that the color is black, you should use bruns instead if you want to say your hair is dark or brunette.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the plural possessive adjective mes and the plural verb sont because the French word for hair, cheveux, is a plural noun.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to use the singular form mon cheveu est noir, but in French, describing the hair on one's head requires the plural mes cheveux.
Did you know?
- While cheveux describes the hair on your head, the French use a completely different word, poils, for hair on the rest of the body. Using cheveux for an arm or leg would sound very strange to a native speaker.
- French speakers use the word brun for 'brown' hair, but they use marron for brown eyes or brown objects. Calling someone's hair marron would be an unusual mistake.
- In French, if you were to use the singular mon cheveu est noir, a listener would likely look for one specific, single hair falling from your head.
Examples in context
- Mes cheveux sont noirs, contrairement aux tiens.My hair is black, unlike yours.
- Je sais que mes cheveux sont noirs.I know that my hair is black.
- Mes cheveux sont noirs et très longs.My hair is black and very long.
Example conversation
Chloé and Hugo are discussing their physical appearances.
- ChloéMes cheveux sont noirs, et toi ?My hair is black, and you?
- HugoMes cheveux sont châtains.My hair is light brown.
- ChloéC'est une jolie couleur pour toi.It is a pretty color for you.
- HugoMerci, Chloé.Thank you, Chloé.
