mon bel homme
The English phrase "my handsome man" can be translated into French as mon bel homme.
mon bel homme is an affectionate way to refer to a male partner or a romantic interest who is physically attractive.
Which one should you use?
While mon bel homme focuses on physical attractiveness, the alternative phrase mon bel amoureux would focus more on the romantic status of being a lover.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mon bel homme is a classic expression, whereas mon beau gosse is a more colloquial and slangy way to refer to a handsome man.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word beau changes to bel before a masculine noun starting with a vowel or a silent h to avoid a hiatus.
Did you know?
- The word homme shares a surprising ancient root with the word for 'earthling' from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰmṓ. This suggests that, etymologically, a 'man' was once viewed as a being made of the earth.
- The term beau gosse is frequently shortened to BG in text messages and social media to refer to a handsome man.
- While mon bel homme is affectionate, the slang version beau gosse is so common that it is often used as a noun to describe a 'pretty boy' or someone who is overly vain about their looks.
Examples in context
- Salut, mon beau gosse ! Comment s'est passée ta journée ?Hey, my handsome man! How was your day?
Example conversation
Emma greets Nathan at the door.
- EmmaBonjour, mon bel homme !Hello, my handsome man!
- NathanMerci, Emma. Tu es ravissante.Thank you, Emma. You look ravishing.
- EmmaOn part pour le dîner ?Shall we leave for dinner?
- NathanOui, je suis prêt.Yes, I am ready.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bel, homme, mon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
