ma jolie fille
The English phrase "my pretty girl" is translated into French as ma jolie fille.
This phrase is an affectionate way to refer to a daughter or a young girl who is beautiful.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ma (my, feminine singular), jolie (pretty) and fille (girl or daughter).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because fille is a feminine noun, the possessive adjective must be the feminine ma rather than the masculine mon.
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, using the word fille alone can be risky, as it is common slang for a 'prostitute' or a 'street girl'.
- While ma jolie fille is a sweet way to address a daughter, calling a woman in the street ma jolie fille could be seen as highly patronizing or even insulting.
- The slang use of fille comes from shortened phrases like fille de joie, which means 'girl of joy'.
Examples in context
- Bonsoir, ma jolie fille. Comment s'est passée ta journée?Good evening, my pretty girl. How was your day?
- Coucou, ma jolie! Tu veux aller prendre un café?Hey there, my pretty! Would you like to grab a coffee?
- Regarde ma jolie fille qui sourit.Look at my pretty girl smiling.
- Ma jolie fille est déjà grande.My pretty girl is already grown up.
Example conversation
A father is helping his young daughter get ready for a party.
- ManonPapa, est-ce que je suis belle ?Daddy, do I look beautiful?
- HugoOui, tu es ma jolie fille.Yes, you are my pretty girl.
- ManonMerci, Hugo !Thank you, Hugo!
- HugoAllez, Manon, on y va.Come on, Manon, let's go.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fille, ma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
