beaux cheveux
In French, "nice hair" is translated as beaux cheveux.
This phrase is used as a compliment to tell someone that their hair looks attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective beaux (beautiful/handsome) and the noun cheveux (hair).
Which one should you use?
While beaux cheveux is a common way to express this, belle chevelure is a more elegant or literary way to refer to a person's entire head of hair.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using this phrase in a sentence with an indefinite article, the plural article des changes to de before an adjective that precedes the noun, as seen in the phrase de beaux cheveux.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the singular form cheveu when giving a compliment. Remember that "hair" is a plural noun in French, so you must use the plural form cheveux.
Did you know?
- Be careful with the word poil, which also translates to 'hair' in some contexts. While cheveux is for the hair on your head, using poils to describe someone's hair would be a major insult, as it refers to body or animal hair.
- Complementing a stranger's hair in France is often seen as more intimate or forward than in the US, and may be reserved for people you already know or are flirting with.
- The word chevelure shares a root with cheveu, but is used in French literature to symbolize a character's vitality or social status, similar to how 'crown' is used in English.
Examples in context
- J'ai de beaux cheveux.I have nice hair.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use the phrase with the correct grammatical article.Tatoeba #5552204 by sacredceltic, translation #3001002 by Hybrid
- Tes cheveux blonds sont incroyables! Ils brillent comme le soleil.Your blonde hair is incredible! It shines like the sun.
- Tu as de beaux cheveux.You have nice hair.
- Elle a de beaux cheveux.She has nice hair.
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are at a cafe.
- ManonHugo, tu as de beaux cheveux aujourd'hui !Hugo, you have nice hair today!
- HugoMerci Manon, c'est très gentil.Thanks Manon, that is very kind.
- ManonTu as utilisé un nouveau produit ?Did you use a new product?
- HugoOui, j'ai essayé un nouveau gel.Yes, I tried a new gel.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
