belle chemise
The English phrase "nice shirt" is translated into French as belle chemise.
belle chemise is used as a compliment to tell someone that their shirt looks attractive. In natural spoken French, you might also hear a dislocated structure such as Elle est belle, ta chemise to deliver the compliment more casually.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective belle (beautiful/nice) and the noun chemise (shirt).
Which one should you use?
While belle chemise translates literally to "beautiful shirt", it is the standard way to say "nice shirt" when giving a compliment.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the informal expression Ta chemise est malade! is used to say "Your shirt is sick!" to express admiration.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because chemise is a feminine noun, the adjective must be the feminine form belle rather than the masculine beau.
Did you know?
- The French word chemise is a distant relative of the English word 'shirt'. Both descended from a Proto-West Germanic term for a garment worn close to the skin.
- In French, chemise refers specifically to a button-down shirt. A T-shirt is called a t-shirt, and a casual pullover is a pull.
- Because chemise is a feminine noun, even if you are complimenting a man's shirt, the adjective belle must remain in its feminine form.
Examples in context
- C'est une belle chemise.That's a nice shirt.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of belle chemise.Tatoeba #8422030 by lbdx, translation #6023027 by mailohilohi
- Ta chemise est vraiment belle!Your shirt is really beautiful!
- J'adore ta chemise bleue à motifs!I love your blue patterned shirt!
- Quelle belle chemise !What a nice shirt!
- Tu as une belle chemise.You have a nice shirt.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are meeting at a cafe.
- LéaSalut Nathan, belle chemise !Hi Nathan, nice shirt!
- NathanMerci Léa, c'est gentil.Thanks Léa, that's kind.
- LéaLa couleur te va très bien.The color looks great on you.
- NathanC'est un cadeau de mon frère.It is a gift from my brother.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chemise, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
