chic
/ʃik/
In French, the English phrase 'posh' can be translated as chic.
The word chic is used to describe both people and objects (like a restaurant or a piece of clothing) that possess an understated, high-class style. You can also use élégant to express a sense of poshness or elegance.
Meaning: associated with the upper classes (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 'posh' in English can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being snobbish, chic in French is almost exclusively a positive compliment regarding style and elegance.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective chic is invariable, meaning it does not change its spelling for masculine or feminine nouns or for plurals.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃik/
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, chic can be used as a polite way to say 'nice' or 'kind' when someone does a favor, such as saying C'est chic de ta part.
- The term chic likely traveled from the German word Schick, which refers to a tasteful or elegant appearance.
- In France, being chic is often about 'le minimalisme', where the most posh look is one that appears effortless and avoids showing off wealth.
Examples in context
- Il porte un costume chic.He's wearing a posh suit.This sentence shows how to use chic to describe a piece of clothing.Tatoeba #10018213 by Micsmithel, translation #11035673 by sundown
- Elle a un goût très chic pour la décoration intérieure.She has a very posh taste in interior design.
- Nous devons nous habiller de manière chic pour ce gala.We need to dress posh for this gala.
- C'est un restaurant raffiné, idéal pour des occasions spéciales.It's a posh restaurant, perfect for special occasions.
- J'adore tes tenues, elles sont toujours élégantes.I love your outfits, they are always posh.
- Il est vraiment classe, toujours bien habillé et poli.He is really posh, always well-dressed and polite.
- Ce quartier est hyper bourge, seulement des grandes villas et des voitures de luxe.This neighborhood is super posh, only big villas and luxury cars.
- Elle a toujours été BCBG, même depuis son plus jeune âge.She has always been posh, even from a young age.
- Elle vit dans un quartier très chic.She lives in a very posh neighborhood.
- C'est un restaurant assez chic.It is a rather posh restaurant.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are looking at a fancy hotel online.
- HugoRegarde cet hôtel, il a l'air chic !Look at this hotel, it looks posh!
- ManonOui, mais c'est sûrement très cher.Yes, but it is probably very expensive.
- HugoJe veux essayer un endroit chic pour ton anniversaire.I want to try a posh place for your birthday.
- ManonC'est très gentil, merci Hugo.That is very kind, thank you Hugo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chic, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chic, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
