jolis yeux
In French, "pretty eyes" is said as jolis yeux.
This phrase is used to describe eyes that are attractive or pleasing to look at.
What does it mean word for word?
jolis is the masculine plural form of the adjective joli, meaning "pretty" or "lovely" and yeux is the irregular plural form of the noun œil, meaning "eye".
Which one should you use?
While jolis yeux means "pretty eyes", you can use beaux yeux as a stronger alternative meaning "beautiful eyes".
How does it change in a sentence?
When using jolis yeux as an indefinite object in a sentence, the indefinite article des usually changes to de (for example, Elle a de jolis yeux).
Did you know?
- The plural form yeux has a history of many strange spellings, appearing in historical texts as ialz, yolz, and even uels.
- In French, the word joli can be used as a noun to describe a 'pretty thing' or a 'cute child' without needing to mention eyes at all.
- While jolis yeux is common, if you want to describe someone with piercing or striking eyes, you might use yeux perçants, which carries a much more intense and dramatic connotation than 'pretty'.
Examples in context
- Tu as de si jolis yeux.You have such pretty eyes.This sentence is useful for showing how to use jolis yeux to compliment someone.Tatoeba #10518316 by lbdx, translation #3356418 by CK
- Vous avez de jolis yeuxYou have beautiful eyes
- Elle a de jolis yeux bleus.She has pretty blue eyes.
- Tes jolis yeux brillent ce soir.Your pretty eyes are shining tonight.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are having a conversation at a cafe.
- EmmaNathan, tu as de jolis yeux.Nathan, you have pretty eyes.
- NathanMerci Emma, c'est très gentil.Thank you Emma, that is very kind.
- EmmaJe voulais juste te le dire.I just wanted to tell you.
- NathanTu me fais rougir.You are making me blush.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries yeux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
