hübsche Frau
The English phrase 'pretty woman' is translated into German as hübsche Frau.
This phrase is used to describe a woman who is physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective hübsch (pretty/handsome) and the noun Frau (woman).
Which one should you use?
While hübsche Frau means 'pretty woman', it is generally considered a lighter and more casual compliment than schöne Frau, which means 'beautiful woman' and implies a deeper or more striking beauty.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the nominative singular feminine form, the adjective hübsch takes the -e ending (as in hübsche) when it is preceded by an indefinite article such as eine.
Did you know?
- The word Frau is a distant relative of the Old English word frēa, which was used to refer to God or Christ.
- The word Frau is not just a noun for 'woman' but also a formal title used when addressing any woman, similar to 'Mrs.' in English.
- In some contexts, calling a woman hübsch can feel slightly patronizing or trivial, as it focuses on a surface-level aesthetic rather than character.
Examples in context
- Sie ist eine hübsche Frau.She's a pretty woman.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is a hübsche Frau.Tatoeba #444722 by al_ex_an_der, translation #7705833 by deniko
- Was für eine hübsche Frau!What a pretty woman!This sentence is useful for exclaiming about a hübsche Frau.Tatoeba #2272522 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2270107 by _undertoad
- Sie ist eine ziemlich hübsche Frau.She's a rather pretty woman.This sentence is useful for describing someone as a rather hübsche Frau.Tatoeba #2357657 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2259195 by _undertoad
- Guten Abend, Frau Müller. Sie sind wirklich eine sehr hübsche Frau.Good evening, Mrs. Müller. You are truly a very pretty woman.
- Entschuldigen Sie die Störung, aber ich muss sagen, dass Sie eine äußerst attraktive Dame sind.Excuse the interruption, but I must say that you are an extremely attractive lady.
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are people-watching at a cafe.
- LukasSchau mal, das ist eine sehr hübsche Frau.Look, that is a very pretty woman.
- JuliaJa, sie hat ein tolles Lächeln.Yes, she has a great smile.
- LukasIch finde, sie sieht sehr elegant aus.I think she looks very elegant.
- JuliaDas stimmt, eine wirklich hübsche Frau.That's true, a really pretty woman.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Frau, frau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
