elle est si belle
The English phrase "she is so beautiful" is translated into French as elle est si belle.
This phrase is used to express that a female person has a very attractive appearance.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase elle est si belle, the word si functions as an intensifier meaning "so" or "as".
Which one should you use?
While elle est si belle is a standard way to express this, elle est tellement belle is a common alternative that often emphasizes the degree of beauty even more strongly.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective belle must be in its feminine form to agree with the feminine subject elle.
Did you know?
- While belle is the standard word for beautiful, French speakers often use the slang term canon to describe a woman who is exceptionally attractive.
- French has a specific term beauté fatale which describes a woman whose beauty is so overwhelming it leads to the downfall of those who love her.
- In older French literature, beauty was often described using the word ravissante, which literally means 'ravishing' or 'carrying one away'.
Examples in context
- Regarde cette photo, elle est si belle !Look at this photo, she is so beautiful!
- Elle est si belle dans cette robe.She is so beautiful in this dress.
- Regarde la photo, elle est si belle.Look at the photo, she is so beautiful.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- LucasRegarde cette femme sur la toile.Look at this woman on the canvas.
- ChloéOui, elle est si belle.Yes, she is so beautiful.
- LucasLe peintre a fait un travail incroyable.The painter did an incredible job.
- ChloéC'est vraiment une œuvre magnifique.It is truly a magnificent work.
