sourire
/su.ʁiʁ/
To smile in French is sourire.
The word sourire means to have a smile on one's face. It is used to describe the act of smiling, such as sourire largement (to smile widely), sourire discrètement (to smile discreetly), sourire timidement (to smile timidly) or sourire affectueusement (to smile affectionately). You can also use the expression Avoir le sourire jusqu'aux oreilles to say someone is all smiles. For a more specific, informal action, the expression faire un sourire en coin means to smirk or give a sly, knowing smile.
Meaning: to have a smile on one's face (verb)
Which one should you use?
sourire functions as both a verb meaning 'to smile' and as a masculine noun un sourire meaning 'a smile'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
sourire is an irregular verb belonging to the third group. Its present participle is souriant, which can also be used as an adjective meaning 'smiling'.
How do you pronounce it?
/su.ʁiʁ/
Did you know?
- The word sourire comes from the Latin subrīdēre, where the prefix sub means 'under' and rīdēre means 'to laugh'. This suggests that a smile was historically viewed as a 'half-laugh' or a muted form of laughter.
- The term souriant can be used to describe an atmosphere or a way of life, not just a human face, such as a 'souriant' welcome.
- In certain historical French texts, the word was spelled sorrirre, a spelling that has completely vanished from modern usage.
Examples in context
- Ça m'a fait sourire.It made me smile.This sentence shows the use of sourire to express being made to smile.Tatoeba #10971253 by lbdx, translation #1239842 by CM
- Tu dois sourire plus.You need to smile more.This sentence uses sourire to give an instruction to smile more.Tatoeba #7458878 by Micsmithel, translation #7446652 by Hybrid
- Ton sourire me manque.I miss your smile.This sentence uses the noun form of sourire to express missing someone's smile.Tatoeba #13257928 by lbdx, translation #4500079 by CK
- Après la présentation, elle a esquissé un sourire chaleureux.After the presentation, she gave a warm smile.
- Le politicien a fait un sourire en signe de reconnaissance.The politician gave a smile as a sign of acknowledgement.
- En entendant la plaisanterie, il a fait un sourire en coin.Upon hearing the joke, he smirked slyly.
- 171 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are taking a photo together.
- GabrielSourire pour la photo, Chloé !Smile for the photo, Chloé!
- ChloéJe ne peux pas sourire maintenant.I can't smile right now.
- GabrielPourquoi ? Tout va bien ?Why? Is everything okay?
- ChloéOui, mais j'ai un truc dans l'œil.Yes, but I have something in my eye.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smile” translations and entries sourire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sourire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
