si beau
The English phrase 'so beautiful' is translated into French as si beau.
The phrase is used to emphasize that someone or something has a very high degree of beauty.
What does it mean word for word?
In this context, si functions as an intensifier meaning 'so' or 'such'.
Which one should you use?
While si beau is used for emphasis, tellement beau is a common synonym that can also be used to mean 'so beautiful' or 'so much'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Use si belle for feminine nouns, si beaux for masculine plural nouns and si belles for feminine plural nouns.
Did you know?
- French uses beau to describe a 'beautiful' lie (un beau mensonge), where it implies the lie is elaborate or daring rather than aesthetically pleasing.
- The French word beau has a special short form bel used before masculine nouns starting with a vowel or silent h to avoid a clashing sound.
- In some contexts, beau is used ironically to describe something that is actually an impressive disaster, similar to saying 'that is just great' in English.
Examples in context
- C'est si beau !It's so beautiful.This sentence is useful for expressing that something is so beautiful.Tatoeba #1895030 by sacredceltic, translation #1894562 by CK
- Ceci est si beau !This one is so beautiful!This sentence is useful for expressing that this specific thing is so beautiful.Tatoeba #5105524 by gege_veggie, translation #12524117 by rul
- Tout était si beau.Everything was so beautiful.This sentence is useful for describing how everything was so beautiful in the past.Tatoeba #6479870 by Aiji, translation #4494062 by CK
- Ton nouveau téléphone est trop beau.Your new phone is so beautiful.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are looking at a sunset over the mountains.
- NathanRegarde ce coucher de soleil, c'est si beau.Look at this sunset, it is so beautiful.
- ManonOui, le paysage est si beau aujourd'hui.Yes, the landscape is so beautiful today.
- NathanManon, tu es si belle dans cette lumière.Manon, you are so beautiful in this light.
- ManonMerci Nathan, c'est très gentil.Thank you Nathan, that is very kind.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
