si jolie
The English phrase "so pretty" is translated into French as si jolie.
The phrase is used to describe someone or something that is very attractive or beautiful. In slang, the word canon can also be used to emphasize that someone is exceptionally attractive or stunning.
What does it mean word for word?
The word si literally means "so" in this context of intensity.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form si jolie is the feminine singular form. Use si joli when describing a masculine noun or person, si jolies for feminine plural and si jolis for masculine plural.
Did you know?
- In certain regional dialects or older forms of French, joli can be used as an adverb to mean 'quite a bit' or 'considerably', such as saying someone earned a joli sum of money.
- In French, joli can be used ironically to describe something that is actually an impressive disaster or a 'pretty' mess, similar to the English 'fine' in 'a fine mess'.
- The word si in this context is a 'doublet' of the word used in English to mean 'thus' or 'in this manner', which is 'sic'.
Examples in context
- Marie est si jolie !Mary is so pretty.Tatoeba #1922693 by Eldad, translation #1898335 by CK
- Elle est si jolie quand elle rit.She is so pretty when she laughs.Tatoeba #14022821 by Ioan_Cristian, translation #14022823 by Ioan_Cristian
- Elle est si jolie que chaque fois que je la vois, j'ai le vertige.She is so pretty that whenever I see her I get dizzy.Tatoeba #11338315 by carlosalberto, translation #11338302 by carlosalberto
- Vous êtes si belle/lumineuse/ravissante.You are so beautiful/radiant/charming.
- Tu es tellement jolie/rayonnante/canon.You are so pretty/radiant/stunning.
- T'es trop belle/incroyablement belle/vraiment canon.You're so beautiful/incredibly beautiful/really stunning.
- t'es ben belleYou're really beautiful
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are looking at a photo of a floral arrangement.
- NathanCette fleur est si jolie.This flower is so pretty.
- EmmaOui, elle est magnifique.Yes, it is magnificent.
- NathanEmma, tu es si jolie aujourd'hui.Emma, you are so pretty today.
- EmmaMerci Nathan, c'est très gentil.Thank you Nathan, that is very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries si, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
