si doux
The English phrase "so sweet" can be translated into French as si doux.
In French, si doux is used to describe something that has a very pleasant, sugary taste. Note that when expressing that something or someone is incredibly sweet in an informal way, you might use Trop mignon(ne). If you mean someone is sweet in a friendly, kind way, use Super sympa. For something irresistibly sweet or cute, the informal phrase Mignon à croquer (meaning "cute enough to eat") is appropriate.
What does it mean word for word?
The word doux literally means 'soft' or 'gentle', which is why it is used for 'sweet' in terms of sound, texture or temperament.
Which one should you use?
Use si sucré instead of si doux if you are specifically referring to a high sugar content in food or drink.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the noun being described is feminine, change si doux to si douce.
Did you know?
- The word doux is a direct descendant of the Latin word dulcem, which is also the root of the English word 'dulcet'.
- While doux can mean 'sweet', it is also the standard word for 'soft' when touching fabric or 'mild' when describing the weather.
- In a professional or formal setting, using trop mignon to describe a person's kindness can sound overly childish or condescending.
Examples in context
- La colombe au col noir roucoule sur les toits, et sur les flots dormants se répand une voix, une voix qui cadence une langue divine, et d'un accent si doux, que l'amour s'y devine.The black-collared dove coos on the roofs, and over the sleeping waves a voice spreads, a voice which punctuates a divine language, and with an accent so sweet that love is divined in it.This sentence is useful for illustrating the use of si doux in a poetic context.Tatoeba #6931981 by Adelpa, translation #12302517 by carlosalberto
- Un geste charmantA sweet gesture
- Cette photo est trop mignonneThis photo is so sweet
- Ton message était super sympaYour message was so sweet
- C'est si chou !That's so sweet!
- Elle est mignonne à croquerShe is so sweet
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are tasting a new pastry.
- HugoGoûte ce biscuit, Manon.Taste this biscuit, Manon.
- ManonOh, c'est si doux !Oh, it is so sweet!
- HugoTu trouves que c'est trop ?Do you think it's too much?
- ManonNon, c'est parfait.No, it's perfect.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries doux, si, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
