quelqu'un est beau
To say "someone is beautiful" in French, use quelqu'un est beau.
This phrase is used to express that a person is physically attractive.
Which one should you use?
The word beau is used for men (handsome) and belle for women (beautiful), but both can be used to describe objects or scenery.
Did you know?
- The word beau comes from the Latin bellus, which was originally a diminutive form used to describe something 'pretty' or 'cute'.
- While beau describes physical beauty, French speakers often use beau to describe a 'fine' or 'clear' day, referring to the weather rather than aesthetics.
- In French, calling a person 'beau' can sometimes sound more formal or poetic than using 'joli', which is closer to 'pretty'.
Examples in context
- Elle est vraiment ravissante.She is truly delightful
- Il est d'une beauté éblouissante.He is dazzlingly beautiful
- Elle est vraiment belle!She is really beautiful!
- Il est trop canon!He is super hot!
- T'es magnifique!You look fabulous!
- Elle est trop mignonne!She is really cute!
- Il est évident que quelqu'un est beau.It is obvious that someone is beautiful.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are discussing people at a party.
- GabrielRegarde, je crois que quelqu'un est beau.Look, I think someone is beautiful.
- EmmaQui regardes-tu, Gabriel ?Who are you looking at, Gabriel?
- GabrielL'homme près de la fenêtre.The man by the window.
- EmmaC'est vrai, il est très élégant.That's true, he is very elegant.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beau, est, quelqu'un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
