quelqu'un est joli
The English phrase "someone is pretty" is translated into French as quelqu'un est joli.
The phrase is used to state that a person has an attractive physical appearance. The adjective joli can also be used to describe objects or things (like a joli bouquet), not just people.
Which one should you use?
While joli means "pretty", beau (masculine) or belle (feminine) is often used to express a stronger sense of beauty or handsomeness.
Did you know?
- The word joli might trace its origins back to the Old Norse word for the midwinter festival of 'Yule', suggesting a linguistic link between 'pretty' and the joy of the season.
- While joli is a common way to say someone is 'pretty', calling a man joli can sometimes imply he has a delicate or even feminine prettiness, whereas beau is the standard for 'handsome'.
- If you use joli to describe a piece of work, such as a 'joli dessin', you are praising its aesthetic charm rather than its technical perfection.
Examples in context
- Vous êtes ravissante ce soir.You look charming tonight.
- Tu es trop belle dans cette robe.You look stunning in that dress.
- Vous êtes d'une beauté éblouissante, madame.You are dazzlingly beautiful, madam.
- Tu es canon, vraiment!You are gorgeous, seriously!
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are looking at a group of people.
- NathanRegarde, je trouve que quelqu'un est joli.Look, I think someone is pretty.
- ChloéQui est-ce, Nathan ?Who is it, Nathan?
- NathanLa fille avec le chapeau bleu.The girl with the blue hat.
- ChloéC'est vrai, elle est très mignonne.That's true, she is very cute.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries est, joli, quelqu'un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
