le plus mignon
The cutest in French is le plus mignon.
This phrase is the superlative form used to describe someone or something that is more attractive or endearing than all others.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is constructed literally as the most cute using the superlative structure le plus plus the adjective.
Which one should you use?
Removing the article le changes the meaning from the superlative the cutest to the comparative cuter (plus mignon).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase must change to match the gender and number of the person or object being described. If the subject is feminine, use la plus mignonne. To describe a group of males or a mixed group, use the masculine plural form les plus mignons. To describe a group of females, use the feminine plural form les plus mignonnes.
When do people say it?
Adding de tous after le plus mignon is a formal way to emphasize that something is the cutest among all.
Did you know?
- In French, adding the word mignon to a person's name was once used as a term of endearment for favorites of a king. These 'mignons' were high-ranking courtiers prized for their grace and beauty.
- The word 'mignon' shares a deep linguistic ancestor with the English word 'mind'. Both trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root men-, which relates to the act of thinking.
- While mignon usually means 'cute', using it to describe an adult's behavior can ironically mean they are being 'precious' or annoying.
Examples in context
- C'est le garçon le plus mignon en ville.He's the cutest boy in town.This sentence shows how to use le plus mignon to describe a boy in a town.Tatoeba #1778386 by sacredceltic, translation #1767407 by Spamster
- Cookie est le plus mignon de tous les chiens.Cookie is the cutest of all the dogs.This sentence shows how to use le plus mignon to describe a dog among all dogs.Tatoeba #135473 by Aiji, translation #574172 by CM
- Tom est le garçon le plus mignon de la classe.Tom is the cutest boy in the class.This sentence shows how to use le plus mignon to describe a boy in a class.Tatoeba #1676022 by Scott, translation #1493318 by Spamster
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are looking at photos of baby animals.
- GabrielRegarde ce petit chaton !Look at this little kitten!
- EmmaOh oui, c'est le plus mignon !Oh yes, it is the cutest!
- GabrielJe veux le même à la maison.I want the same one at home.
- EmmaMoi aussi, Gabriel.Me too, Gabriel.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries le, mignon, plus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
