c'est beau
c'est beau is the French way to say "this is beautiful".
This phrase is used to express admiration for the aesthetic quality or the emotional impact of something. It can describe both visual aesthetics (a landscape) and abstract concepts (a beautiful gesture or a beautiful soul).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ce (it/this) and est beau (is beautiful).
Which one should you use?
c'est magnifique is a stronger expression of admiration than c'est beau and is used when something is truly striking or magnificent.
Did you know?
- The expression faire le beau does not mean to make something beautiful, but rather to show off or act vainly.
- In certain contexts, saying c'est beau can be used ironically to mean 'that's just great' or 'how lovely' when something bad happens.
- The word beau shares its ancestor with the English word 'belle', which is used to describe a beautiful woman.
Examples in context
- C'est beau.This is beautiful.This sentence demonstrates the use of c'est beau.Tatoeba #837672 by sacredceltic, translation #1549914 by miflhanc
- Regarde le coucher de soleil, c'est beau.Look at the sunset, it is beautiful.
- C'est beau de voir la neige tomber.It is beautiful to see the snow falling.
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are looking at a painting in a museum.
- EmmaRegarde cette peinture, c'est beau.Look at this painting, it is beautiful.
- LucasOui, les couleurs sont magnifiques.Yes, the colors are magnificent.
- EmmaElle est très inspirante.It is very inspiring.
- LucasJe suis tout à fait d'accord.I completely agree.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beau, c'est, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
