sourire
/su.ʁiʁ/
To smile in French is sourire.
The word sourire is used to describe forming a pleased or amused expression on the face by curving the mouth upwards. You can use it in various ways to describe how someone smiles, such as sourire joyeusement (to smile joyfully), sourire timidement (to smile shyly), sourire amicalement (to smile kindly) or sourire tristement (to smile sadly).
Which one should you use?
In English, 'to smile' is strictly a verb, but in French, sourire functions as both a verb (to smile) and a noun (a smile).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word sourire functions as both a verb (to smile) and a noun (a smile).
How do you pronounce it?
/su.ʁiʁ/
Did you know?
- French has a specific expression, sourire jaune, which describes a forced or fake smile used to hide jealousy or embarrassment.
- The Latin root of sourire is subrīdēre, which combines the prefix for 'under' with the word for 'laugh'. Literally, to smile is to 'laugh under' or laugh softly.
- While English speakers might say 'keep a smile on your face', French often uses the expression garder le sourire, which can imply maintaining a positive attitude during a hardship rather than just a facial expression.
Examples in context
- Tu dois sourire plus.You need to smile more.This sentence shows how to use sourire to say someone needs to smile more.Tatoeba #7458878 by Micsmithel, translation #7446652 by Hybrid
- Essaie de sourire un peu.Try to smile a little.This sentence uses sourire to suggest trying to smile a little.Tatoeba #10963236 by lbdx, translation #8100139 by Hybrid
- J'ai obtenu un sourire de Tom.I got Tom to smile.This sentence demonstrates using sourire to describe obtaining a smile from someone.Tatoeba #14052268 by zogwarg, translation #6663839 by CK
- Elle sourit chaleureusement lorsqu'elle le voit.She smiles warmly when she sees him.
- Le conférencier a commencé son discours en souriant à l'audience.The speaker started his speech by smiling at the audience.
- "Alors, comment s'est passée ta journée?" Elle a souri et répondu : "Très bien, merci!""So, how was your day?" She smiled and replied, "Very good, thank you!"
- "C'était vraiment drôle." Ils ont ri ensemble, partageant leur sourire complice."That was really funny." They laughed together, sharing their knowing smiles.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Gabriel are looking at a photo they just took.
- ManonTu devrais sourire sur cette photo.You should smile in this photo.
- GabrielJe ne sais pas comment sourire naturellement.I do not know how to smile naturally.
- ManonRegarde-moi et essaie de sourire, Gabriel.Look at me and try to smile, Gabriel.
- GabrielD'accord, je vais sourire maintenant.Okay, I am going to smile now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sourire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sourire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
