Tu as de beaux yeux
To say "you have pretty eyes" in French, you use Tu as de beaux yeux.
In French, the word beaux specifically means "beautiful" or "handsome", which is a stronger and more common way to compliment eyes in French than the literal translation of "pretty".
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase Tu as de beaux yeux, the word beaux means "beautiful" or "handsome".
Which one should you use?
Tu as de beaux yeux is used for friends, family or people you know well, whereas Vous avez de beaux yeux is used for strangers or in formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes from Tu as to Vous avez when addressing someone formally or when addressing more than one person.
Did you know?
- The plural word for eyes yeux is an irregular form that evolved from the Latin word oculus, which is also the root of the English word 'ocular'.
- In many French-speaking cultures, making direct eye contact while delivering a compliment like Tu as de beaux yeux is a key part of the social interaction.
- The word beaux is a masculine plural adjective, which is why it must agree with the masculine noun yeux even if you are complimenting a woman.
Examples in context
- Tu as de beaux yeux.You have pretty eyes.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase Tu as de beaux yeux.Tatoeba #1708122 by manuk7, translation #3342864 by CK
- Tu as de beaux yeux, mon amie.You have beautiful eyes, my friend.
- Je tiens à vous dire que vous avez des yeux très jolis, madame.I would like to tell you that you have very pretty eyes, madam.
- Tu as de beaux yeux bleus.You have beautiful blue eyes.
- Je le lui ai dit : tu as de beaux yeux.I told him: you have beautiful eyes.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are having a quiet conversation at a cafe.
- ChloéTu as de beaux yeux, Nathan.You have beautiful eyes, Nathan.
- NathanMerci, c'est très gentil de ta part.Thank you, that is very kind of you.
- ChloéC'est la vérité.It is the truth.
- NathanTu me fais rougir, Chloé.You are making me blush, Chloé.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries as, de, tu, yeux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
