What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Tu es belle aujourd'hui literally translates to 'You are beautiful today'.
Which one should you use?
You might use Tu es magnifique aujourd'hui to say someone looks beautiful, Tu es éblouissante aujourd'hui to say they look stunning or dazzling or T'es ravissante aujourd'hui to say they are delightful or charming.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
French uses different forms depending on your relationship with the woman. Use the informal Tu es belle aujourd'hui, Tu es magnifique aujourd'hui, Tu es éblouissante aujourd'hui or T'es ravissante aujourd'hui when speaking to someone you know well. If you are speaking to someone you do not know well or want to show formal respect, use the formal Vous êtes belle aujourd'hui, Vous êtes magnifique aujourd'hui, Vous êtes radieuse aujourd'hui or Vous êtes éblouissante aujourd'hui.
Did you know?
- In France, giving a compliment like Tu es belle to a stranger in a public place can be perceived as 'drague' or aggressive flirting rather than a polite observation.
- The word aujourd'hui is a linguistic puzzle that essentially means 'on the day of today'. It is a combination of several older words, including the Latin 'hodie'.
- The term éblouissante comes from the verb éblouir, which means to blind someone with a flash of light.
Examples in context
- Madame, vous êtes magnifique aujourd'hui.Ma'am, you look beautiful today.
- Mademoiselle, vous êtes radieuse aujourd'hui.Miss, you look radiant today.
- Chère amie, vous êtes éblouissante aujourd'hui.Dear friend, you look stunning today.
- Tu es magnifique aujourd'hui.You look beautiful today.
- T'es ravissante aujourd'hui.You look delightful today.
- Tu es éblouissante aujourd'hui.You look stunning today.
- Je te le dis, tu es belle aujourd'hui.I'm telling you, you look beautiful today.
- Avec cette robe, tu es belle aujourd'hui.With this dress, you look beautiful today.
Example conversation
A couple is getting ready to go out for dinner.
- GabrielTu es belle aujourd'hui, Léa.You look beautiful today, Léa.
- LéaMerci Gabriel, c'est gentil.Thank you Gabriel, that is kind.
- GabrielCette couleur te va très bien.This color suits you very well.
- LéaTu es très mignon ce soir.You are very sweet tonight.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aujourd'hui, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
