tu es mignon
To say "you look cute" in French, you use tu es mignon.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are attractive or endearing in appearance. While English speakers often use the verb 'to look' (to look cute), the French default form tu es mignon literally translates to "you are cute".
Did you know?
- In the court of Francis I, the Mignons were a specific group of young men favored by the king for their beauty and grace.
- The word mignon has its roots in the concept of 'thinking' or 'memory', sharing an ancient ancestor with the English word 'mind'.
- In certain contexts, calling a grown man mignon can be perceived as patronizing or infantilizing rather than a genuine compliment of his attractiveness.
Examples in context
- Salut Lucie, tu es trop mignonne aujourd'hui!Hi Lucie, you are so cute today!
- Toi aussi, tu as l'air adorable!You look adorable too!
- Madame, vous êtes vraiment adorable dans cette tenue.Ma'am, you look truly adorable in that outfit.
- Tu es vraiment mignon avec ce chapeau !You are really cute with that hat!
- Tu es mignon avec ce chapeau.You look cute with this hat.
- Ne t'inquiète pas, tu es mignon.Don't worry, you are cute.
- Je te l'ai dit, tu es mignon quand tu souris.I told you, you look cute when you smile.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are getting ready for a date.
- HugoTu es prête, Manon ?Are you ready, Manon?
- ManonOui, j'adore ta chemise, Hugo !Yes, I love your shirt, Hugo!
- HugoMerci, mais tu es mignon toi aussi.Thanks, but you look cute too.
- ManonC'est très gentil, merci !That's very kind, thank you!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mignon, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
