tu as l'air en pleine forme
The English phrase "you look great" can be translated into French as tu as l'air en pleine forme.
This specific phrase is used to compliment someone's vitality or energy rather than their physical attractiveness or clothing.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, tu as l'air en pleine forme translates to "you have the air in full shape".
Which one should you use?
While tu as l'air en pleine forme focuses on how someone appears, tu es en pleine forme asserts that they actually are in great shape.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the vous form, vous avez l'air en pleine forme, if you are speaking to a stranger, a superior or a group of people.
Did you know?
- The pronoun tu is a cognate with the German du, the Italian tu and the Russian ты.
- While tu as l'air en pleine forme is a compliment, adding a questioning tone transforms it into a way to express surprise that someone looks healthy despite a known illness.
- The word pleine in en pleine forme comes from the same root as the English word 'plenty'.
Examples in context
- Votre tenue est très chic! J'adore comment vous avez assorti votre chemise avec votre pantalon. Vous dégagez une grande élégance!Your outfit is very chic! I love how you've matched your shirt with your pants. You exude great elegance!
- Tu as l'air en pleine forme aujourd'hui.You look great today.
- Depuis que tu fais du sport, tu as l'air en pleine forme.Since you started exercising, you look great.
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma meet at a café after a long time.
- LucasSalut Emma ! Tu as l'air en pleine forme !Hi Emma! You look great!
- EmmaMerci Lucas ! Je me sens très bien en ce moment.Thanks Lucas! I feel very good lately.
- LucasÇa se voit, tu as une mine superbe.It shows, you look wonderful.
- EmmaC'est gentil, je reviens de vacances.That's kind, I'm just back from vacation.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries as, en, forme, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
