tu es beau
The English phrase "you look handsome" is translated into French as tu es beau.
This is a compliment used to tell a man that he is physically attractive.
Which one should you use?
While tu es beau literally translates to "you are handsome," it is used in most contexts to express that someone looks handsome (for example, right now or in a specific outfit). This is because French often uses a state of being rather than the verb "to look" to describe physical appearance.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase tu es beau literally means "you are handsome."
Did you know?
- In many French-speaking regions, if you want to say a man is 'very handsome' or 'hot', you might use the slang term beau gosse instead of the formal beau.
- If you say tu es beau to a man in a professional setting, it might feel overly intimate or personal compared to the English 'you look handsome'.
- The word beau has a grammatical quirk where it changes to bel when placed immediately before a masculine noun starting with a vowel.
Examples in context
- Tu es séduisant avec cette nouvelle tenue.You look attractive in that new outfit.
- Tu es beau dans ce costume.You are handsome in this suit.
- Je te l'ai dit, tu es beau.I told you, you are handsome.
Example conversation
Chloé sees Lucas dressed up for a party.
- ChloéOh, tu es beau pour la soirée !Oh, you look handsome for the party!
- LucasMerci, Chloé. C'est gentil.Thanks, Chloé. That's kind.
- ChloéJ'adore ta chemise bleue.I love your blue shirt.
- LucasMerci, je suis content qu'elle te plaise.Thanks, I'm glad you like it.
