tu es charmante
The English phrase "you look lovely" can be expressed in French as tu es charmante.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they look attractive or pleasing.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, tu es charmante translates to "you are lovely".
Which one should you use?
While English uses the verb "to look" to describe appearance, the French translation uses the verb "to be" (être).
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "you look lovely" to a man, use the masculine form tu es charmant. If you want to be more formal or are speaking to more than one person, use vous êtes charmante (for one woman) or vous êtes charmants (for a group).
Did you know?
- The word charmant shares the same root as the English word 'charm', both originating from the Latin 'carmen', meaning a song, incantation or magic spell.
- If a French speaker says tu es charmante with a specific sarcastic tone, it can actually be a subtle way of saying someone is being manipulative or 'too clever'.
- In French, using tu instead of vous to tell someone they are charmante can be seen as a bold flirtation or an intimate gesture depending on the social context.
Examples in context
- Vous êtes magnifique dans cette robe.You look lovely in that dress.
- Je dois dire que vous êtes très élégante ce soir.I must say, you look very lovely tonight.
- Wow, tu es vraiment ravissante dans cette tenue.Wow, you look absolutely lovely in that outfit.
- Tu es superbe avec cette nouvelle coiffure.You look lovely with that new hairstyle.
- Je trouve que tu es vraiment magnifique aujourd'hui.I think you look really lovely today.
- Tu es charmante ce soir.You look lovely tonight.
- Je trouve que tu es charmante dans cette robe.I think you look lovely in this dress.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are at a dinner party.
- GabrielEmma, tu es charmante avec tes cheveux lâchés.Emma, you look lovely with your hair down.
- EmmaMerci Gabriel, c'est très gentil.Thank you Gabriel, that is very kind.
- GabrielTu as vraiment beaucoup d'élégance.You really have a lot of elegance.
- EmmaTu me fais rougir.You are making me blush.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
