ton sourire
The English phrase "your smile" is ton sourire in French.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive adjective ton (your) and the noun sourire (smile).
Which one should you use?
You can also use le sourire que tu as to mean "the smile you have" in informal settings or le sourire que vous affichez to mean "the smile you display" in formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word sourire is a masculine noun, which is why the masculine possessive adjective ton is used. Use votre sourire instead of ton sourire when addressing a group of people.
Did you know?
- While ton sourire is a compliment, French has the expression sourire jaune, which means 'to smile yellow'. This describes a forced or fake smile when someone is annoyed or embarrassed.
- The Latin root of sourire, 'subrīdēre', combines 'sub' (under/from below) and 'rīdēre' (to laugh), suggesting a smile is a sort of 'under-laugh'.
- In French literature and poetry, the 'smile' is often personified as something that can be 'offered' (offrir son sourire) or 'stolen' (voler un sourire), emphasizing it as a tangible gift.
Examples in context
- Ton sourire me manque.I miss your smile.This sentence demonstrates how to say you miss the form ton sourire.Tatoeba #13257928 by lbdx, translation #4500079 by CK
- Je n'aime pas ton sourire.I don't like your smile.This sentence shows how to express a dislike for the form ton sourire.Tatoeba #2316305 by sacredceltic, translation #2315312 by CK
- Je me serais souvenu de ton sourire.I would've remembered your smile.This sentence illustrates a situation involving remembering the form ton sourire.Tatoeba #4450826 by franlexcois, translation #7920444 by shekitten
- Madame, votre sourire illumine la pièce.Madam, your smile lights up the room.
- Je tiens à vous remercier pour le sourire que vous affichez malgré les difficultés.I want to thank you for the smile you display despite the difficulties.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are having coffee together.
- HugoTon sourire est magnifique.Your smile is beautiful.
- LéaMerci, c'est très gentil.Thank you, that is very kind.
- HugoTu illumines la pièce.You light up the room.
- LéaTu me fais rougir, Hugo.You are making me blush, Hugo.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sourire, ton, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
