du bist so hässlich
The English phrase "you're so ugly" is translated into German as du bist so hässlich.
This phrase is used to tell someone that they are not physically attractive. The word hässlich can also be used to describe something 'ugly' in a non-physical sense, such as an "ugly" behavior or an "ugly" situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase du bist so hässlich uses the singular informal du (you) and the verb bist (are). The formal version uses Sie sind so hässlich.
Did you know?
- Because German has a strict distinction between formal and informal 'you', using du bist so hässlich to a stranger is seen as an aggressive act of social degradation.
- The word hässlich is formed from Hass, meaning 'hate', and the suffix -lich. Literally, to be ugly in German is to be 'hate-like'.
- While hässlich is the standard word for ugly, Germans often use the word hässlich to describe bad weather, such as a grey and rainy day.
Examples in context
- Du bist so hässlich.You are so ugly.
- Es tut mir leid, aber du bist so hässlich.I am sorry, but you are so ugly.
Example conversation
Two classmates are arguing in a school hallway.
- HannahDu bist so hässlich, Felix!You are so ugly, Felix!
- FelixDas ist sehr gemein, Hannah.That is very mean, Hannah.
- HannahIch sage nur die Wahrheit.I am only telling the truth.
- FelixDu bist eine unfreundliche Person.You are an unfriendly person.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bist, du, hässlich, so, CC BY-SA 4.0.
