How to Say Beautiful in French is something every language lover should know — especially if you’re complimenting someone or describing a breathtaking place.
The most common word is “beau” for masculine and “belle” for feminine, but there are many other elegant ways to express beauty in French. Whether you’re talking about a person, an object, or a view, learning these words will make your French sound more expressive and charming.
With just a few beautiful phrases, you can add a touch of romance and sophistication to your French conversations.
Say Beautiful in French
Let’s explore 15 ways to say beautiful in French, with real-life conversation examples and the cultural or historical background behind each expressi
15 phrases table for How to Say Beautiful in French
| Spanish Phrase | Pronunciation | Meaning | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hermosa | ehr-MOH-sah | Beautiful | Formal, common compliment for women |
| Bello/Bella | BEH-yoh / BEH-yah | Lovely, beautiful | Poetic, elegant compliment |
| Guapa | GWAH-pah | Pretty, good-looking | Casual, often for women |
| Bonita | boh-NEE-tah | Pretty | Common, everyday use |
| Linda | LEEN-dah | Cute, pretty | Warm, affectionate |
| Preciosa | preh-SYOH-sah | Gorgeous, precious | Strong compliment |
| Encantadora | en-kahn-tah-DOH-rah | Charming | Used for personality and looks |
| Radiante | rah-DEE-ahn-teh | Radiant | Describes glowing beauty |
| Atractiva | ah-trahk-TEE-vah | Attractive | Neutral, formal compliment |
| Chula | CHOO-lah | Cute, stylish | Informal, slang (Mexico) |
| Mona | MOH-nah | Cute, pretty | Informal, friendly |
| Deslumbrante | dehz-loom-BRAHN-teh | Stunning | Strong, dramatic compliment |
| Estupenda | es-too-PEHN-dah | Wonderful, splendid | Strong admiration |
| Fascinante | fah-see-NAHN-teh | Fascinating, beautiful | Both beauty and charm |
| Magnífica | mag-NEE-fee-kah | Magnificent, grand | Formal, poetic compliment |
1. Beau (masculine) / Belle (feminine)
Origin:
From Latin bellus, meaning “pretty” or “fine.” These are the most direct translations of “beautiful” in French.
Example:
👤 User A: Tu es très belle aujourd’hui.
👤 User B: Merci, tu es trop gentil.
Use: Standard and widely used for people, objects, and abstract beauty.
2. Joli / Jolie
Origin:
“Joli(e)” means “pretty” and can also imply cuteness or charm. It’s slightly less intense than beau/belle.
Example:
👤 User A: C’est une jolie robe, elle te va très bien.
👤 User B: Oh merci ! Je l’ai achetée hier.
Use: Often used for things, children, or to compliment modest beauty.
3. Magnifique
Origin:
From Latin magnificus, meaning “noble” or “great.” It conveys admiration with grandeur.
Example:
👤 User A: Cette vue est magnifique, non ?
👤 User B: Absolument. On dirait une carte postale !
Use: For landscapes, experiences, people—used to express wonder.
4. Sublime
Origin:
Borrowed directly from the Latin sublimis, meaning “elevated” or “lofty.”
Example:
👤 User A: Tu étais sublime dans ce film !
👤 User B: Merci, ça me touche vraiment.
Use: Very poetic and elevated—used for powerful beauty or admiration.
5. Canon
Origin:
Slang from the 1980s in France. Originally meant “hot” or “bombshell.”
Example:
👤 User A: La fille là-bas est vraiment canon.
👤 User B: Oui, elle est magnifique.
Use: Very informal, modern; used mostly for physical attraction.
6. Mignon / Mignonne
Origin:
From the Old French mignon, meaning “delicate” or “cute.”
Example:
👤 User A: Ton chat est trop mignon !
👤 User B: Merci, il adore les câlins.
Use: Cute or sweet—applies to people, animals, and things.
7. Éblouissant(e)
Origin:
From éblouir (“to dazzle”). It means “dazzling” or “stunning.”
Example:
👤 User A: Tu es éblouissante ce soir.
👤 User B: Tu me fais rougir !
Use: Flattering, romantic, and elegant—used for events or appearance.
8. Ravissant(e)
Origin:
From ravir (to delight), this means “delightful” or “lovely.”
Example:
👤 User A: Cette maison est ravissante.
👤 User B: Oui, elle a beaucoup de charme.
Use: Soft and charming, used for people, places, or objects.
9. Chouette
Origin:
Originally meant “owl,” but evolved in slang to mean “cool” or “nice.”
Example:
👤 User A: Tu as une chouette coiffure !
👤 User B: Merci, je viens de sortir du salon.
Use: Very informal; often used by teens or casually.
10. Charmant / Charmante
Origin:
Directly from “charm.” Suggests elegance and likeability.
Example:
👤 User A: Il est charmant, ton ami.
👤 User B: Je sais ! Il fait craquer tout le monde.
Use: Classy, often used for first impressions.
11. Splendide
Origin:
From Latin splendidus, meaning “shining” or “bright.”
Example:
👤 User A: Quelle robe splendide !
👤 User B: Merci, c’est ma préférée.
Use: Dramatic and positive; used in speeches or compliments.
12. Impeccable
Origin:
Means “flawless” or “perfect.” From Latin impeccabilis.
Example:
👤 User A: Ton maquillage est impeccable.
👤 User B: Merci ! J’ai mis une heure.
Use: Often used for fashion, makeup, or neatness.
13. Nickel
Origin:
Slang from the metal nickel—something shiny and clean.
Example:
👤 User A: Tes ongles sont nickel !
👤 User B: Trop gentille, merci.
Use: Informal, similar to “perfect” or “spot-on.”
14. Stylé(e)
Origin:
Modern slang meaning “stylish” or “trendy.”
Example:
👤 User A: Trop stylé ton look aujourd’hui !
👤 User B: Merci, j’ai testé un nouveau truc.
Use: Urban, trendy, used especially for fashion or appearance.
15. Craquant / Craquante
Origin:
From craquer (“to crack” or “to fall for”). Implies adorable or irresistible.
Example:
👤 User A: Ton bébé est craquant !
👤 User B: Je sais, il fait fondre tout le monde.
Use: Cute in a way that melts hearts—great for babies, crushes, or flirty moments.
FAQs:
1. What is the most common word for “beautiful” in French?
The most common word is “beau” for masculine nouns and “belle” for feminine nouns.
2. How do I pronounce “beau”?
It is pronounced like “boh.”
3. How do I pronounce “belle”?
It is pronounced like “bell.”
4. Do French adjectives change based on gender?
Yes, if the noun is masculine, use beau. If it is feminine, use belle.
5. How do I say “You are beautiful” to a girl?
Say “Tu es belle.”
6. How do I say “You are handsome” to a boy?
Say “Tu es beau.”
7. Can I use “joli/jolie” instead of beau/belle?
Yes, “joli” (masculine) and “jolie” (feminine) also mean pretty, usually in a softer way.
8. What is a romantic way to say beautiful in French?
You can say “magnifique”, meaning wonderful or stunning.
9. Can I use “beau” to describe things, not just people?
Yes, you can describe places, art, weather, etc., with beau or belle.
10. How do I compliment someone politely in French?
Speak softly and say “Tu es vraiment beau/belle” meaning “You are truly beautiful.”
Conclusion:
Now that you know how to say beautiful in French, you can confidently express admiration in a language known for its elegance and charm. Whether it’s belle, beau, or another lovely phrase, these words will help you describe people, places, and moments with more feeling.
So go ahead — add a little French flair to your compliments and make your conversations more vibrant and heartfelt!
