French word for you are beautiful

French is the language of romance; its sounds and accents just roll together off of the tongue to create a feeling of love. Even sad songs can sound like love songs to a non-French speaker. What better phrase to learn how to say in French than something as beautiful as the language itself?

Steps

Talking to Women

1. Tell a woman she is beautiful with «Tu es belle.» This literally translates to «You are beautiful.» The first part, «tu es» means «you are,» and the word «belle» translates as «beautiful.»
   • «Tu es belle» is pronounced as «Two eh bell.»
2. Use the formal «vous êtes belle» when talking to superiors, the elderly, or distinguished people. «Vous» is the formal version of «tu,» and is used in «proper» conversation. Though there is no hard and fast rule for when to use «vous,» a good rule of thumb is to use it for anyone you would refer to as «Ms.» or «Mrs.» in English.
   • Pronounce this as «vooz eht bell.»
   • Note how there is no «s» at the end of belle when speaking to one person.
3. Tell multiple women they are beautiful by saying «Vous êtes belles.» This is the plural form of the equation, but the translation is the same. Note how you cannot just add an «s» to belles, you need to use the plural form of «you are» as well — «Vous êtes.»
   • Pronounce this as «vooz eht bell.»
4. Learn synonyms for the word «beautiful» in French. If you want to spice up your romantic vocabulary, there are a lot of words that you can substitute for «belle.» Try out these, adding them in the phrases «Tu es _____» or «Vous êtes ____:»
   • Jolie: Pretty
   • Mignonne: Cute
   • Superbe, Splendide: Gorgeous
   • Séduisante: Alluring or attractive
   • Une jolie femme:A beautiful woman.
   • Tu es la plus belle fille que j’ai jamais vue: You are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.

Talking to Men

1. Tell a man he is beautiful with «Tu es beau.» The male form of the word beautiful is «beau.» Beau has the same meaning as the female word «belle,» but it is male version of the word.
   • Pronounce this «two eh boh»
   • «Beau» is often translated as «Handsome» when speaking about a male.
2. Use the formal «vous êtes beau» when talking to superiors, the elderly, or distinguished people. «Vous» is the formal version of «tu,» and is used in proper conversation. Though there is no hard and fast rule for when to use «vous,» a good rule of thumb is to use it for anyone you would refer to as «Mr.» in English
   • Pronounce this as «vooz eht boh.»
3. Tell multiple men they are beautiful or handsome by saying «Vous êtes beaux.» This is the plural form of the equation, but the translation is the same. To make the word ending in «au» plural, you need to add an «x», making «beaux.» You need to use the plural form of «you are» as well — «Vous êtes _____»
   • Pronounce this as «vooz eht boh.» The «x» is silent.
4. Learn synonyms for «beautiful/handsome» in French. If you want to spice up your romantic vocabulary, there are a lot of words that you can substitute for «beau.» Try out these, adding them in the phrases «Tu es _____» or «Vous êtes ____:»
   • Joli: Pretty
   • Mignon: Cute
   • Superb, Splendid: Gorgeous
   • Séduisant: Alluring or attractive
   • Un bel homme: a handsome man.
   • Tu es le plus beau garçon que j’ai jamais vu: You are the most beautiful boy I’ve ever seen.

Tips

• Adding the word «très» (pronounced: trε) after «tu es» or «vous êtes» changes the meaning to «you are very beautiful».

Many people regard Paris as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and it’s easy to be struck by cupid’s arrow during your visit. Telling random people that they’re beautiful might not be the best approach, but if you’re visiting the city with someone you love and want to convey your feelings in the native tongue, sweep your special someone off her feel by telling her that she’s beautiful in French.

About the Author

Toronto-based journalist William McCoy has been writing since 1997, specializing in topics such as sports, nutrition and health. He serves as the Studio’s sports and recreation section expert. McCoy is a journalism graduate of Ryerson University.