French Conversation · Level 3
88 words
French word
beau
Pronunciation
IPA/bo/
Meaning
- adjectivebeautiful
Example
C'est un beau tableau.
It is a beautiful painting.
More examples
Il fait beau aujourd'hui.
The weather is nice today.
Core concept
An attractive look or atmosphere creates a favorable impression, whether it belongs to a person, object, or stretch of weather.
Common phrases
il fait beau
The weather is nice
très beau
very beautiful
un beau garçon
a handsome boy
Similar words
joli: Pretty and neatly formed, with a pleasing appearance.
mignon: Small, endearing, and cute enough to inspire affection and protectiveness.
élégant: Refined and sophisticated in appearance or movement.
magnifique: Splendid, grand, and strikingly beautiful, with a glamorous quality.
Definition in French
Qui plaît par son apparence ou son allure et s'emploie pour décrire des personnes, des objets ou le temps.
Word origin
The adjective developed from Old French bel, inherited from Latin bellus, with modern beau, belle, and beaux shaped by French agreement and historical sound changes.
Usage tips
- In compounds such as beau-père and belle-soeur, beau or belle can mean a step- or in-law relation rather than physical beauty.