French Conversation · Level 12
90 words
French word
joli
Pronunciation
IPA/ʒoli/
Meaning
- adjectivepretty
Example
Cette poupée est jolie.
This doll is pretty.
More examples
Elle a un joli sourire.
She has a pretty smile.
Core concept
A delicate object or scene has an easy, harmonious beauty that feels charming and pleasant to look at.
Common phrases
un joli sourire
a pretty smile
une jolie robe
a pretty dress
Similar words
mignon: Small and cute in an affection-inspiring way.
beau: Beautiful in a polished and visually striking way.
charmant: Charming and pleasing enough to inspire fondness.
adorable: So lovable that it inspires strong affection.
Definition in French
Qui exprime une beauté simple et harmonieuse, souvent délicate ou plaisante sans être spectaculaire.
Word origin
Modern joli continues an Old French adjective, joli or jolif, whose earlier sense of pleasant or agreeable developed into a sense of visual attractiveness.
Usage tips
- Joli is pronounced the same as jolie in ordinary speech, so the written final e signals feminine agreement rather than a new sound.