beaux — meaning in English: beautiful

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for beautiful

veille

important

bureaux

point

beaux

Skip this question

🎓

Learn French for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'beaux' when describing art, nature, or people, particularly in social gatherings or moments of admiration. For instance, one might say, 'Les beaux paysages de France sont à couper le souffle' ('The beautiful landscapes of France are breathtaking') while appreciating a scenic view with friends.

Synonyms & nuances

'Beaux' is often compared with 'joli', which means 'pretty'. While 'beaux' conveys a sense of grandeur or more profound beauty, 'joli' is used for things that are charming or cute. Choose 'beaux' when you want to express something that inspires awe or admiration.

Culture

'Beaux' is the masculine plural form of 'beau', which originally comes from the Latin word 'bellus', meaning 'pretty' or 'handsome'. In French culture, beauty is often celebrated, and using 'beaux' can reflect a deep appreciation for aesthetics, whether in art, nature, or relationships. Interestingly, the concept of beauty extends beyond mere appearance, often encompassing grace and elegance in French discourse.

FAQ

Q.What is the feminine form of beaux?

'Beaux' is the masculine plural form. The feminine plural is 'belles', used to describe groups of feminine nouns. For instance, 'Les belles fleurs' means 'the beautiful flowers'.

Q.Can I use beaux to describe inanimate objects?

Yes, 'beaux' can describe inanimate objects when they are masculine plural. For example, 'Les beaux bâtiments' means 'the beautiful buildings'.

Q.Is beaux used in formal speech?

'Beaux' is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might opt for more elevated synonyms depending on the context.

Learn french with Maspeak →

2000 French Words