Published May 5, 2022 • Updated July 5, 2026 — By French teacher David Issokson with native audio by Marie Assel Cambier
Beau, belle — Meaning and Pronunciation
Beau / belle means “beautiful,” “pretty,” “handsome,” “nice,” or “good” depending on context. It is an irregular adjective with several forms: beau, bel, belle, beaux and belles. Unlike most French adjectives, it usually comes before the noun.
IPA pronunciations of beau, belle are /bo/ and /bɛl/ (IPA), which sound like “boh” and “bell”.
Beau, belle agreement chart
The chart below shows how beau and belle change to agree with masculine, feminine, singular and plural nouns. It also includes bel, the special masculine singular form used before a vowel sound or mute h.
| Form | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| beau | masculine singular | un beau jardin |
| bel | masculine singular before vowel/mute h | un bel homme |
| belle | feminine singular | une belle maison |
| beaux | masculine plural | de beaux jardins |
| belles | feminine plural | de belles maisons |
Example Sentences
Le beau chien
the beautiful dog
La belle danseuse
the beautiful dancer
Le beau boulanger
the handsome baker
Les beaux jardins (mpl.)
the beautiful gardens
Les belles robes (fpl.)
the beautiful dresses
Un bel écureuil
a beautiful squirrel
How to say “you are beautiful” in French
Vous êtes belle
You are beautiful (formal, singular)
Tu es belle
You are beautiful (informal)
Vous êtes beau
You are handsome (formal, singular)
Tu es beau
You are handsome (informal)
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👉 See: Complete être conjugation chart (to be)
Related words and expressions
- joli(e) — pretty
- magnifique — magnificent, beautiful
- superbe — superb, gorgeous
- splendide — splendid, gorgeous
- ravissant(e) — lovely, charming
- mignon(ne) — cute
- il fait beau — the weather is nice
- le beau temps — nice weather
- beau comme un cœur — very beautiful, adorable
- avoir beau + infinitive — to do something in vain
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