French · Adjectives
beau
beautiful
Beginneradjective
Definition
Pleasing to the senses or mind aesthetically.
Example
C'est un beau tableau.
It is a beautiful painting.
Etymology
'Beau' originates from the Latin 'bellus', meaning 'pretty' or 'handsome'. Over the centuries, it has come to denote not just physical attractiveness but also aesthetic qualities.
How & Where It’s Used
'Beau' is used in both formal and informal contexts to describe beauty. It appears frequently in spoken French and is widely utilized in written form, including literature and art critiques.
Literary Heritage
'Beau' has been used in famous works such as the poetry of Paul Verlaine and in the classic song 'À nos souvenirs' by Charles Aznavour.