In French, adjectives are words that help describe nouns. They need to match the noun in gender (like boy or girl) and number (singular or plural).

Two adjectives that can be tricky are "beau" and "joli."

Both of these words mean "beautiful" or "pretty" in English, but they are used in different ways and have slightly different meanings.

"Beau"

• Meaning: "Beau" means "handsome" or "beautiful."

• Usage: We use this word for things that look grand or impressive. It can describe people, places, and objects.

• Forms:

  • Masculine Singular: beau (e.g., un beau tableau - a beautiful painting)
  • Feminine Singular: belle (e.g., une belle fleur - a beautiful flower)
  • Masculine Plural: beaux (e.g., des beaux paysages - beautiful landscapes)
  • Feminine Plural: belles (e.g., des belles statues - beautiful statues)

"Joli"

• Meaning: "Joli" means "pretty" or "nice."

• Usage: We use this word for lighter and sweeter things or people.

• Forms:

  • Masculine Singular: joli (e.g., un joli chat - a pretty cat)
  • Feminine Singular: jolie (e.g., une jolie robe - a pretty dress)
  • Masculine Plural: jolis (e.g., des jolis livres - pretty books)
  • Feminine Plural: jolies (e.g., des jolies maisons - pretty houses)

Summary

• Use "beau" when you want to describe something that is strong and beautiful.

• Use "joli" when you want to describe something that is charming and pretty.

• Remember to match the adjective's gender and number with the noun it describes!

Try using both words in sentences to practice and understand how they work!