When you're looking to kick off a romance, compliments are a great way to put things in motion. But how do you compliment a guy in French? We've compiled a thorough list of all the most thoughtful, touching, and flattering compliments you can share to build on your relationship with him. Just remember to only use "Tu" with your compliments and you're all set. Read on for absolutely everything you need to know to learn how to compliment a guy in French!

2

"T’es canon, toi!"

  1. This means, "You're hot!" Like calling him handsome, this is sure to make him crack a smile. Call him "hot" for a slightly less formal compliment—because this comment definitely has steamier subtext.[2]
3

"Tu es chou."

  1. This means, "You are cute." Or, this can also mean, "You are sweet." For a more innocent way to hype up his looks or his lovely personality, casually say this phrase to him. When you two are strolling down Avenue Montaigne, look over and admire him for a moment. Then, share your touching compliment.[3]
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4

"J'adore ton sourire."

  1. This means, "I love your smile." When you compliment someone's smile, you make them want to smile more. So this is a win-win! For the best effect, share this compliment when he's mid-smile. He'll adore your sweet comment.[4]
6

"T’as de beaux yeux, tu sais?"

  1. This means, "You have beautiful eyes, you know?" The eyes are the window to the soul, right? Ask him if he knows how gorgeous his eyes are. This has a flirty edge but is still ultimately a super sweet compliment—so he'll love your approach.[6]
7

“Je me noie dans ton regard.”

  1. This means, "I am drowning in your gaze.” To turn up the romance, explain that his eyes aren't just beautiful. Tell him that eye contact with him is intense and stirring, so much so that you're "drowning" in his stare. Use this to elevate the passion in your conversation.[7]
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8

"Tes yeux, j’en rêve jour et nuit."

  1. This means, "I dream about your eyes day and night." If you're looking to get romantic, tell him that you fantasize about his beautiful eyes. This is a seriously touching, heartfelt thing to tell someone. When you're looking to create some intimacy between you two, tell him this.[8]
9

"J’aime beaucoup ta nouvelle coupe de cheveux."

  1. This means, "I like your new haircut." Simple and specific, this compliment could be used effectively for so many different reasons. Maybe you're interested romantically and trying to subtly hint at that fact. Maybe you're just his friend looking for a way to show love for his new haircut. Regardless, he'll love this thoughtful, kind compliment.[9]
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11

"Tu es superbe."

  1. This means, "You look fantastic." Let him know that today, he's looking especially good. While you two stroll to the Louvre for a day of culture, let him know that he's crushing it. This'll be enough to make him blush![11]
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12

"J’aime bien cette couleur, elle te va vraiment bien."

  1. This means, "I like this color, it really suits you." This is France after all! This culture has a long and rich fashion history. Style is everything. Let him know that today, his outfit has flair. Offer this compliment on a day that you think he might've put extra thought into his look. He'll feel super flattered.[12]
13

"T’es trop charmant."

  1. This means, "You are too charming." In France, "charming" is usually used to mean more than just "charismatic." It's like calling someone attractive, pleasant, and alluring all at once. So when you're looking to take things to the next level and share your appreciation, look him in the eyes. Then, offer this compliment.[13]
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14

"Tu me rends heureuse."

  1. This means, "You make me happy." Super simple and sweet, this compliment is likely to make any guy feel touched. Use this in a platonic or romantic way. When you two have had a great day together, turn to him and tell him this.[14]
    • If you're a guy, say this instead, "Tu me rends heureux."
16

"Tu es mon rayon de soleil."

  1. This means, "You are my ray of sunshine." Use a sweet metaphor to let him know how much you care about him. This definitely works for platonic and romantic relationships. Either way, your thoughtful comment will definitely stick with him.[16]
17

"Je peux toujours compter sur toi."

  1. This means, "I can always count on you." Whether he's a friend or a crush, he'll love knowing that you really trust him to be there. With this compliment, let him know that he makes you feel safe. This'll help you connect on a deeper level. When he offers you comfort or help with problem, that's the perfect time to share.[17]
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18

“Je me sens moi-même quand je suis avec toi.”

  1. This means, "I feel like myself when I am around you.” Say the two of you are hanging out and you do something silly—like a terrible impression or dance move. Look him in the eyes and tell him that he makes you feel comfortable enough to be yourself. He'll be touched![18]
19

“Je n’ai jamais rencontré quelqu’un d’aussi original que toi.”

  1. This means, "I have never met someone as unique as you.” Who doesn't love to hear that they're one in a million? Use this compliment when you're still getting to know each other or when you two are already super close. Either way, he'll love you for it.[19]
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21

"Tu as un grand sens de l’humour."

  1. This means, "You have a great sense of humor." Calling someone funny can open the door to flirting or it can just be a sweet shoutout from a friend. Either way, he'll appreciate your positive comment. For the best effect, tell him this right after he's made you laugh or said something witty.[21]
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22

"Tu es très sympa."

  1. This means, "You are very kind." "Sympa" is actually short for "sympathique." But shorten the word in your compliment, and you'll sound like a total local. Let him know that you think he has a great heart. After he says something kind to you, talks about his volunteer work, or helps someone cross the street, look at him and share your compliment. He'll love you for it.[22]
23

"Tu es très intelligent."

  1. This means, "You are very smart." Everyone loves to hear that they're intelligent. Use this in tons of different contexts: when your friend makes a good point, your crush shares thoughts on his fav book, or an acquaintance talks about his thesis. In any case, he'll feel super flattered.[23]
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24

“Tu as bon goût en musique."

  1. This means, "You have very good taste in music.” When he's playing you his favorite song and excitedly anticipating you're reaction, he'll love hearing this in response. Guys who are into the arts will be especially thrilled by this touching compliment, whether they're a friend or crush. Let him know you think he's got an ear for great music.[24]
26

"Tu fais vraiment bien la cuisine."

  1. This means, "You’re a great cook." When you get invited to a friend or crush's home for dinner, politely explain that he's a talented chef. This is polite, it's flattering, and it may get you invited back for another meal.[26]
27

“Mes compliments au chef.”

  1. This means, "My compliments to the chef." If you're looking to add a charming twist to your food-related compliment, explain that the "chef" (your friend, acquaintance, or crush) did a superb job. Or, if you're out at a restaurant, feel free to use this as a compliment to your actual chef![27]
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28

"Je t’apprécie."

  1. This means, "I like you." This phrase is used to express romantic interest, so let your French crush know that you're into him. He'll love hearing your true feelings![28]
29

"Je t'adore."

  1. This means, "I adore you." When you share your feelings, add an extra affectionate flair. This is a step up from telling someone you like them—so use this when you want to emphasize your romantic feelings (like on your moonlit walk along the Seine).[29]
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31

"Mon chéri."

  1. This means, "My dear." Sprinkle this into conversation to let him know that he has a special place in your heart. Use it either platonically or romantically to casually express your affection.[31]
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  1. https://idlewildbooks.com/french-slang/
  2. https://www.wordreference.com/fren/Tu%20es%20superbe
  3. https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20191007-why-are-the-french-so-chic
  4. https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/french-culture/french-culture-communication
  5. https://parade.com/1167909/marynliles/best-compliments/
  6. https://parade.com/1167909/marynliles/best-compliments/
  7. https://www.wordreference.com/fren/Tu%20es%20mon%20rayon%20de%20soleil
  8. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a59017/guy-compliments/
  9. https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/french-culture/french-culture-communication
  10. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a59017/guy-compliments/
  11. https://parade.com/1167909/marynliles/best-compliments/
  12. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a59017/guy-compliments/
  13. https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/french-culture/french-culture-communication
  14. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a59017/guy-compliments/
  15. https://www.idiva.com/relationships-love/love-stories/compliments-every-man-wants-to-hear/photogallery/28060?picid=238249
  16. https://www.wordreference.com/fren/Tu%20danses%20bien
  17. https://bestlifeonline.com/compliments-men-cant-resist/
  18. https://bestlifeonline.com/compliments-men-cant-resist/
  19. https://www.wordreference.com/fren/Je%20t’apprécie
  20. https://www.wordreference.com/fren/I%20adore%20you
  21. https://www.thoughtco.com/coup-de-foudre-1371171
  22. https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/french-english/mon-chéri
  23. https://parade.com/1167909/marynliles/best-compliments/

About This Article

Marc Crabbé
Co-authored by:
Google Suite Expert
This article was co-authored by Marc Crabbé and by wikiHow staff writer, Caroline Heiderscheit. Marc is a translator and International Project Manager, who has been working in Google Suite for project management since 2011. This article has been viewed 9,744 times.
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Co-authors: 3
Updated: October 15, 2022
Views: 9,744
Categories: Communication Skills
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