How to Compliment a Guy in French

Co-authored by Marc Crabbé and Caroline Heiderscheit

Last Updated: October 15, 2022 References

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!

1

"Tu es très beau."

This means, "You are very handsome." When you're looking at your crush, dreaming about his amazing smile and great hair, let him know that you think he's super attractive. Use this phrase to flatter him, express your interest, or just shout out how good he looks on a particular occasion.^{[1]
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2

"T’es canon, toi!"

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]
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3

"Tu es chou."

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."

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]
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5

“Ton sourire est doux.”

This means, "Your smile is very gentle.” When you tell him this, you're saying his smile is sweet or soft. In France, this is a tender, thoughtful compliment to give someone. So, tell him this to let him know that his smile makes you melt.^{[5]
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6

"T’as de beaux yeux, tu sais?"

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]
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7

“Je me noie dans ton regard.”

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."

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]
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9

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

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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10

"Je kiffe ton style."

This means, "I dig your style.” "Kiffer" is actually French slang (used to describe liking, appreciating, or "digging" something), so you'll do more than just flatter him. You'll come across as a local, too! Tell him this to shout out his exquisite taste. He'll be over the moon.^{[10]
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11

"Tu es superbe."

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."

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]
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13

"T’es trop charmant."

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."

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]
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- If you're a guy, say this instead, "Tu me rends heureux."

15

"Tu es ma joie de vivre."

This means, "You’re the joy of my life." For more serious platonic or romantic relationships, let him know that he's a huge source of happiness for you. This compliment is so sweet and thoughtful—it'll absolutely make him swoon.^{[15]
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16

"Tu es mon rayon de soleil."

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]
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17

"Je peux toujours compter sur toi."

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.”

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]
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19

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

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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20

“J'apprécie beaucoup ta perspective sur la vie.”

This means, "I really appreciate your perspective on life.” Give him a deep, though-provoking compliment to really get him thinking (and blushing!). To think up a compliment like this, you usually have to be pretty insightful. So while you're flattering him, you also come across as clever!^{[20]
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21

"Tu as un grand sens de l’humour."

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."

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]
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23

"Tu es très intelligent."

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."

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]
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25

"Tu danses bien."

This means, "You dance well." When you're out on the dancefloor tearing it up with a cute guy, tell him this. Guys love to be complimented on how well they move and groove, so explain that you like the way he dances. Use this on a crush, a friend, or anyone who's got great moves!^{[25]
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26

"Tu fais vraiment bien la cuisine."

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]
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27

“Mes compliments au chef.”

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."

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]
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29

"Je t'adore."

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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30

"J’ai eu un coup de foudre!"

This means, "It was love at first sight." Literally, this phrase describes feeling struck by lightning, so tell him this to emphasize how intensely you react to his presence. ^{[30]
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31

"Mon chéri."

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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32

"Bon travail."

This means, "Good job." Whether it's with dinner, work, or a piece of artwork, let him know that he's done excellent work. This will leave him feeling flattered and accomplished. And you'll have congratulated a job well done!^{[32]
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References

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About This Article

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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