Sage-Tips

What do you call a French lady?

Mademoiselle
“Madame” (Mme) for a woman. The plural is Mesdames (Mmes). “Mademoiselle” (Mlle) is a traditional alternative for an unmarried woman.

Do the French still use mademoiselle?

Today, you’ll still hear mademoiselle being used, though usually by older French speakers for whom the term is still traditional. It is also occasionally used in formal situations. Most younger French speakers do not use the term, particularly in large cities like Paris.

Why is mademoiselle offensive?

But it’s a delicate subject. You may not have known it, but the French word mademoiselle, that we are all taught at school to mean “miss”, is rather offensive to some. Adding insult to injury, the word mademoiselle actually comes from the term ‘oiselle’, which can also mean ‘virgin’.

Is mademoiselle flirty?

Because, when you come down to it, once you’re over a certain age, being called mademoiselle is like a compliment, and usually a form of flirting. You might wonder how often this would happen, but French culture is known for its forms of politeness.

Is Madame an insult?

In general, no, it’s not insulting, but it’s slightly stiff or formal — more so in American English than in British English. But the specific quote in your question is using one of the senses of the word that most people would find insulting in most cases, yes. Like many words, madam has multiple meanings/senses.

How do you describe yourself in French?

To describe yourself, there are two important phrases: Je suis, meaning ‘I am,’ and J’ai, meaning ‘I have. ‘ To describe their height, men say ‘Je suis grand’ or ‘Je suis petit. ‘ Women use grande or petite. Both men and women say Je suis de taille moyenne.

Should I use Madame or mademoiselle?

The basic rule is simple. If the woman is married, you should say “madame” (even if she is a widow: once married, always “madame”.) If she isn’t, you should say “mademoiselle”.

Should I say Madame or mademoiselle?

How do you compliment a beautiful girl in French?

These are very general compliments, so let’s get more specific:

1. Tu as de beaux yeux. (“You have beautiful eyes.” )
2. Tu as de beaux cheveux. (“You have beautiful hair.” )
3. Tu as de belles mains. (“You have beautiful hands.” )

Is it rude to say mademoiselle?

2 – Madame or Mademoiselle = Very Much a Question When Speaking. It is however considered much more polite in French to follow a “bonjour / bonsoir / merci” by “monsieur, madame or mademoiselle” when you speak. It’s a bit old school, but still VERY encouraged (although not adding a title is not impolite per se).

Is it correct to say Madame or Mademoiselle in French?

A Delicate Question. It’s often hard to decide whether you should use “madame” or “mademoiselle” in French. Of course, you know the basic rule: married: use madame, not married: say mademoiselle. However the reality is much more subtle than that.

Is it correct to call a woman Madam or Madame?

The other clear answer depends on the marital status of the woman. The basic rule is simple. If the woman is married, you should say “madame” (even if she is a widow: once married, always “madame”.) If she isn’t, you should say “mademoiselle”.

How do you address a woman in France?

To French women these titles aren’t mere words, but intrusive definitions. Calling a woman ‘Madame’ and correcting it to ‘Mademoiselle’ is a classic chat-up line in France. In France men are addressed as Monsieur and women as Madame or Mademoiselle.

Is it polite to say “monsieur madame” in French?

It is however considered much more polite in French to follow a “bonjour / bonsoir / merci” by “monsieur, madame or mademoiselle” when you speak. It’s a bit old school, but still VERY encouraged (although not adding a title is not impolite per se).