la joli caractère
the pretty caractère
Literally: the pretty character
Use it to compliment someone's pleasant nature and easy-going attitude in social or casual settings.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes a pleasant, kind, and easy-going personality.
- Used as a warm compliment for friends, family, or colleagues.
- Focuses on inner sweetness rather than physical appearance.
Meaning
It describes someone who has a pleasant, sweet, or easy-going personality. It’s a warm way to say someone is delightful to be around.
Key Examples
3 of 6Describing a new roommate
Ma nouvelle colocataire a un vraiment joli caractère.
My new roommate has a really lovely personality.
Talking about a child
Ton fils est si calme, il a un joli caractère.
Your son is so calm, he has a sweet nature.
Texting a friend about a date
Il est mignon et il a un joli caractère, je l'adore !
He is cute and has a lovely personality, I love him!
Cultural Background
In French culture, 'le caractère' refers to one's innate temperament rather than just 'personality.' The expression 'un joli caractère' gained popularity as a way to praise social harmony and kindness, which are highly valued in French family and community life.
Grammar Trap
Always use 'un' and 'joli' (masculine) even for women. 'Caractère' is a masculine noun, and it doesn't change!
Don't confuse with 'Personnage'
If you are talking about Harry Potter or Batman, use 'personnage.' 'Caractère' is only for a person's inner nature.
In 15 Seconds
- Describes a pleasant, kind, and easy-going personality.
- Used as a warm compliment for friends, family, or colleagues.
- Focuses on inner sweetness rather than physical appearance.
What It Means
When you say someone has un joli caractère, you aren't talking about their face. You are talking about their soul. It means they are kind, patient, and generally pleasant. It is the opposite of being grumpy or difficult. Think of that one friend who always stays calm. They have un joli caractère.
How To Use It
You usually use this with the verb avoir (to have). You can say il a un joli caractère or elle a un joli caractère. It works for anyone regardless of gender. Just remember that caractère is always masculine in French. Even if you talk about your grandmother, it is un joli caractère. It is a gentle, sincere compliment.
When To Use It
Use it when meeting someone’s new partner. It is perfect for describing a well-behaved child. You can use it when texting a friend about a successful date. It also works in professional settings to describe a helpful colleague. It suggests they are easy to work with. It creates a warm, positive atmosphere in conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it to describe someone who is 'tough' or 'edgy.' It implies a certain softness or sweetness. If someone is a 'bad boy' type, this phrase won't fit. Also, avoid using it if you mean they have 'strong' convictions. In that case, you would say they have du caractère. Don't use it for fictional characters in books; use personnage instead.
Cultural Background
In France, your caractère is your essence. The French value personality traits very highly. They often prefer someone with du caractère (strength) over someone boring. However, un joli caractère is the social glue. It represents the ideal of being 'facile à vivre' (easy to live with). It’s a trait that makes French social gatherings much smoother.
Common Variations
You might hear un beau caractère, which is slightly more formal. If someone is difficult, they have un sale caractère (a dirty character). If they are very stubborn, they have un caractère de cochon (a pig’s character). For someone very strong-willed, use un sacré caractère. Each one paints a very specific picture of a person's vibe.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any context. Just remember to keep 'joli' masculine to match 'caractère'.
Grammar Trap
Always use 'un' and 'joli' (masculine) even for women. 'Caractère' is a masculine noun, and it doesn't change!
Don't confuse with 'Personnage'
If you are talking about Harry Potter or Batman, use 'personnage.' 'Caractère' is only for a person's inner nature.
The 'Strong' Distinction
If someone is stubborn but you like them, say they have 'du caractère.' 'Un joli caractère' is specifically for sweetness.
Examples
6Ma nouvelle colocataire a un vraiment joli caractère.
My new roommate has a really lovely personality.
Used to show that living together is easy and pleasant.
Ton fils est si calme, il a un joli caractère.
Your son is so calm, he has a sweet nature.
A common compliment for parents about their children.
Il est mignon et il a un joli caractère, je l'adore !
He is cute and has a lovely personality, I love him!
Combines physical and internal traits in a casual text.
Julie travaille bien et elle a un joli caractère.
Julie works well and she has a pleasant disposition.
Professional yet warm praise for a team member.
Mon chat a un joli caractère... sauf quand il veut manger.
My cat has a lovely personality... except when he wants to eat.
Using the phrase ironically for a moody pet.
Ne t'inquiète pas, elle a un joli caractère, elle va comprendre.
Don't worry, she has a kind heart, she will understand.
Using the person's nature to predict a positive reaction.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct gender for the adjective.
Elle est très gentille, elle a un ___ caractère.
Even though 'Elle' (she) is feminine, 'caractère' is a masculine noun, so the adjective must be 'joli'.
Choose the best verb to complete the phrase.
Mon grand-père ___ un joli caractère.
In French, you 'have' (avoir) a character trait, you don't 'are' (être) it.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Un joli caractère'
Talking to friends about a crush.
Il a un trop joli caractère !
Describing a neighbor or colleague.
C'est un homme avec un joli caractère.
Writing a reference letter or formal praise.
Elle possède un très joli caractère.
Where to use 'Un joli caractère'
Family Dinner
Praising a cousin's kindness.
Office Kitchen
Complimenting a new hire's attitude.
Dating App
Describing what you look for in a partner.
Park
Talking about a well-behaved dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt means someone is sweet-natured, pleasant, and easy to get along with. It's a compliment about their personality.
No, it is used for everyone! Men, women, children, and even pets can have un joli caractère.
Because the adjective describes the noun caractère, which is masculine. In French, the noun's gender rules the adjective.
Yes, it's neutral enough for work. It suggests a colleague is cooperative and has a positive attitude.
The most common opposite is un sale caractère (a bad/dirty personality). It means someone is grumpy or mean.
Yes, it's very similar but sounds slightly more elegant or formal than un joli caractère.
Not at all. You can have un joli caractère regardless of what you look like.
No, you must use the verb avoir. Say elle a un joli caractère.
Yes, it's a very standard, everyday expression used across all French-speaking regions.
Absolutely! If a dog is gentle and friendly, you can say il a un joli caractère.
No, it's standard French. It is safe to use with your boss or your grandmother.
You would say elle a du caractère or elle a un fort caractère.
Related Phrases
avoir bon caractère
être facile à vivre
un sale caractère
avoir du caractère
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