A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "That color looks good on you" in French
Tell someone they look great in a specific color with this common French compliment.
Cette couleur te va bien.
set koo-LUHR tuh vah BYANcasual
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you notice a particular color really suits someone's outfit or complexion. It's a direct and appreciated way to give a compliment on their style.
Alternatives
- Cette couleur vous va bien.Use 'vous' when speaking to someone older, in a professional setting, or when you want to be more formal.
- Ça te va super bien !This is a bit more enthusiastic and informal, like 'That looks super good on you!'
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'cette'
The 't' at the end of 'cette' is silent, so it sounds like 'set'.
Forgetting liaison
Don't add a liaison between 'va' and 'bien'; they are pronounced separately.
Gender agreement
The adjective 'bien' doesn't change for gender here; it's an adverb modifying 'va'.
A small cultural note
Complimenting someone's appearance is common and generally well-received in France, especially when it's specific and sincere.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say that color looks good on me in French?
You would say 'Cette couleur me va bien.' The 'me' replaces the 'te' to refer to yourself.
Is 'te va bien' always casual?
Yes, 'te va bien' uses the informal 'tu' form, so it's for people you know well or are meeting in a relaxed context.
What if I don't know the color name?
You can still use the phrase by pointing or referring to the item of clothing. For example, 'Ça te va bien' (That suits you well) while gesturing.
