In this article, we will explore different ways to say “best” in French. Whether you are traveling to a French-speaking country or learning the language, knowing how to express yourself with words like “best” is important. There are different expressions that can be used depending on the situation, and understanding these will help you sound more natural and confident.
French is a beautiful language, and mastering common phrases like “best” can help you connect with native speakers. You may also discover that the word “best” changes slightly based on whether you’re referring to something or someone. Let’s dive into the ways you can use this important word in various contexts!
Ways to Say “Best” in French
When you’re looking to say “best” in French, there are a few common expressions you can use depending on the context. French, like many languages, has different words and phrases to describe what is “best,” and each one can change slightly depending on the noun you are talking about—whether it’s a person, an object, or a situation. Here are some of the most common ways to say “best” in French, with their meanings, pronunciations, and examples for each.
1. Meilleur
Pronunciation: /meh-yeur/
Meaning: This is the most common way to say “best” in French, especially when comparing two or more things. It is used when talking about something that is superior in quality.
In a Sentence:
- “C’est le meilleur film que j’ai jamais vu.” (This is the best movie I’ve ever seen.)
- “Elle est la meilleure élève de la classe.” (She is the best student in the class.)
2. Le plus fort
Pronunciation: /luh ploo for/
Meaning: This phrase translates to “the strongest” or “the best in strength.” It’s often used when talking about physical strength or power.
In a Sentence:
- “Il est le plus fort de l’équipe.” (He is the best player on the team.)
- “Elle est la plus forte de la famille.” (She is the strongest in the family.)
3. Le meilleur de tous
Pronunciation: /luh meh-yeur duh too/
Meaning: This means “the best of all” or “the best of everyone.” It emphasizes that someone or something is the best compared to all others.
In a Sentence:
- “Il est le meilleur de tous les joueurs.” (He is the best of all the players.)
- “C’est le meilleur de tous les films.” (It’s the best of all the movies.)
4. La crème de la crème
Pronunciation: /lah krem duh lah krem/
Meaning: This phrase literally means “the cream of the cream.” It is used to describe the very best of the best, often in a specific group.
In a Sentence:
- “Elle est la crème de la crème des chanteuses.” (She is the best of the best singers.)
- “C’est la crème de la crème du chocolat.” (It’s the best of the best chocolate.)
5. Inégalé(e)
Pronunciation: /ee-nay-gah-lay/
Meaning: This word means “unmatched” or “incomparable.” It suggests that nothing compares to the level of excellence being discussed.
In a Sentence:
- “Son talent est inégalé.” (His talent is unmatched.)
- “Cette performance est inégalée.” (This performance is unparalleled.)
6. Exemplaire
Pronunciation: /eh-zhawm-plar/
Meaning: This means “exemplary” or “model.” It refers to something that is the best example of a quality.
In a Sentence:
- “Son comportement est exemplaire.” (His behavior is exemplary.)
- “Elle a fait un travail exemplaire.” (She did exemplary work.)
7. Le plus remarquable
Pronunciation: /luh ploo ray-mar-kah-bluh/
Meaning: This phrase means “the most remarkable,” often used to describe something or someone that stands out as the best due to exceptional qualities.
In a Sentence:
- “C’est le plus remarquable de tous.” (This is the most remarkable of all.)
- “Elle a eu le plus remarquable succès.” (She had the most remarkable success.)
8. Top
Pronunciation: /top/
Meaning: The word “top” in French, borrowed from English, is often used to mean “best” in casual or informal contexts.
In a Sentence:
- “C’est un top restaurant.” (It’s a top restaurant.)
- “Il est vraiment top.” (He is really the best.)
9. Champion
Pronunciation: /shahm-pee-ohn/
Meaning: This translates to “champion,” used to describe someone who is the best in a competition or event.
In a Sentence:
- “Il est le champion de la course.” (He is the champion of the race.)
- “Elle est la championne du monde.” (She is the world champion.)
10. Parfait
Pronunciation: /par-fay/
Meaning: “Parfait” means perfect, which can often be used to describe something as the best. It’s used when something is flawless.
In a Sentence:
- “Ce gâteau est parfait!” (This cake is perfect!)
- “Elle a une technique parfaite.” (She has perfect technique.)
11. Supérieur
Pronunciation: /soo-peh-ree-ur/
Meaning: This means “superior,” referring to something that is better or higher in quality than others.
In a Sentence:
- “Ce produit est supérieur à tous les autres.” (This product is superior to all the others.)
- “Il a une position supérieure dans l’entreprise.” (He has a superior position in the company.)
12. Par excellence
Pronunciation: /par eks-eh-lahns/
Meaning: This phrase translates to “par excellence,” meaning “the best of its kind.” It’s used to emphasize a standout example of excellence.
In a Sentence:
- “Elle est la danseuse par excellence.” (She is the dancer par excellence.)
- “Ce restaurant est le lieu par excellence pour un dîner romantique.” (This restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic dinner.)
13. Imbattable
Pronunciation: /im-bah-tah-bl/
Meaning: This means “unbeatable,” suggesting that something or someone cannot be surpassed.
In a Sentence:
- “Cet athlète est imbattable.” (This athlete is unbeatable.)
- “Ce prix est imbattable.” (This price is unbeatable.)
14. Incomparable
Pronunciation: /in-com-pah-rah-bl/
Meaning: “Incomparable” means “incomparable” or “unequaled,” often used to show that nothing compares to something.
In a Sentence:
- “Son talent est incomparable.” (His talent is incomparable.)
- “Ce vin est incomparable.” (This wine is incomparable.)
15. La meilleure qualité
Pronunciation: /lah meh-yeur kah-lee-tay/
Meaning: This means “the best quality,” often used to describe something with superior craftsmanship or features.
In a Sentence:
- “Cette montre est de la meilleure qualité.” (This watch is of the best quality.)
- “Nous offrons les produits de la meilleure qualité.” (We offer the best quality products.)
16. Premier
Pronunciation: /pruh-my-ay/
Meaning: “Premier” means “first” or “top,” often used when something is ranked the highest in a series.
In a Sentence:
- “C’est le premier choix.” (This is the top choice.)
- “Il est le premier de sa classe.” (He is first in his class.)
17. Parfaitement adapté
Pronunciation: /par-fay-tuh-mohn ah-dah-ptay/
Meaning: This translates to “perfectly suited,” used to describe something that is ideally suited for a situation.
In a Sentence:
- “Ce modèle est parfaitement adapté pour les voyages.” (This model is perfectly suited for travel.)
- “Elle est parfaitement adaptée à son rôle.” (She is perfectly suited for her role.)
18. Le top du top
Pronunciation: /luh top doo top/
Meaning: This expression is similar to “the best of the best,” used informally to emphasize something that’s the best in its category.
In a Sentence:
- “C’est le top du top des hôtels.” (It’s the best of the best of hotels.)
- “Cet album est le top du top.” (This album is the best of the best.)
19. Optimal
Pronunciation: /op-tee-mal/
Meaning: “Optimal” refers to the most efficient or best possible situation, often used in a technical or scientific context.
In a Sentence:
- “Cet arrangement est optimal.” (This arrangement is optimal.)
- “Nous devons trouver la solution optimale.” (We need to find the optimal solution.)
20. Le plus brillant
Pronunciation: /luh ploo bree-yant/
Meaning: This phrase translates to “the most brilliant,” used to describe something or someone outstanding, particularly in terms of intelligence or talent.
In a Sentence:
- “Elle est la plus brillante élève de l’école.” (She is the most brilliant student in the school.)
- “C’est le plus brillant des scientifiques.” (He is the most brilliant of scientists.)
21. Le summum
Pronunciation: /luh soo-mum/
Meaning: “Le summum” means “the peak” or “the highest point,” referring to the very best or highest level of something.
In a Sentence:
- “C’est le summum de la cuisine française.” (It’s the pinnacle of French cuisine.)
- “Il a atteint le summum de sa carrière.” (He has reached the peak of his career.)
22. Majestueux
Pronunciation: /ma-zhess-twee-uh/
Meaning: “Majestueux” translates to “majestic” and refers to something grand or impressive in a way that suggests it is the best.
In a Sentence:
- “Le château est majestueux.” (The castle is majestic.)
- “Elle a une voix majestueuse.” (She has a majestic voice.)
23. Le plus exceptionnel
Pronunciation: /luh ploo eks-sep-syon-nel/
Meaning: This means “the most exceptional,” used to describe something or someone extraordinary.
In a Sentence:
- “C’est le plus exceptionnel des artistes.” (He is the most exceptional of artists.)
- “Elle a eu un succès exceptionnel.” (She had exceptional success.)
24. Sans pareil
Pronunciation: /sahn pah-ray/
Meaning: This translates to “without equal,” used to express that something is so unique or excellent it has no comparison.
In a Sentence:
- “Ce paysage est sans pareil.” (This landscape is without equal.)
- “Elle a un talent sans pareil.” (She has a talent without equal.)
25. Le meilleur choix
Pronunciation: /luh meh-yeur shwah/
Meaning: This means “the best choice,” often used when comparing options and selecting the one that is superior.
In a Sentence:
- “C’est le meilleur choix pour des vacances.” (It’s the best choice for a vacation.)
- “Le meilleur choix serait de partir tôt.” (The best choice would be to leave early.)
Other Ways to Say “Best” in French
Here is a table with additional ways to say “best” in French, along with their pronunciation, meaning, and examples. These expressions are useful in different contexts to help you express the idea of “best” more naturally in various situations.
| Other Ways to Say | Pronunciation | Meaning | Example Sentences |
| Impeccable | /im-peh-kah-bluh/ | Flawless, perfect | “Son travail est impeccable.” (Her work is flawless.) |
| Le plus merveilleux | /luh ploo mer-vey-yuh/ | The most marvelous | “C’est le plus merveilleux voyage de ma vie.” (It’s the most marvelous trip of my life.) |
| Sans égal | /sahn eh-gahl/ | Without equal, unparalleled | “Ce film est sans égal.” (This movie is without equal.) |
| Le plus élégant | /luh ploo eh-leh-gahnt/ | The most elegant | “Elle est la plus élégante de la soirée.” (She is the most elegant at the party.) |
| Sans pareil | /sahn pah-ray/ | Unmatched, peerless | “Ce gâteau est sans pareil.” (This cake is unmatched.) |
| De première classe | /duh pruh-my-air klass/ | First-class | “C’est un restaurant de première classe.” (It’s a first-class restaurant.) |
| L’ultime | /luh ool-teem/ | Ultimate, final best | “C’est l’ultime victoire.” (It’s the ultimate victory.) |
| Très distingué | /tray dis-tan-gay/ | Very distinguished | “Il est très distingué dans son domaine.” (He is very distinguished in his field.) |
| Le plus prestigieux | /luh ploo pres-tee-zhoo/ | The most prestigious | “C’est le plus prestigieux de tous.” (It’s the most prestigious of all.) |
| Le plus renommé | /luh ploo ray-noo-may/ | The most renowned | “C’est le plus renommé des artistes.” (He is the most renowned of artists.) |
| De qualité supérieure | /duh kah-lee-tay soo-peh-ree-ur/ | Of superior quality | “Cette robe est de qualité supérieure.” (This dress is of superior quality.) |
| Le plus brillant | /luh ploo bree-yant/ | The brightest, the best in talent | “Elle est la plus brillante de sa promotion.” (She is the brightest in her class.) |
| Le plus accompli | /luh ploo ah-kom-plee/ | The most accomplished | “Il est le plus accompli de ses collègues.” (He is the most accomplished of his colleagues.) |
| Le meilleur de tous les temps | /luh meh-yeur duh too lay tahm/ | The best of all time | “C’est le meilleur de tous les temps!” (It’s the best of all time!) |
| Époustouflant | /eh-poos-toof-lahnt/ | Amazing, breathtaking | “Ce paysage est époustouflant.” (This landscape is breathtaking.) |
Response to “Best” in French
When someone says “best” in French, there are different ways you can respond depending on the situation. Responding in French with the right expression can show your agreement, appreciation, or acknowledgment of something or someone being the best. Below are some common responses to “best” in French, with explanations and examples of how to use them.
1. C’est vrai !
Pronunciation: /say vray/
Meaning: This translates to “It’s true!” or “That’s true!” It’s a common way to show agreement when someone refers to something as the best.
In a Sentence:
- “C’est vrai ! Ce restaurant est le meilleur de la ville.” (It’s true! This restaurant is the best in town.)
- “C’est vrai, elle est la meilleure joueuse.” (That’s true, she is the best player.)
2. Tu as raison !
Pronunciation: /too ah ray-zon/
Meaning: This means “You’re right!” and is used to confirm that someone is correct in calling something the best.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu as raison, c’est le meilleur film de l’année.” (You’re right, it’s the best movie of the year.)
- “Tu as raison, il est le meilleur dans ce domaine.” (You’re right, he is the best in this field.)
3. Je suis d’accord !
Pronunciation: /zhuh swee dah-kor/
Meaning: This phrase means “I agree!” and shows that you think something is indeed the best.
In a Sentence:
- “Je suis d’accord, c’est le meilleur choix.” (I agree, it’s the best choice.)
- “Je suis d’accord avec toi.” (I agree with you.)
4. Bien sûr !
Pronunciation: /byan sewr/
Meaning: This means “Of course!” and is a quick and enthusiastic way to agree with someone when they say something is the best.
In a Sentence:
- “Bien sûr, c’est le meilleur endroit pour manger !” (Of course, it’s the best place to eat!)
- “Bien sûr qu’il est le meilleur joueur.” (Of course he is the best player.)
5. C’est vraiment le top !
Pronunciation: /say vray-mahn luh top/
Meaning: “It’s really the top!” is an informal way to agree that something is the best, using the word “top” borrowed from English.
In a Sentence:
- “C’est vraiment le top, ce film!” (It’s really the best, this movie!)
- “C’est vraiment le top de la musique.” (It’s really the best of music.)
6. Ça se voit !
Pronunciation: /sah suh vwah/
Meaning: This translates to “It shows!” and is used to express that it’s clear someone or something is the best.
In a Sentence:
- “Ça se voit qu’il est le meilleur.” (It shows that he is the best.)
- “Ça se voit qu’elle est la plus talentueuse.” (It’s obvious that she is the most talented.)
7. Je n’en doute pas !
Pronunciation: /zhuh nahn doot pah/
Meaning: “I don’t doubt it!” is a strong affirmation that you fully agree with the claim that something is the best.
In a Sentence:
- “Je n’en doute pas, il est le meilleur dans son domaine.” (I don’t doubt it, he is the best in his field.)
- “Je n’en doute pas, c’est le meilleur film de l’année.” (I don’t doubt it, it’s the best movie of the year.)
8. Tout à fait !
Pronunciation: /too ah fay/
Meaning: This means “Exactly!” and can be used to confirm that something is the best with full agreement.
In a Sentence:
- “Tout à fait, ce gâteau est le meilleur que j’aie jamais mangé.” (Exactly, this cake is the best I’ve ever eaten.)
- “Tout à fait, il a le meilleur résultat.” (Exactly, he has the best result.)
9. Il n’y a pas mieux.
Pronunciation: /eel nyah pah myuh/
Meaning: This translates to “There’s nothing better” and is used to state that something is the best because there’s no comparison.
In a Sentence:
- “Il n’y a pas mieux que ce restaurant.” (There’s nothing better than this restaurant.)
- “Il n’y a pas mieux pour les vacances.” (There’s nothing better for vacation.)
10. C’est le meilleur choix, sans doute.
Pronunciation: /say luh meh-yeur shwah, sahn doot/
Meaning: This means “It’s the best choice, no doubt,” showing certainty that something is the best option.
In a Sentence:
- “C’est le meilleur choix, sans doute.” (It’s the best choice, no doubt.)
- “C’est le meilleur endroit pour visiter, sans doute.” (It’s the best place to visit, no doubt.)
11. Je n’ai jamais vu mieux.
Pronunciation: /zhuh nay zhah-may voo myuh/
Meaning: “I’ve never seen better,” which expresses the idea that nothing compares to what is being referred to.
In a Sentence:
- “Je n’ai jamais vu mieux que cette performance.” (I’ve never seen better than this performance.)
- “Je n’ai jamais vu mieux comme résultat.” (I’ve never seen better results.)
12. C’est indiscutable.
Pronunciation: /say an-dees-kew-tah-bl/
Meaning: This means “It’s indisputable,” meaning there’s no doubt that something is the best.
In a Sentence:
- “C’est indiscutable, elle est la meilleure.” (It’s indisputable, she is the best.)
- “C’est indiscutable, ce choix est parfait.” (It’s indisputable, this choice is perfect.)
13. C’est le must !
Pronunciation: /say luh must/
Meaning: “It’s the must!” is an informal phrase borrowed from English, meaning it’s the best or essential.
In a Sentence:
- “C’est le must des vacances.” (It’s the best of vacations.)
- “C’est le must du shopping.” (It’s the best for shopping.)
14. C’est un chef-d’œuvre.
Pronunciation: /say uhn shef-durv/
Meaning: This means “It’s a masterpiece,” and is often used to refer to something that is not just the best, but also a work of great art or excellence.
In a Sentence:
- “Ce tableau est un chef-d’œuvre.” (This painting is a masterpiece.)
- “C’est un chef-d’œuvre de la cuisine.” (It’s a masterpiece of cooking.)
15. Tu as bien raison.
Pronunciation: /too ah byan ray-zon/
Meaning: This means “You’re absolutely right,” and is used to confirm that something is indeed the best.
In a Sentence:
- “Tu as bien raison, ce film est le meilleur.” (You’re absolutely right, this movie is the best.)
- “Tu as bien raison, il a le meilleur projet.” (You’re absolutely right, he has the best project.)
Exercise to Practice Success “Best” in French
Now that you’ve learned various ways to say and respond to “best” in French, let’s practice using these expressions in sentences. Below are 12 fill-in-the-blank exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the expressions for “best” that we have covered. After the exercises, you’ll find the answers along with translations to help you understand the sentences better.
Fill in the blanks:
- Ce gâteau est __________ (meilleur) que tous les autres.
(This cake is __________ than all the others.) - Il est __________ (le plus brillant) de sa promotion.
(He is __________ in his class.) - __________ (Tu as raison), c’est le meilleur endroit pour dîner.
(__________ (You’re right), it’s the best place to have dinner.) - Elle est __________ (la crème de la crème) des chefs.
(She is __________ of chefs.) - Ce film est __________ (le meilleur de tous).
(This movie is __________ of all.) - Il est __________ (le plus remarquable) dans son domaine.
(He is __________ in his field.) - Ce restaurant est __________ (sans pareil).
(This restaurant is __________.) - C’est __________ (le top du top) des hôtels de luxe.
(It’s __________ of luxury hotels.) - C’est __________ (le meilleur choix) pour vos vacances.
(It’s __________ for your vacation.) - __________ (Bien sûr), il est le meilleur joueur de l’équipe.
(__________ (Of course), he is the best player on the team.) - Son talent est __________ (inégalé).
(His talent is __________.) - Il a fait un travail __________ (exemplaire).
(He did an __________ job.)
Answers and translations:
- meilleur
(This cake is better than all the others.) - le plus brillant
(He is the brightest in his class.) - Tu as raison
(You’re right, it’s the best place to have dinner.) - la crème de la crème
(She is the best of chefs.) - le meilleur de tous
(This movie is the best of all.) - le plus remarquable
(He is the most remarkable in his field.) - sans pareil
(This restaurant is unmatched.) - le top du top
(It’s the best of the best of luxury hotels.) - le meilleur choix
(It’s the best choice for your vacation.) - Bien sûr
(Of course, he is the best player on the team.) - inégalé
(His talent is unmatched.) - exemplaire
(He did an exemplary job.)
Conclusion
Learning how to say “best” in French opens up many ways to express yourself with confidence in various situations. From casual conversations to more formal settings, knowing the different ways to say “best” helps you sound more fluent and natural. Whether you’re talking about someone’s achievements, choosing the best option, or praising something or someone, these expressions are essential in everyday French.
Now that you know the most common ways to say “best” in French, along with how to respond and practice with exercises, you’re well-equipped to incorporate these phrases into your conversations. Keep practicing and use these expressions in your daily interactions to make your French sound even more authentic. Remember, the more you practice, the better you’ll become at communicating effectively in French!