At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to grasp basic vocabulary. They might understand 'délicieux' in a very simple, concrete context, such as pointing to food and saying 'C'est bon' or 'C'est délicieux' with gestures. The concept of gender agreement is typically beyond A1, so they would likely use the masculine form or a simplified version. The focus is on recognizing the word as a positive descriptor for food.
A2 learners can understand common words and phrases. They might start to recognize 'délicieux' when referring to simple, familiar foods like cake or ice cream. They may attempt to use it in very basic sentences, possibly making mistakes with gender agreement. The understanding is primarily tied to the concept of 'tasty' or 'nice to eat'. They might hear it in simple dialogues about meals.
At the B1 level, learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters. They can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. They will understand and be able to use 'délicieux(se)' correctly in terms of gender and number agreement in many common contexts, especially when talking about food and dining. They can express their opinions about food using this adjective.
B2 learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. They will use 'délicieux(se)' with confidence, understanding its nuances and applying gender/number agreement flawlessly. They can also use it metaphorically, though less commonly.
C1 learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They will use 'délicieux(se)' precisely, possibly employing it in more sophisticated or literary contexts. They understand its full range of meaning, including subtle connotations and idiomatic uses.
C2 learners can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They will use 'délicieux(se)' with native-like fluency and accuracy, potentially in highly nuanced or artistic expressions, understanding its cultural weight and stylistic implications.

délicieux(se) en 30 segundos

  • A positive adjective meaning 'delicious', used for food and drink.
  • Requires gender and number agreement with the noun it modifies.
  • Stronger than 'bon' (good), indicating high taste satisfaction.
  • Commonly heard in restaurants, homes, and culinary discussions.

The French adjective délicieux (masculine) and délicieuse (feminine) translates directly to 'delicious' in English. It's used to describe something that is highly pleasing to the taste, evoking a sense of great enjoyment and satisfaction from eating or drinking. Beyond food and drink, it can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is delightful, charming, or extremely pleasant, though this metaphorical usage is less common than its culinary application.

You'll hear this word frequently in everyday conversations, especially when people are sharing a meal, discussing a restaurant experience, or describing a treat. It's a common and positive descriptor that expresses strong approval. The agreement of the adjective with the noun it modifies is crucial in French. For example, 'un gâteau délicieux' (a delicious cake) uses the masculine form, while 'une tarte délicieuse' (a delicious tart) uses the feminine form. When referring to multiple items, the plural forms 'délicieux' (masculine plural) and 'délicieuses' (feminine plural) are used.

In a culinary context, 'délicieux' signifies more than just 'good' or 'tasty'; it implies an exceptional quality, a rich flavor, and a memorable experience. It’s a word that conveys genuine pleasure and appreciation. Think of the moments when you’ve had a truly outstanding meal – that's when 'délicieux' is the perfect word to use. It's a staple in French cuisine discussions, from casual chats about a home-cooked meal to more formal reviews of fine dining.

Usage Context
Primarily used for food and beverages, but can extend to pleasant experiences or things.
Agreement
Must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (délicieux, délicieuse, délicieux, délicieuses).
Intensity
Indicates a high level of taste satisfaction, stronger than simply 'bon' (good).

The chocolate mousse was absolutely délicieuse.

Ce dîner était vraiment délicieux.

Using délicieux(se) correctly involves understanding its placement and agreement within a sentence. As an adjective, it typically follows the noun it describes, especially when it’s a descriptive adjective like this one. The crucial aspect is ensuring it matches the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the noun.

For example, when describing a masculine singular noun like 'le plat' (the dish), you would say 'Le plat est délicieux.' If you're talking about a feminine singular noun like 'la soupe' (the soup), it becomes 'La soupe est délicieuse.' For masculine plural nouns, such as 'les desserts' (the desserts), you use 'Les desserts sont délicieux.' And for feminine plural nouns like 'les crêpes' (the crepes), it’s 'Les crêpes sont délicieuses.'

You can also use it with verbs of perception like 'trouver' (to find) or 'goûter' (to taste). For instance, 'J'ai trouvé ce fromage délicieux' (I found this cheese delicious). Or, 'Goûtez cette confiture, elle est délicieuse!' (Taste this jam, it is delicious!). The adjective can also be used predicatively, meaning it follows a linking verb like 'être' (to be) or 'paraître' (to seem).

Consider these sentence structures:

Subject + Être + Délicieux(se)
This is the most common structure. Example: 'Le pain fait maison est délicieux.' (The homemade bread is delicious.)
Noun + Être + Délicieux(se)
Often used in exclamations. Example: 'Cette tarte aux pommes est délicieuse!' (This apple pie is delicious!).
Trouver + Noun + Délicieux(se)
Expressing personal opinion. Example: 'Nous avons trouvé le vin délicieux.' (We found the wine delicious.)
Être + Délicieux(se) + Qui/Que
Used in relative clauses. Example: 'Ce restaurant sert des plats qui sont vraiment délicieux.' (This restaurant serves dishes that are truly delicious.)

The seafood paella was incredibly délicieuse.

J'ai préparé des macarons qui sont absolument délicieux.

You'll encounter the word délicieux(se) in a multitude of everyday French contexts, primarily revolving around food and culinary experiences. It's a word that expresses genuine pleasure and satisfaction, making it a common feature in conversations about meals, recipes, and dining out.

Imagine sitting at a French bistro, enjoying a perfectly cooked steak frites. Your companion might exclaim, 'Ce steak est absolument délicieux!' (This steak is absolutely delicious!). Or perhaps you're at a family gathering, and someone has brought a homemade dessert. The host might proudly present it, saying, 'J'espère que cette tarte sera délicieuse pour tout le monde.' (I hope this tart will be delicious for everyone.)

Restaurants are a prime location for hearing this word. Waiters might describe a dish as 'Notre spécialité du jour est particulièrement délicieuse ce soir.' (Our special of the day is particularly delicious tonight.) Diners will use it to compliment the chef, 'Le chef a préparé un repas délicieux.' (The chef prepared a delicious meal.) Food critics and bloggers also frequently employ 'délicieux' to convey their positive assessments of dishes and establishments.

Beyond formal dining, it's common in casual settings too. Friends sharing a picnic might comment on the quality of the cheese or bread: 'Ce fromage est vraiment délicieux.' (This cheese is really delicious.) Even in a simple conversation about grocery shopping, someone might mention finding a particularly good brand of jam: 'J'ai acheté une nouvelle confiture de fraises, elle est délicieuse.' (I bought a new strawberry jam, it's delicious.)

The word also appears in cookbooks, recipe descriptions, and cooking shows. A recipe might promise, 'Vous obtiendrez un résultat délicieux avec cette méthode.' (You will achieve a delicious result with this method.) It's a word that evokes positive sensory experiences and is a fundamental part of expressing culinary enjoyment in French.

Restaurant Reviews
Commonly used by patrons and critics to describe dishes.
Family Gatherings
Used to compliment home-cooked meals and desserts.
Casual Conversations
Mentioning good food found at markets, picnics, or simply a nice snack.
Cookbooks and Media
Describing the expected outcome of a recipe or a featured dish.

The croissants from the local bakery were incredibly délicieux.

My grandmother's apple pie recipe always results in something truly délicieuse.

Learners of French often make a few key mistakes when using the adjective délicieux(se), primarily related to grammatical agreement and choosing the right word for the context.

The most frequent error is forgetting to make the adjective agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. French nouns have grammatical gender, and adjectives must change their form to match. Forgetting this can lead to sentences like 'La soupe est délicieux' (incorrect) instead of the correct 'La soupe est délicieuse' (feminine singular). Similarly, using the singular form for plural nouns is common: 'Les gâteaux sont délicieux' (correct) might be mistakenly written as 'Les gâteaux est délicieux' (incorrect).

Another common pitfall is using 'délicieux' when a simpler adjective like 'bon' (good) or 'très bon' (very good) would suffice or be more natural. While 'délicieux' implies a high level of taste, overuse can make your language sound a bit exaggerated or less nuanced. For instance, describing a glass of water as 'délicieux' might sound a bit odd unless it's exceptionally refreshing in a specific context.

A related mistake is the misuse of the masculine form 'délicieux' when the feminine 'délicieuse' is required, or vice versa. This often happens when learners aren't certain of the gender of the noun. For example, 'le café' is masculine, so it's 'Le café est délicieux.' However, 'la crème' is feminine, requiring 'La crème est délicieuse.'

Finally, some learners might incorrectly place the adjective before the noun. While some adjectives precede the noun in French (like 'beau', 'grand', 'petit'), descriptive adjectives like 'délicieux' almost always follow the noun they modify. Saying 'un délicieux repas' is grammatically possible but less common and can sound a bit literary; 'un repas délicieux' is the standard and preferred form.

Incorrect Agreement
Mistake: 'Le gâteau est délicieuse.' Correct: 'Le gâteau est délicieux.' (Forgetting gender agreement).
Overuse/Exaggeration
Mistake: 'L'eau est délicieuse.' (Unless contextually appropriate). Better: 'L'eau est rafraîchissante.' (Refreshing).
Incorrect Placement
Mistake: 'une délicieuse tarte.' Correct: 'une tarte délicieuse.' (Adjective placement).
Pluralization Error
Mistake: 'Les fruits sont délicieuse.' Correct: 'Les fruits sont délicieux.' (Forgetting plural agreement).

Incorrect: 'La soupe est délicieux.' Correct: 'La soupe est délicieuse.

Incorrect: 'Les pains sont délicieuse.' Correct: 'Les pains sont délicieux.

While délicieux(se) is a strong and positive word for describing taste, French offers a variety of other adjectives that can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey, the intensity of the flavor, and the context.

Bon(ne): This is the most common and versatile word for 'good'. It's less intense than 'délicieux' and can be used in almost any situation where something tastes good. 'Ce gâteau est bon.' (This cake is good.) It's a safe and widely applicable choice.

Très bon(ne): Simply 'very good', this is a step up from 'bon' and closer to 'délicieux' in positive sentiment, but still generally less emphatic. 'J'ai bu un thé très bon.' (I drank a very good tea.)

Savoureux(se): This adjective means 'tasty', 'flavorful', or 'savory'. It emphasizes the presence of good flavors rather than just overall pleasantness. It's often used for dishes with complex or rich tastes. 'Un plat savoureux.' (A flavorful dish.)

Excellent(e): Meaning 'excellent', this is a very strong positive adjective, similar in intensity to 'délicieux'. It can be used for food but also for other things that are exceptionally good. 'Ce vin est excellent.' (This wine is excellent.)

Succulent(e): This word implies that something is juicy, tender, and very appetizing, often used for meats or fruits. 'Une pêche succulente.' (A succulent peach.) It highlights a specific quality of deliciousness related to texture and juiciness.

Miam miam: This is an informal, childish, or very casual exclamation meaning 'yummy' or 'yum yum'. It's not a formal adjective but expresses immediate pleasure. 'Miam miam, c'est trop bon !' (Yum yum, it's so good!)

Divin(e): Meaning 'divine', this is a highly enthusiastic and often slightly hyperbolic term for something exceptionally delicious, suggesting it's almost heavenly. 'Ce chocolat est divin.' (This chocolate is divine.)

Délicieux(se)
Means 'delicious'. Implies a high level of taste satisfaction, very positive.
Bon(ne)
Means 'good'. The most basic and versatile positive descriptor for taste.
Très bon(ne)
Means 'very good'. A more emphatic version of 'bon'.
Savoureux(se)
Means 'tasty' or 'flavorful'. Highlights richness of taste.
Excellent(e)
Means 'excellent'. A strong positive, applicable to more than just food.
Succulent(e)
Means 'succulent'. Emphasizes juiciness and tenderness.

This cheese is délicieux, but this other one is just bon.

The roast chicken was excellent, and the sauce was particularly savoureuse.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The concept of 'deliciae' in Roman times referred not just to food, but also to luxurious living, fine arts, and even pets that were kept for pleasure. The word evolved to focus more specifically on the pleasure derived from taste and smell in French.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /de.li.sjø/
US /de.li.sjø/
The stress is generally on the last syllable of the word, but French pronunciation is more even than English. The emphasis is subtle.
Rima con
Joli Boli Foli Moli Volie Molli Choli Zoli (dialectal)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing the final 'x'.
  • Incorrectly pronouncing the 'eu' sound.
  • Making the 'c' sound like 'k' instead of 's'.
  • Adding an English 'r' sound.
  • Not clearly distinguishing between masculine and feminine forms if pronounced differently (though pronunciation is often the same).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

At the B2 CEFR level, reading texts containing 'délicieux(se)' should be manageable. Learners will encounter it in reviews, recipes, and descriptions of food, which are common topics. Understanding its meaning and grammatical agreement is key.

Escritura 3/5

Writing sentences with 'délicieux(se)' requires attention to gender and number agreement, which can be challenging for intermediate learners. However, its common usage makes it a practical adjective to practice.

Expresión oral 3/5

Speaking with 'délicieux(se)' is relatively straightforward once the agreement rules are understood. It's a positive and common word to use when discussing food, making it useful for spontaneous conversation.

Escucha 3/5

Listening comprehension should be good for 'délicieux(se)' at B2. It's frequently used in spoken French, especially in contexts related to food and dining, and its pronunciation is generally clear.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

bon(ne) très plat repas gâteau manger goûter

Aprende después

savoureux(se) excellent(e) succulent(e) divin(e) appétissant(e) exquis(e) se régaler un délice

Avanzado

gastronomie culinaire saveur arôme papilles fine bouche mets

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Agreement (Gender and Number)

Le gâteau est délicieux (masculine singular). La tarte est délicieuse (feminine singular). Les fruits sont délicieux (masculine plural). Les crêpes sont délicieuses (feminine plural).

Placement of Descriptive Adjectives

Descriptive adjectives like 'délicieux' usually follow the noun: 'un plat délicieux', not 'un délicieux plat' (which is less common).

Using 'Être' with Adjectives

The verb 'être' (to be) is commonly used with adjectives to describe qualities: 'Le vin est délicieux.'

Using 'Trouver' with Adjectives

'Trouver' (to find) can be used to express an opinion about something's quality: 'J'ai trouvé ce plat délicieux.'

Using Adverbs to Intensify Adjectives

Adverbs like 'très' (very), 'vraiment' (really), 'absolument' (absolutely) can be used before 'délicieux(se)' to strengthen the meaning: 'C'était vraiment délicieux.'

Ejemplos por nivel

1

Miam, c'est délicieux !

Yum, it's delicious!

Simple exclamation, often used with 'c'est' for general positive comments.

2

Le gâteau, délicieux.

The cake, delicious.

Very basic sentence structure, omitting the verb 'est'.

3

Bonbon délicieux.

Delicious candy.

Adjective possibly placed before noun in very simple contexts, or understood as a label.

4

J'aime ça. Délicieux.

I like that. Delicious.

Short, direct statement of approval.

5

C'est bon ? Oui, délicieux !

Is it good? Yes, delicious!

Question and answer format.

6

Fruit : délicieux.

Fruit: delicious.

Labeling or categorizing.

7

Chocolat, très délicieux.

Chocolate, very delicious.

Adding an intensifier.

8

Pour toi : délicieux !

For you: delicious!

Simple offering with a positive descriptor.

1

Ce plat est très délicieux.

This dish is very delicious.

Uses 'très' for emphasis. Correct masculine singular agreement.

2

La tarte aux pommes était délicieuse.

The apple pie was delicious.

Correct feminine singular agreement for 'tarte'.

3

Nous avons mangé des fruits délicieux.

We ate delicious fruits.

Correct masculine plural agreement for 'fruits'.

4

Le café de ce matin était vraiment délicieux.

This morning's coffee was truly delicious.

Using an adverb 'vraiment' (truly) and correct masculine singular agreement.

5

J'ai trouvé la glace délicieuse.

I found the ice cream delicious.

Using 'trouver' (to find) and correct feminine singular agreement for 'glace'.

6

Ces biscuits sont délicieux !

These cookies are delicious!

Correct masculine plural agreement for 'biscuits'.

7

La soupe de légumes était délicieuse.

The vegetable soup was delicious.

Correct feminine singular agreement for 'soupe'.

8

C'est un repas délicieux.

It's a delicious meal.

Correct masculine singular agreement for 'repas'.

1

Ce restaurant propose des plats vraiment délicieux et abordables.

This restaurant offers truly delicious and affordable dishes.

Using 'délicieux' to describe multiple dishes (masculine plural agreement).

2

Ma mère prépare une paella qui est toujours délicieuse.

My mother makes a paella that is always delicious.

Feminine singular agreement for 'paella'.

3

J'ai goûté un nouveau fromage français, il est incroyablement délicieux.

I tasted a new French cheese, it is incredibly delicious.

Using 'incroyablement' (incredibly) and masculine singular agreement for 'fromage'.

4

Les fruits de mer que nous avons mangés hier soir étaient délicieux.

The seafood we ate last night was delicious.

Masculine plural agreement for 'fruits de mer'.

5

Ce vin rouge accompagne parfaitement le rôti, il est délicieux.

This red wine perfectly accompanies the roast, it is delicious.

Masculine singular agreement for 'vin'.

6

Elle a fait des crêpes délicieuses pour le petit-déjeuner.

She made delicious crepes for breakfast.

Feminine plural agreement for 'crêpes'.

7

Le chef a créé une sauce spéciale, elle est absolument délicieuse.

The chef created a special sauce, it is absolutely delicious.

Feminine singular agreement for 'sauce'.

8

Nous avons trouvé cet hôtel avec un restaurant délicieux.

We found this hotel with a delicious restaurant.

Masculine singular agreement for 'restaurant'.

1

La complexité des saveurs dans ce plat était tout simplement délicieuse, une véritable œuvre d'art culinaire.

The complexity of the flavors in this dish was simply delicious, a true culinary work of art.

More descriptive language, using 'délicieuse' to describe the 'complexité des saveurs' (feminine singular).

2

Ce chocolat noir, avec ses notes subtiles de fruits rouges, est d'une richesse délicieuse.

This dark chocolate, with its subtle notes of red fruits, has a delicious richness.

Describing abstract quality ('richesse') as delicious (feminine singular).

3

Nous avons découvert un petit café où le café filtre est préparé avec une telle attention, le résultat est toujours délicieux.

We discovered a small café where the filter coffee is prepared with such care, the result is always delicious.

Masculine singular agreement for 'résultat'.

4

Les pâtisseries de cette boulangerie sont réputées pour être particulièrement délicieuses, surtout les mille-feuilles.

The pastries from this bakery are renowned for being particularly delicious, especially the mille-feuilles.

Feminine plural agreement for 'pâtisseries'.

5

Le mariage des épices dans ce curry végétarien crée une expérience gustative absolument délicieuse.

The marriage of spices in this vegetarian curry creates an absolutely delicious taste experience.

Feminine singular agreement for 'expérience gustative'.

6

Il a fallu des heures pour préparer cette sauce, mais le résultat final est indéniablement délicieux.

It took hours to prepare this sauce, but the final result is undeniably delicious.

Masculine singular agreement for 'résultat final'.

7

La simplicité de cette recette met en valeur la qualité des ingrédients, rendant le plat délicieux.

The simplicity of this recipe highlights the quality of the ingredients, making the dish delicious.

Masculine singular agreement for 'plat'.

8

Les arômes qui s'échappaient de la cuisine promettaient un repas vraiment délicieux.

The aromas wafting from the kitchen promised a truly delicious meal.

Masculine singular agreement for 'repas'.

1

L'équilibre subtil entre l'acidité du citron et la douceur du miel conférait à la vinaigrette une note délicieuse et inattendue.

The subtle balance between the acidity of the lemon and the sweetness of the honey lent the vinaigrette a delicious and unexpected note.

Feminine singular agreement for 'note'.

2

Ce vin liquoreux, avec sa texture onctueuse et ses arômes complexes, offre une expérience gustative d'une profondeur délicieuse.

This sweet wine, with its smooth texture and complex aromas, offers a taste experience of delicious depth.

Feminine singular agreement for 'profondeur'.

3

Le chef a su marier des saveurs audacieuses pour créer un plat qui, bien que surprenant, s'avère d'une réussite délicieuse.

The chef managed to combine bold flavors to create a dish that, although surprising, proves to be a delicious success.

Feminine singular agreement for 'réussite'.

4

La manière dont le soleil baignait les champs de lavande créait une atmosphère paisible et délicieuse.

The way the sun bathed the lavender fields created a peaceful and delicious atmosphere.

Metaphorical use: feminine singular agreement for 'atmosphère'.

5

Déguster ce vieux porto, c'est s'offrir un moment de pur plaisir, une saveur boisée et délicieuse qui évoque des souvenirs.

Tasting this old port is offering oneself a moment of pure pleasure, a woody and delicious flavor that evokes memories.

Masculine singular agreement for 'saveur'.

6

L'art de la fermentation lente a permis d'obtenir un pain au levain dont la mie aéré et la croûte croustillante en font un délice délicieux.

The art of slow fermentation has yielded a sourdough bread whose airy crumb and crispy crust make it a delicious delight.

Masculine singular agreement for 'délice' (delight).

7

La combinaison de la fraîcheur des herbes et du croquant des légumes donnait à la salade une qualité délicieuse et vivifiante.

The combination of the freshness of the herbs and the crunchiness of the vegetables gave the salad a delicious and invigorating quality.

Feminine singular agreement for 'qualité'.

8

Ce livre, par sa prose fluide et ses descriptions évocatrices, offre une lecture délicieuse pour les amateurs de littérature.

This book, with its fluid prose and evocative descriptions, offers a delicious read for literature lovers.

Metaphorical use: feminine singular agreement for 'lecture'.

1

L'agencement méticuleux des notes florales et épicées dans ce parfum crée une aura olfactive d'une somptuosité délicieuse.

The meticulous arrangement of floral and spicy notes in this perfume creates an olfactory aura of delicious sumptuousness.

Highly descriptive and abstract use, feminine singular agreement for 'aura olfactive'.

2

Il y a dans la mélancolie douce-amère de cette fin d'automne une beauté presque délicieuse, une sorte de sérénité contemplative.

There is in the bittersweet melancholy of this late autumn a nearly delicious beauty, a kind of contemplative serenity.

Metaphorical and abstract, feminine singular agreement for 'beauté'.

3

La maîtrise avec laquelle le réalisateur a orchestré les silences et les non-dits confère au film une tension dramatique délicieuse.

The mastery with which the director orchestrated the silences and the unsaid lends the film a delicious dramatic tension.

Metaphorical use, feminine singular agreement for 'tension dramatique'.

4

Ce plat, d'une simplicité apparente, recèle une profondeur de saveurs qui fait de chaque bouchée une découverte délicieuse et inattendue.

This dish, of apparent simplicity, conceals a depth of flavors that makes each bite a delicious and unexpected discovery.

Masculine singular agreement for 'découverte' (discovery) or referring to the implied 'plat'.

5

La cadence du narrateur, tantôt posée, tantôt plus vive, rythme la lecture d'une manière singulièrement délicieuse.

The narrator's cadence, sometimes calm, sometimes more lively, paces the reading in a singularly delicious manner.

Metaphorical use, feminine singular agreement for 'manière'.

6

Le développement harmonieux des personnages, loin des archétypes convenus, offre une exploration psychologique d'une subtilité délicieuse.

The harmonious development of the characters, far from conventional archetypes, offers a psychological exploration of delicious subtlety.

Feminine singular agreement for 'exploration psychologique'.

7

Il y a dans la contemplation de la nature, particulièrement au lever du soleil, une paix intérieure qui peut être qualifiée de délicieuse.

There is in the contemplation of nature, particularly at sunrise, an inner peace that can be described as delicious.

Metaphorical use, feminine singular agreement for 'paix intérieure'.

8

L'audace du chorégraphe à mêler des styles contradictoires a abouti à une pièce d'une expressivité délicieuse.

The choreographer's audacity in mixing contradictory styles has resulted in a piece of delicious expressiveness.

Feminine singular agreement for 'expressivité'.

Sinónimos

savoureux(se) excellent(e) succulent(e) divin(e) bon(ne) très bon(ne) appétissant(e) exquis(e)

Antónimos

mauvais(e) immangeable fade nauséabond(e)

Colocaciones comunes

plat délicieux
repas délicieux
gâteau délicieux
vin délicieux
café délicieux
moment délicieux
odeur délicieuse
cuisine délicieuse
saveur délicieuse
texture délicieuse

Frases Comunes

C'est délicieux !

— It's delicious! A simple and enthusiastic exclamation used when tasting something very good.

J'ai goûté la tarte, c'est délicieux !

C'était délicieux.

— It was delicious. Used to describe a past food experience.

Le dîner d'hier soir était vraiment délicieux.

Un repas délicieux

— A delicious meal. A common way to describe a satisfying dining experience.

Nous avons partagé un repas délicieux ensemble.

Absolument délicieux

— Absolutely delicious. An intensified way to express extreme pleasure with the taste.

Ce gâteau au chocolat est absolument délicieux.

Vraiment délicieux

— Truly delicious. Similar to 'absolument délicieux', emphasizing the genuine deliciousness of the food.

J'ai trouvé ce fromage vraiment délicieux.

Quelque chose de délicieux

— Something delicious. Used when referring to an unspecified tasty item.

Je cherche quelque chose de délicieux à manger.

Très, très délicieux

— Very, very delicious. An informal but emphatic way to stress how good something is.

Ce sorbet est très, très délicieux !

Un goût délicieux

— A delicious taste. Focuses on the specific flavor profile.

Ce fruit a un goût délicieux.

Une saveur délicieuse

— A delicious flavor. Similar to 'un goût délicieux', emphasizing the quality of the flavor.

La combinaison des épices a créé une saveur délicieuse.

C'est un délice

— It's a delight. While not directly using 'délicieux', it conveys a similar strong sense of pleasure from food.

Ce petit pain au chocolat est un vrai délice !

Se confunde a menudo con

délicieux(se) vs bon(ne)

'Bon' means 'good' and is less intense than 'délicieux'. While both are positive, 'délicieux' implies a higher level of satisfaction and pleasure.

délicieux(se) vs délicat(e)

'Délicat(e)' means 'delicate' or 'fine'. It can refer to taste (a delicate flavor) but also to texture, appearance, or a situation. It doesn't necessarily mean 'delicious' in the same way 'délicieux' does.

délicieux(se) vs délice

'Délice' is a noun meaning 'delight' or 'pleasure'. 'Délicieux(se)' is the adjective form. You can say 'Ce gâteau est un délice' (noun) or 'Ce gâteau est délicieux' (adjective).

Modismos y expresiones

"Être à se lécher les doigts"

— To be finger-licking good. This idiom describes food that is so delicious you want to lick your fingers clean.

La volaille était si bien préparée, elle était à se lécher les doigts !

Informal
"Un délice pour les papilles"

— A delight for the taste buds. This phrase emphasizes the pleasure experienced by one's sense of taste.

Ce dessert est un véritable délice pour les papilles.

Neutral
"Se régaler"

— To feast, to really enjoy one's food. While not directly containing 'délicieux', it's the action of enjoying something delicious.

Nous nous sommes régalés avec ce plat.

Neutral
"Un vrai régal"

— A real treat/delight. Similar to 'un délice', it describes something exceptionally enjoyable, often food.

Ce gâteau fait maison est un vrai régal.

Neutral
"Avoir l'eau à la bouche"

— To make one's mouth water. This describes the anticipation of something delicious.

La vue de ce plat me met l'eau à la bouche.

Neutral
"C'est le meilleur du monde"

— It's the best in the world. An exaggerated compliment for something extremely delicious.

Ce chocolat noir est le meilleur du monde !

Informal/Enthusiastic
"Un goût de paradis"

— A taste of heaven. Suggests something is incredibly delicious, almost divine.

Cette glace à la vanille a un goût de paradis.

Enthusiastic
"Être aux anges"

— To be in seventh heaven. While not specific to food, it can describe the feeling of extreme happiness derived from enjoying something delicious.

Après avoir goûté ce dessert, j'étais aux anges.

Informal
"Une merveille"

— A marvel/wonder. Used to describe something exceptionally good, including food.

Cette tarte aux fruits est une merveille !

Neutral
"Ça vaut le détour"

— It's worth the trip/detour. Often used for restaurants or food items that are so good they warrant a special effort to get them.

Ce restaurant est un peu loin, mais leur cuisine vaut vraiment le détour.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

délicieux(se) vs bon(ne)

Both are positive adjectives for taste.

'Bon' is general 'good', while 'délicieux' is specifically 'delicious', implying a higher degree of pleasure and satisfaction. 'Un bon repas' is a good meal, but 'un repas délicieux' is a truly delicious meal.

Le café était bon, mais la pâtisserie était délicieuse.

délicieux(se) vs délicat(e)

Both words share the root 'délice' and relate to sensory perception.

'Délicat(e)' describes something fine, subtle, or sensitive, which can apply to taste but also to texture, appearance, or even situations. 'Délicieux(se)' specifically refers to extremely pleasing taste or smell.

Le vin avait une saveur délicate, tandis que le fromage était franchement délicieux.

délicieux(se) vs savoureux(se)

Both are positive adjectives for taste.

'Savoureux(se)' emphasizes richness of flavor and aroma, meaning 'flavorful' or 'tasty'. 'Délicieux(se)' is a more general term for exceptionally good taste, focusing on the pleasure derived.

Ce curry est très savoureux, avec un mélange d'épices complexe, et les fruits en dessert étaient délicieux.

délicieux(se) vs délice (noun)

Related word with similar meaning.

'Délice' is a noun meaning 'delight' or 'great pleasure', often used for food. 'Délicieux(se)' is the adjective form used to describe something as having that quality.

Ce gâteau est un vrai délice. Il est vraiment délicieux.

délicieux(se) vs appétissant(e)

Both relate to positive food experiences.

'Appétissant(e)' means 'appetizing' and refers to how something looks or smells, making you want to eat it. 'Délicieux(se)' describes the actual taste once you've eaten it.

La présentation était très appétissante, et le goût était encore plus délicieux.

Patrones de oraciones

A2

C'est + un/une + [noun] + délicieux(se).

C'est un dessert délicieux.

A2

Le/La + [noun] + est + délicieux(se).

La pizza est délicieuse.

B1

J'ai mangé + un/une + [noun] + délicieux(se).

J'ai mangé un plat délicieux.

B1

Ce/Cette + [noun] + est + vraiment/très + délicieux(se).

Ce vin est vraiment délicieux.

B2

Nous avons trouvé + le/la + [noun] + délicieux(se).

Nous avons trouvé le thé délicieux.

B2

Les + [noun, plural] + étaient + délicieux(ses).

Les fruits étaient délicieux.

C1

Il/Elle offre une expérience + [adjective related to food] + délicieuse.

Ce restaurant offre une expérience culinaire délicieuse.

C1

La combinaison de + [noun] + et + [noun] + rend le + [noun] + délicieux.

La combinaison du sucre et du chocolat rend le gâteau délicieux.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

délices

Verbos

délice

Adjetivos

délicieux(se)

Relacionado

délice delight, pleasure
délicatement delicately, gently
délicatesse delicacy, tenderness, gentleness
délicat(e) delicate, fine, sensitive
délicieusement deliciously

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high, especially in contexts related to food and dining.

Errores comunes
  • Incorrect gender agreement. La soupe est délicieuse.

    The noun 'soupe' (soup) is feminine singular, so the adjective must also be feminine singular: 'délicieuse'. Saying 'La soupe est délicieux' is incorrect.

  • Incorrect plural agreement. Les gâteaux sont délicieux.

    The noun 'gâteaux' (cakes) is masculine plural. Therefore, the adjective must be masculine plural: 'délicieux'. Saying 'Les gâteaux sont délicieuse' is incorrect.

  • Placing the adjective before the noun. J'ai mangé un plat délicieux.

    Descriptive adjectives like 'délicieux' typically follow the noun they modify in French. While 'un délicieux plat' is not strictly wrong, 'un plat délicieux' is the standard and most common construction.

  • Overusing 'délicieux' for simple good taste. Ce pain est bon.

    While 'délicieux' means delicious, 'bon' means good. Using 'délicieux' for something only mildly pleasant can sound exaggerated. 'Bon' is more appropriate for everyday 'good' taste.

  • Confusing with 'délicat'. Le plat avait une saveur délicate.

    'Délicat(e)' means delicate, subtle, or fine. It can describe a taste, but it doesn't necessarily mean 'delicious' in the strong sense that 'délicieux' does. 'Délicieux' specifically denotes a very pleasing taste.

Consejos

Mastering Agreement

The key to using 'délicieux(se)' correctly is mastering adjective agreement. Always identify the gender and number of the noun you are describing. For masculine singular nouns, use 'délicieux'. For feminine singular, 'délicieuse'. For masculine plural, 'délicieux'. For feminine plural, 'délicieuses'.

Sounding Natural

Practice the French 'eu' sound in 'délicieux' (/deli-sjø/). It's made by rounding your lips as if to say 'oo' while trying to say 'uh'. Also, remember the final 'x' is silent, which is common in French adjectives.

Expressing Enthusiasm

Don't be afraid to use 'délicieux' to express genuine enjoyment of food. It's a common and appreciated compliment in French culture. You can intensify it with adverbs like 'très', 'vraiment', or 'absolument' for extra emphasis.

Vs. 'Bon'

Think of 'bon' as 'good' and 'délicieux' as 'delicious'. Use 'bon' for general positive taste, and 'délicieux' when something is exceptionally tasty and brings significant pleasure.

Connect to 'Delight'

Link 'délicieux' to the English word 'delicious' and the concept of 'delight'. Imagine something so delightful it makes you say 'de-light-ious!' This association can help you remember its meaning and positive connotation.

Write It Out

Write sentences describing different foods (pastries, meats, drinks, desserts) using the correct form of 'délicieux(se)'. This active recall will reinforce the agreement rules and sentence structures.

Listen in Context

When you watch French movies or shows, or listen to French podcasts about food, pay attention to how and when 'délicieux(se)' is used. Note the surrounding words and the context to deepen your understanding.

Appreciating French Cuisine

Understanding 'délicieux' is part of appreciating French culture's emphasis on gastronomy. Use it to compliment hosts or chefs, showing you value their culinary efforts and the shared experience of a good meal.

Expand Your Palette

Once comfortable with 'délicieux', explore synonyms like 'savoureux' (flavorful), 'excellent' (excellent), and 'succulent' (juicy/tender) to add more precise and varied vocabulary to your descriptions of food.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of the 'delight' in 'délicieux'. Imagine a chef creating a dish so delightful, it makes you say 'Oh, this is pure de-light-i-ous!' The 'x' at the end is silent, like a secret flourish from the chef.

Asociación visual

Picture a very fancy, ornate plate with a perfectly cooked, steaming dish. Imagine a chef with a proud smile presenting it, saying, 'Voilà, c'est délicieux!' Focus on the visual appeal and the implied taste.

Word Web

Taste Flavor Food Pleasure Enjoyment Sweet Savory Aroma Mouth-watering Gourmet Yummy Tasty Appetizing Excellent Good

Desafío

Try to describe five different foods you ate recently using 'délicieux(se)' and making sure the adjective agrees correctly. For example, 'Le poisson était délicieux', 'La glace était délicieuse'.

Origen de la palabra

The word 'délicieux' comes from the Latin word 'deliciosus', which itself derives from 'deliciae'. 'Deliciae' in Latin meant 'delight', 'pleasure', or 'charm', and was often used in the plural to refer to things that were pleasing or luxurious.

Significado original: Originally, 'deliciosus' in Latin meant 'full of delight' or 'dainty'. It was used to describe things that were pleasing to the senses, not exclusively food.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance languages > French

Contexto cultural

Using 'délicieux' is generally positive and well-received when referring to food. However, avoid using it to describe things that are not food or drink unless you intend a metaphorical or poetic meaning, as it might sound unusual.

In English-speaking cultures, 'delicious' is also a common term for good food. However, the French cultural emphasis on the ritual of dining and the detailed discussion of flavors might lead to more frequent and nuanced use of 'délicieux' and its synonyms.

Ratatouille (movie): Characters frequently discuss and praise food, often using terms like 'délicieux'. Julia Child's cookbooks: Her French recipes often lead to descriptions of delicious results. French culinary magazines: Publications like 'Gourmand' or 'Elle à Table' are filled with adjectives like 'délicieux' to describe recipes and restaurants.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Restaurant Dining

  • Le plat du jour est délicieux.
  • C'était un repas délicieux.
  • Je recommande vivement ce dessert délicieux.

Home Cooking and Sharing Meals

  • J'ai fait un gâteau délicieux.
  • Ce plat est vraiment délicieux, merci !
  • On a partagé un moment délicieux autour de la table.

Describing Food Products

  • Ce fromage est délicieux.
  • J'ai acheté du chocolat délicieux.
  • La confiture de fraises est délicieuse.

Food Reviews and Blogs

  • Une expérience culinaire délicieuse.
  • Les saveurs étaient délicieuses.
  • Une adresse incontournable pour des plats délicieux.

Casual Conversation about Food

  • Qu'est-ce que tu as mangé de délicieux aujourd'hui ?
  • J'ai envie de quelque chose de délicieux.
  • Ce café est délicieux.

Inicios de conversación

"What was the most delicious thing you ate recently?"

"When was the last time you had a truly delicious meal?"

"Do you prefer sweet or savory delicious foods?"

"Describe a dish that you find absolutely delicious."

"If you could only eat one delicious food for the rest of your life, what would it be?"

Temas para diario

Write about a memorable meal where the food was exceptionally delicious. Describe the setting, the company, and what made it so special.

Reflect on a time you cooked something that turned out to be surprisingly delicious. What was the dish, and what do you think made it successful?

Imagine you are a food critic. Write a short review of a fictional restaurant, using 'délicieux(se)' and other descriptive words to praise their dishes.

Describe a non-food item or experience that you could metaphorically call 'délicieux'. Explain why you chose this word.

List five different foods you find delicious and explain what makes each one so appealing to your taste buds.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

'Bon' means 'good' and is a general positive descriptor for taste. 'Délicieux' means 'delicious' and implies a higher level of pleasure, satisfaction, and exceptional taste. You would use 'bon' for something that tastes nice, but 'délicieux' for something that is truly outstanding and very pleasing to the palate.

You need to know the gender of the noun the adjective is describing. If the noun is masculine singular, use 'délicieux' (e.g., 'le gâteau est délicieux'). If it's feminine singular, use 'délicieuse' (e.g., 'la tarte est délicieuse'). For masculine plural nouns, it's 'délicieux' (e.g., 'les fruits sont délicieux'), and for feminine plural nouns, it's 'délicieuses' (e.g., 'les crêpes sont délicieuses').

Yes, though less commonly. It can be used metaphorically to describe something that is delightful, charming, or extremely pleasant, like 'une atmosphère délicieuse' (a delightful atmosphere) or 'une conversation délicieuse' (a delightful conversation). However, its primary and most frequent use is for food and drink.

The masculine plural form is 'délicieux' (pronounced the same as the singular masculine form). The feminine plural form is 'délicieuses' (pronounced similarly to the feminine singular, but with a slight difference in the final 's' sound often being pronounced).

Yes, 'délicieux' is a strong positive adjective. It indicates a high degree of pleasure and satisfaction from taste or smell. It's more emphatic than 'bon' (good) or 'très bon' (very good).

In French, it's pronounced roughly as /de.li.sjø/. The 'd' is soft, the 'é' sounds like 'ay' in 'say', the 'i' is like 'ee' in 'see', the 'c' sounds like 's', and the 'eu' is a specific French vowel sound made with rounded lips. The final 'x' is silent.

While grammatically possible, descriptive adjectives like 'délicieux' usually follow the noun they modify in French ('un gâteau délicieux'). Placing it before the noun is less common and can sound more literary or poetic. For everyday use, 'un gâteau délicieux' is preferred.

The most common mistake is incorrect agreement. Learners often forget to change the adjective's form to match the gender and number of the noun it describes, leading to errors like 'la soupe est délicieux' instead of 'la soupe est délicieuse'.

Yes, there are several related words. 'Savoureux' means flavorful, 'excellent' means excellent, 'succulent' implies juiciness and tenderness, and 'divin' means divine (used hyperbolically). 'Bon' means good and is less intense.

French speakers often use 'délicieux' with enthusiasm, sometimes with adverbs like 'très' or 'absolument'. They might also use phrases like 'C'est un délice', 'Je me suis régalé(e)', or 'C'est à se lécher les doigts!' to express strong appreciation.

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