Meaning
Used to describe food that tastes very good.
Cultural Background
The French 'Art de Vivre' places the meal at the center of social life. Complimenting the food is not just polite; it's a way to acknowledge the host's taste and effort. In Quebec, you might hear 'C'est écoeurant !'. While 'écoeurant' literally means 'disgusting' in France, in Quebec slang, it means 'insanely good' or 'delicious'. Belgians share the French love for gastronomy. Using 'C'est délicieux' for a 'gaufre' {la|f} or 'frites' {les|f} is very common and appreciated. In French-speaking Switzerland, dining is often formal. 'C'est délicieux' is the perfect safe, polite compliment for a fondue or raclette dinner. In countries like Senegal or Ivory Coast, food is often shared from a communal plate. Saying 'C'est délicieux' is a way to honor the 'maman' who cooked.
The 'C'est' Rule
Remember that 'C'est' is your best friend. It makes the grammar easy because you don't have to worry about the gender of the food.
Avoid 'Très'
Native speakers rarely say 'très délicieux'. It's like saying 'very excellent'. Use 'vraiment' or just 'délicieux' on its own.
Meaning
Used to describe food that tastes very good.
The 'C'est' Rule
Remember that 'C'est' is your best friend. It makes the grammar easy because you don't have to worry about the gender of the food.
Avoid 'Très'
Native speakers rarely say 'très délicieux'. It's like saying 'very excellent'. Use 'vraiment' or just 'délicieux' on its own.
The First Bite
Wait until your host has taken a bite or invited you to start before saying 'C'est délicieux'.
The 'Mmm' Factor
Adding an 'Mmm' before the phrase makes it sound much more natural and enthusiastic.
Test Yourself
How do you say 'It is delicious' in French?
Compliment the chef:
'C'est délicieux' is the standard, neutral-gender compliment for food.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the adjective.
Cette soupe est ________ (delicious).
Since 'soupe' is feminine, the adjective must agree: 'délicieuse'.
What would you say after finishing a great meal?
Ami: 'Tu as fini ?' Toi: 'Oui, ________ !'
Use the past tense 'C'était' because the meal is finished.
Match the phrase to the register.
Which one is slang?
'C'est une tuerie' is common French slang for something amazing.
Which sentence is grammatically correct for a feminine noun?
Talking about 'la tarte' {la|f}:
With 'C'est', the adjective remains masculine. If you used 'Elle est', it would be 'Elle est délicieuse'.
Add an adverb for emphasis.
Ce gâteau est ________ délicieux !
'Vraiment' is the best way to add emphasis to an absolute adjective like 'délicieux'.
🎉 Score: /6
Visual Learning Aids
C'est vs. Elle est
Practice Bank
6 exercisesCompliment the chef:
'C'est délicieux' is the standard, neutral-gender compliment for food.
Cette soupe est ________ (delicious).
Since 'soupe' is feminine, the adjective must agree: 'délicieuse'.
Ami: 'Tu as fini ?' Toi: 'Oui, ________ !'
Use the past tense 'C'était' because the meal is finished.
Which one is slang?
'C'est une tuerie' is common French slang for something amazing.
Talking about 'la tarte' {la|f}:
With 'C'est', the adjective remains masculine. If you used 'Elle est', it would be 'Elle est délicieuse'.
Ce gâteau est ________ délicieux !
'Vraiment' is the best way to add emphasis to an absolute adjective like 'délicieux'.
🎉 Score: /6
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is perfectly natural for wine, coffee, or a sophisticated cocktail.
Yes, it's a very polite way to respond when they ask if you like the food.
'Bon' is 'good'. 'Délicieux' is 'delicious'. Use 'délicieux' when you are truly impressed.
They are making a mistake. It should be 'C'est délicieux' or 'Elle est délicieuse'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Yes, 'Cette odeur est délicieuse' is a common way to describe a wonderful scent.
Yes, 'C'est une tuerie' is the most popular slang equivalent.
Use the past tense: 'C'était délicieux'.
Be careful! It can sound very flirtatious or suggestive. Stick to food.
Say 'C'est spécial' (It's special/different) or 'Ce n'est pas trop mon goût' (It's not really my taste).
Yes, it is universally understood and used across the Francophonie.
It's rare. Use 'C'est magnifique' or 'C'est splendide' for views.
Related Phrases
C'est bon
similarIt's good
C'est exquis
specialized formIt's exquisite
C'est succulent
similarIt's succulent
C'est un régal
builds onIt's a treat
C'est infect
contrastIt's disgusting
C'est fade
contrastIt's bland
