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être en admiration

B1 noun 9 min read

être en admiration

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips être en admiration in 30 Seconds

Explanation être en admiration in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'être en admiration' might be a bit complex, but you can understand it as a very strong way to say 'I like it very much' or 'It is beautiful.' Think of it as 'I am looking at something beautiful and I can't look away.' You might use it simply with 'devant' and a noun. For example: 'Je suis en admiration devant le gâteau.' It is a step above 'C'est beau.' At this stage, focus on the fact that it expresses a big emotion. You don't need to worry about the deep nuances yet, just that it means you really, really like what you see. It's like having stars in your eyes. When you see a big Christmas tree or a cute puppy, you can say 'Je suis en admiration.' It's a great way to start expressing more than just basic feelings. Remember the structure: Subject + être + en admiration + devant + object. This simple formula will help you sound more expressive in French even if your vocabulary is still growing. Don't worry about the grammar of the word 'admiration' itself; just treat the whole phrase as one big block of meaning that means 'to be wowed.'

At the A2 level, you can start using 'être en admiration' to describe your reactions to things you see while traveling or visiting museums. You are moving beyond 'J'aime' and starting to describe your state of mind. You should understand that 'en' stays the same and doesn't change like 'au' or 'à la.' You can use it to talk about people too, like your favorite singer or a talented friend. For example: 'Je suis en admiration devant mon frère parce qu'il parle trois langues.' It helps you explain *why* you think someone is great. You might also notice it in simple stories or descriptions of famous French landmarks. At this level, try to use it with the preposition 'devant' for things you can see. It's a useful phrase for your speaking exams when you have to describe a picture. Instead of saying 'La photo est belle,' you can say 'Je suis en admiration devant cette photo.' This shows the examiner that you have a better range of vocabulary. It also shows you can use more complex sentence structures. Try practicing it with different subjects: 'Nous sommes en admiration,' 'Ils sont en admiration.' It’s a very positive and polite expression to use.

As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using 'être en admiration' in both spoken and written French. You understand that this phrase describes a state of being rather than a quick action. You should be able to distinguish between 'être en admiration devant' (for something visual or immediate) and 'avoir de l'admiration pour' (for a general feeling towards someone). This is the level where you start to use it to describe abstract qualities, like 'être en admiration devant la patience de quelqu'un.' You can also use different verbs like 'rester' or 'demeurer' to show that the feeling lasted for a while. For example: 'Nous sommes restés en admiration devant le coucher de soleil pendant vingt minutes.' This adds more detail to your storytelling. You should also be aware of the register; it's more formal and elegant than 'être fan de.' In your writing, use it to show a deeper level of appreciation. It's particularly useful for essays about art, culture, or personal heroes. You can also start to use it in the negative to show a lack of impression: 'Je n'étais pas vraiment en admiration devant ce film.' This level is all about nuance and choosing the right word for the right amount of emotion.

At the B2 level, you should use 'être en admiration' with precision and stylistic flair. You understand the emotional weight it carries and use it to create specific effects in your writing. You might use 'tomber en admiration' to describe a sudden impact. You are also able to use it in more complex grammatical structures, such as within relative clauses or with the subjunctive: 'Il est rare que je sois en admiration devant une œuvre moderne.' You can compare it with synonyms like 'être subjugué' or 'être fasciné' and choose the one that fits best. You should also be able to recognize it in literature and understand the cultural context—how it reflects a French appreciation for aesthetics and excellence. At this stage, you can use the phrase to discuss complex topics like ethics or leadership, expressing admiration for someone's principles. For example, 'De nombreux citoyens sont en admiration devant l'intégrité de cette femme politique.' You are moving towards a native-like grasp of when the phrase is appropriate and when it might be too much. You can also use it to describe a collective state, like 'une foule en admiration.'

At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the stylistic nuances of 'être en admiration.' You can use it to express subtle shades of meaning, perhaps even using it ironically or to describe a character's internal state in a literary analysis. You understand how the phrase functions within the broader landscape of French rhetoric. You can use it to describe not just a feeling, but a philosophical stance or a long-term dedication to an ideal. You might explore its use in historical texts or classical literature, noting how the concept of 'admiration' has evolved from 'wonder at the strange' to 'respect for the excellent.' In your own production, you use it to add a touch of elegance and gravity to your arguments. You might say, 'On ne peut qu'être en admiration devant la complexité de ce système biologique,' using it to emphasize a point in a scientific or academic discussion. You are also aware of the phonetics and the rhythmic flow of the phrase within a sentence, using it to balance your prose. You can masterfully switch between 'être en admiration,' 'être transporté,' and 'être épris d'admiration' to avoid repetition and maintain a high level of discourse.

At the C2 level, 'être en admiration' is a tool you use with total mastery and effortless grace. You are sensitive to the most minute differences in connotation between this phrase and its numerous literary synonyms. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as art history, philosophy, or high-level diplomacy, to convey a precise emotional and intellectual state. You might analyze how a writer uses the state of being 'en admiration' to signify a character's epiphany or moral awakening. Your use of the phrase is perfectly integrated into your personal style, whether you are writing a formal critique or engaging in a deep philosophical debate. You might even play with the phrase, perhaps using it to describe a paradoxical state: 'Il était en admiration devant sa propre ruine.' You have a complete understanding of the historical and cultural baggage the word 'admiration' carries in French thought, from Descartes to the modern day. You can use the phrase to evoke specific cultural tropes or to subvert them. For you, 'être en admiration' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a versatile instrument for expressing the highest peaks of human experience and appreciation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

être en admiration in 30 Seconds

A French phrase meaning 'to be in a state of admiration' or 'to be awestruck.'
Used to describe deep wonder, respect, and emotional captivation by beauty or talent.
Usually followed by the prepositions 'devant' (for objects/sights) or 'pour' (for character traits).
More formal and evocative than the simple verb 'admirer,' implying a lingering state of mind.

The French expression être en admiration is a sophisticated and evocative way to describe a state of profound wonder, respect, and awe. Unlike the simple verb admirer (to admire), which can be a passing thought or a simple acknowledgment of quality, being en admiration suggests a more immersive, static, and contemplative state. It is as if the person is physically or mentally 'inside' the feeling of admiration. This phrase is most frequently used when one is confronted with something of immense beauty, talent, or moral excellence. It captures that specific moment when you stop what you are doing just to gaze at something or someone, completely captivated by their presence or their work. In the French language, this locution carries a certain weight; it is not used lightly for trivial things. You wouldn't typically say you are 'en admiration' for a sandwich, but you certainly would for a masterpiece in the Louvre, a breathtaking sunset over the Alps, or a person whose life's work has changed the world.

Emotional Depth: This expression implies a total absorption. It is more than just liking; it is being mesmerized by the object of focus.
Syntactic Usage: It is almost always followed by the preposition devant (in front of/before) when referring to a physical object or person, or pour (for) when referring to a quality or a person's character.

Les touristes sont restés en admiration devant la majesté de la cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.

In social contexts, using this phrase signals that the speaker is sensitive to aesthetics or high-level achievement. It elevates the conversation from the mundane to the appreciative. Culturally, the French place a high value on the ability to appreciate 'le beau' (the beautiful) and 'le bien' (the good). Therefore, being able to express that you are in a state of admiration is seen as a sign of refinement and emotional intelligence. It suggests that you are not just a passive observer of the world, but someone capable of deep emotional resonance. Whether you are discussing a virtuoso piano performance or the quiet dignity of a grandparent, être en admiration provides the perfect linguistic vessel for that intensity of feeling.

Je suis en admiration devant ton courage et ta persévérance face à de tels obstacles.

Register: While not strictly formal, it is more elegant than the common 'J\'adore'. It is perfectly suitable for literature, journalism, and heartfelt personal conversations.

L'enfant était en admiration devant le spectacle de magie, les yeux écarquillés par la surprise.

Tout le public était en admiration devant la performance de la danseuse étoile.

Using être en admiration correctly requires understanding its relationship with prepositions. The most common construction is être en admiration devant [quelque chose/quelqu'un]. This usage implies a visual or immediate presence. For example, if you are standing in a gallery looking at a painting, you are en admiration devant le tableau. If you are watching a genius work, you are en admiration devant son génie. The second construction is être en admiration pour [quelqu'un], which is slightly more abstract and refers to a long-term feeling of respect for a person's character or achievements.

The Preposition 'Devant': Used for physical sight or immediate impact. Example: 'Il reste en admiration devant le paysage.'
The Preposition 'Pour': Used for general sentiment or character traits. Example: 'J'ai toujours été en admiration pour cet écrivain.'

Elle est en admiration devant la patience dont fait preuve son professeur.

One can also use the phrase in a more absolute sense, without a complement, to describe a general state of being. 'Il restait là, en admiration.' This indicates that the subject is so overwhelmed by wonder that the object of that wonder is implied by the context. Grammatically, the verb être can be replaced by verbs of state like rester (to remain), demeurer (to stay/remain), or tomber (to fall). 'Tomber en admiration' is particularly expressive, suggesting a sudden, almost accidental descent into a state of awe. It mimics the English 'to fall in love' but for admiration.

Nous sommes tombés en admiration devant cette petite église romane au détour du chemin.

In terms of tense, être en admiration works across all timelines. In the imparfait, it sets a scene: 'Pendant des heures, nous étions en admiration...' In the passé composé, it marks a specific event: 'Dès qu'il l'a vue, il a été en admiration.' In the futur, it expresses anticipation: 'Vous serez en admiration devant la vue depuis le sommet.' This versatility makes it an essential tool for descriptive writing and storytelling in French.

À chaque fois qu'il regarde le ciel étoilé, il est en admiration.

You will encounter être en admiration in various contexts, ranging from high-brow cultural critiques to intimate personal reflections. In the world of art and museums, it is a staple. Tour guides will often use it to prompt visitors: 'Prenez un moment pour être en admiration devant cette fresque.' Similarly, in theater or film reviews, a critic might write that 'le public était en admiration devant la performance magistrale de l'acteur principal.' This usage signals a collective experience of awe that transcends simple enjoyment.

Art and Culture: Frequent in reviews, museum descriptions, and discussions about aesthetic beauty.
Nature and Travel: Used to describe the reaction to grand landscapes, sunsets, or architectural wonders.

Les explorateurs étaient en admiration devant l'immensité du désert.

In everyday life, parents often use it to describe their children's reactions to new things. 'Mon fils est en admiration devant les camions de pompiers.' Here, it conveys a sense of innocent wonder. It's also common in romantic or highly respectful contexts. If someone says, 'Je suis en admiration devant tout ce que tu as accompli,' they are offering a very deep and sincere compliment. It's more profound than saying 'C'est bien' or 'Je t'aime.' It acknowledges the other person's worth and the speaker's recognition of it.

Elle passait des heures en admiration devant les vitrines des grands magasins à Noël.

Finally, you'll see it in literature. French authors often use the state of admiration to stop time in a narrative, allowing for a descriptive passage. When a character is en admiration, the action pauses, and the reader is invited to see the world through that character's enchanted eyes. It is a powerful tool for building atmosphere and character depth, showing what a character values most.

One of the most common mistakes for English speakers is confusing the noun phrase être en admiration with the simple verb admirer. While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. Admirer is a direct action: 'J'admire ce peintre.' Être en admiration is a state: 'Je suis en admiration devant ce peintre.' Using the phrase when a simple verb would suffice can sometimes sound overly dramatic or 'too much.' Conversely, using the simple verb when you want to describe a deep, lingering state might fail to capture the full emotional weight of the moment.

Preposition Confusion: Many learners try to use 'de' after 'admiration' (e.g., *en admiration de). While 'l'admiration de quelqu'un' is correct as a noun phrase, the verbal phrase 'être en admiration' requires 'devant' or 'pour'.
Overuse: Don't use it for minor things. Being 'en admiration' for a cup of coffee sounds sarcastic or hyperbolic in French unless the coffee is truly life-changing.

Faux : Je suis en admiration de ton travail.
Correct : Je suis en admiration devant ton travail.

Another mistake is forgetting the verb être or its substitutes. You cannot simply say 'Je admiration.' You must be *in* the state of admiration. Also, be careful with the word admiratif. While être admiratif is a valid synonym, être en admiration is more common when describing a specific moment of being struck by something. Admiratif is often used to describe a general attitude or a look: 'Il m'a jeté un regard admiratif.'

Attention : 'Être en admiration devant' vs 'Avoir de l'admiration pour'. Both are correct but 'être en admiration' is more visual and immediate.

If you want to vary your vocabulary, there are several alternatives to être en admiration, each with its own nuance. The most direct synonym is admirer, which is more active. If you want to emphasize the feeling of being stunned or paralyzed by beauty, you might use être émerveillé (to be filled with wonder/marvel). This is particularly common when talking about children or magical experiences. Another strong alternative is être fasciné (to be fascinated), which suggests a magnetic pull or a deep intellectual interest in addition to the admiration.

Être émerveillé: More about wonder and enchantment. 'Les enfants étaient émerveillés par les lumières.'
Être en extase: Much stronger; implies a religious or quasi-religious level of joy and awe. 'Elle était en extase devant le concert.'

Comparaison :
1. Il admire son courage (Simple).
2. Il est en admiration devant son courage (Intense state).

For a more intellectual or respectful tone, you could use avoir de l'estime pour (to have esteem for) or vénérer (to venerate/worship), though vénérer is much stronger and usually reserved for icons or deities. In a casual setting, you might hear être fan de or être scotché par (slang: to be glued/stuck by), but these lack the elegance of être en admiration. Choosing the right word depends on the level of intensity and the formality of the situation. Être en admiration sits perfectly in the middle—strong, elegant, and clear.

Nous étions bouche bée d'admiration devant la performance.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the 17th century, 'admiration' still carried a strong sense of 'surprise'. Descartes, in 'The Passions of the Soul', described it as the first of all passions because it happens before we even know if the object is beneficial or harmful.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛtʁ ɑ̃ n‿ad.mi.ʁa.sjɔ̃/

US /ɛtʁ ɑ̃ n‿ad.mi.ʁa.sjɔ̃/

The primary stress in French falls on the final syllable of the rhythmic group: 'ad-mi-ra-SYON'.

Rhymes With

Passion Nation Action Création Émotion Réaction Attention Solution

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'n' in 'en' or 'admiration' as a hard English 'n' instead of a nasal vowel.
Forgetting the liaison (the 'n' sound) between 'en' and 'admiration'.
Pronouncing 'admiration' like the English word 'admiration' (the 'i' should be 'ee' and 'a' should be 'ah').
Stressing the first syllable instead of the last.
Over-pronouncing the 't' in 'être'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to the cognate 'admiration'.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct preposition use (devant/pour).

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct nasal pronunciation and liaison.

Listening 2/5

Common enough to be easily identified in speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Être Admirer Beau/Belle Devant Pour

Learn Next

Émerveiller Subjuguer Fasciner Estime Respecter

Advanced

L'extase La contemplation Le sublime La vénération L'apothéose

Grammar to Know

Liaison with 'en'

En admiration (pronounced en-N-admiration).

Verbs of State

Rester, demeurer, sembler can replace 'être'.

Preposition 'Devant'

Used for physical presence: 'devant la tour'.

Preposition 'Pour'

Used for abstract respect: 'pour son travail'.

Gender of 'Admiration'

It is feminine, but the phrase 'en admiration' is fixed.

Examples by Level

Je suis en admiration devant les fleurs.

I am in admiration of the flowers.

Simple subject + verb + phrase.

Elle est en admiration devant le chat.

She is in admiration of the cat.

Using 'devant' for a physical animal.

Nous sommes en admiration devant la tour Eiffel.

We are in admiration of the Eiffel Tower.

Plural subject form.

Tu es en admiration devant le gâteau ?

Are you in admiration of the cake?

Question form.

L'enfant est en admiration devant la neige.

The child is in admiration of the snow.

Third person singular.

Ils sont en admiration devant le sapin de Noël.

They are in admiration of the Christmas tree.

Plural 'ils'.

Je suis en admiration devant ton dessin.

I am in admiration of your drawing.

Possessive adjective 'ton'.

Vous êtes en admiration devant la mer.

You are in admiration of the sea.

Formal or plural 'vous'.

Je suis en admiration devant le talent de ce musicien.

I am in admiration of this musician's talent.

Abstract noun 'talent' after 'devant'.

Mon père est en admiration devant sa nouvelle voiture.

My father is in admiration of his new car.

Possessive 'sa'.

Elle reste en admiration devant les bijoux de la vitrine.

She remains in admiration of the jewelry in the window.

Using 'rester' instead of 'être'.

Nous étions en admiration devant le feu d'artifice.

We were in admiration of the fireworks.

Imperfect tense for description.

Les élèves sont en admiration devant leur professeur.

The students are in admiration of their teacher.

Plural noun and possessive.

Il est en admiration devant le courage des pompiers.

He is in admiration of the firefighters' courage.

Abstract quality 'courage'.

Ma mère a été en admiration devant mon premier gâteau.

My mother was in admiration of my first cake.

Passé composé for a specific event.

Vous serez en admiration devant la vue de l'hôtel.

You will be in admiration of the view from the hotel.

Future tense.

Tout le monde est tombé en admiration devant sa robe de mariée.

Everyone fell in admiration of her wedding dress.

Using 'tomber en admiration' for a sudden effect.

Je suis en admiration devant la patience qu'elle a avec ses enfants.

I am in admiration of the patience she has with her children.

Relative clause 'qu'elle a'.

Il demeure en admiration devant l'œuvre de Victor Hugo.

He remains in admiration of Victor Hugo's work.

Using 'demeurer' for a lasting state.

Nous sommes en admiration pour ce grand scientifique.

We are in admiration for this great scientist.

Using 'pour' for respect for a person.

Elle était en admiration devant la précision du chirurgien.

She was in admiration of the surgeon's precision.

Imperfect for a specific observation.

Les critiques sont en admiration devant l'originalité du film.

The critics are in admiration of the film's originality.

Abstract quality 'originalité'.

Je ne peux m'empêcher d'être en admiration devant ce paysage.

I can't help being in admiration of this landscape.

Infinitive after 'm'empêcher de'.

Ils sont restés en admiration devant le spectacle pendant une heure.

They remained in admiration of the show for an hour.

Duration with 'pendant'.

Il est rare de ne pas être en admiration devant une telle prouesse technique.

It is rare not to be in admiration of such a technical feat.

Impersonal construction 'Il est rare de'.

Elle avoua être en admiration devant l'abnégation de ces bénévoles.

She confessed to being in admiration of these volunteers' selflessness.

Formal verb 'avouer'.

Le public, en admiration, ne cessait d'applaudir le pianiste.

The audience, in admiration, didn't stop applauding the pianist.

Appositive use of the phrase.

On sentait qu'il était en admiration devant l'intelligence de son adversaire.

One could feel he was in admiration of his opponent's intelligence.

Imperfect and 'on' for general feeling.

Il est en admiration pour tout ce qui touche à l'histoire ancienne.

He is in admiration for everything related to ancient history.

Using 'pour' with 'tout ce qui'.

Elle se surprit à être en admiration devant la simplicité du concept.

She caught herself being in admiration of the concept's simplicity.

Reflexive 'se surprendre à'.

Les historiens sont en admiration devant la conservation de ces manuscrits.

Historians are in admiration of the preservation of these manuscripts.

Technical/Historical context.

Quiconque voit ce tableau sera en admiration devant sa lumière.

Whoever sees this painting will be in admiration of its light.

Relative pronoun 'Quiconque'.

La postérité restera sans doute en admiration devant l'audace de ses théories.

Posterity will undoubtedly remain in admiration of the boldness of his theories.

Future tense with 'sans doute'.

On ne peut qu'être en admiration devant la résilience de ce peuple.

One can only be in admiration of this people's resilience.

Restrictive 'ne... que'.

Il passait ses journées en admiration devant les mystères de la nature.

He spent his days in admiration of the mysteries of nature.

Imperfect describing a lifestyle.

Sa plume témoigne d'un auteur qui était en admiration devant la beauté du monde.

His writing bears witness to an author who was in admiration of the world's beauty.

Metaphorical 'sa plume'.

Elle semblait être en admiration devant la complexité de l'âme humaine.

She seemed to be in admiration of the complexity of the human soul.

Modal verb 'sembler'.

Bien qu'il fût en admiration devant son mentor, il n'hésita pas à le contredire.

Although he was in admiration of his mentor, he didn't hesitate to contradict him.

Subjunctive imperfect (literary).

Le visiteur s'arrête, en admiration devant l'harmonie des proportions.

The visitor stops, in admiration of the harmony of the proportions.

Present tense for narrative effect.

Nul ne peut rester en admiration devant une telle injustice.

No one can remain in admiration of such injustice (ironic use).

Negation 'Nul ne'.

L'esthète qu'il était ne pouvait qu'être en admiration devant cet agencement de couleurs.

The aesthete he was could only be in admiration of this arrangement of colors.

Appositive noun phrase 'L'esthète qu'il était'.

C'est dans cet état d'être en admiration qu'il puisait son inspiration créatrice.

It was in this state of being in admiration that he drew his creative inspiration.

Cleft sentence 'C'est... que'.

Loin de l'envier, il était sincèrement en admiration devant son succès.

Far from envying him, he was sincerely in admiration of his success.

Prepositional phrase 'Loin de'.

Elle s'abîmait dans la contemplation, tout entière en admiration devant l'infini.

She lost herself in contemplation, entirely in admiration of the infinite.

Literary verb 's'abîmer'.

Le texte souligne à quel point le peuple était en admiration devant son souverain.

The text emphasizes the extent to which the people were in admiration of their sovereign.

Indirect question 'à quel point'.

Peut-on être en admiration devant une œuvre sans en comprendre la genèse ?

Can one be in admiration of a work without understanding its genesis?

Interrogative with 'sans'.

Son silence en disait long sur le fait qu'il était en admiration devant la scène.

His silence spoke volumes about the fact that he was in admiration of the scene.

Idiom 'en dire long'.

Il y a une forme de piété à être ainsi en admiration devant la vie.

There is a form of piety in being thus in admiration of life.

Philosophical usage.

Synonyms

Admirer Être émerveillé Être fasciné Être subjugué Être en extase Être sous le charme Être pantois Avoir le souffle coupé

Antonyms

Être indifférent Mépriser Être déçu Rester de marbre

Common Collocations

Être en admiration devant la nature

Être en admiration devant le génie

Rester en admiration

Tomber en admiration

Être en admiration pour quelqu'un

Muet d'admiration

Plein d'admiration

Être en admiration devant un tableau

Être en admiration devant le courage

Être en admiration devant la beauté

Common Phrases

Rester en admiration devant...

— To stay looking at something with awe for a long time.

Nous sommes restés en admiration devant le Louvre.

Être en admiration pour le travail de...

— To deeply respect and be wowed by someone's professional output.

Je suis en admiration pour le travail de cette architecte.

Tomber en admiration devant...

— To suddenly be struck by the beauty or quality of something.

Dès l'entrée, elle est tombée en admiration devant le hall.

Être sans cesse en admiration

— To be constantly amazed by something or someone.

Il est sans cesse en admiration devant ses enfants.

Mettre quelqu'un en admiration

— To cause someone to feel admiration (less common than 'être').

Sa performance a mis tout le public en admiration.

Être en admiration devant le spectacle

— To be captivated by a performance or a natural scene.

Les touristes étaient en admiration devant le spectacle de la rue.

Être en admiration devant l'évidence

— To be struck by how clear or perfect something is.

Il était en admiration devant l'évidence de la solution.

Être en admiration devant la prouesse

— To be wowed by a difficult achievement.

Je suis en admiration devant sa prouesse sportive.

Vivre en admiration

— To live a life focused on appreciating something.

Il vit en admiration devant les grands maîtres.

Être en admiration devant la vie

— To have a profound appreciation for existence.

Malgré les épreuves, elle reste en admiration devant la vie.

Often Confused With

être en admiration vs Admirer

A verb (to admire) vs a state (to be in admiration).

être en admiration vs Être admiratif

Admiratif describes a look or attitude; en admiration describes the whole person's state.

être en admiration vs Avoir de l'admiration

More general; 'être en admiration' is more immediate and visual.

Idioms & Expressions

"Bouche bée d'admiration"

— To be so full of admiration that your mouth hangs open.

Il est resté bouche bée d'admiration devant le magicien.

Informal/Expressive

"Avoir des étoiles dans les yeux"

— To have stars in one's eyes; to be starstruck or in total admiration.

Elle avait des étoiles dans les yeux en le regardant.

Common

"Être en arrêt devant"

— To stop dead in one's tracks because of admiration or surprise.

Il est resté en arrêt devant la vitrine.

Neutral

"Se perdre en admiration"

— To get lost in one's admiration; to be completely absorbed.

Elle se perdait en admiration devant les paysages d'été.

Literary

"Être aux anges"

— To be over the moon; often follows a moment of admiration.

Après avoir vu son idole, il était aux anges.

Common

"N'avoir d'yeux que pour"

— To have eyes only for; to admire someone so much you ignore others.

Il n'avait d'yeux que pour sa fiancée.

Common

"Porter aux nues"

— To praise someone to the skies; to express extreme admiration.

Les critiques l'ont porté aux nues après son concert.

Elevated

"Être scotché"

— To be 'glued' or 'stuck'; to be mesmerized by something.

J'étais scotché devant la télé tellement c'était beau.

Slang

"Être transporté"

— To be carried away by emotion or admiration.

Il a été transporté par la beauté du chant.

Literary

"Tomber à la renverse"

— To fall backwards (metaphorically); to be extremely impressed.

On est tombés à la renverse devant le prix, mais aussi devant la beauté.

Informal

Easily Confused

être en admiration vs Étonnement

Both involve surprise.

Étonnement is just surprise; admiration is surprise mixed with deep respect or pleasure.

Je suis dans l'étonnement (I am surprised) vs Je suis en admiration (I am awed).

être en admiration vs Respect

Related emotions.

Respect is a moral duty or recognition of status; admiration is a more emotional, aesthetic response.

J'ai du respect pour lui vs Je suis en admiration devant lui.

être en admiration vs Envie

Sometimes we admire what we want.

Envie (envy) is wanting what another has; admiration is appreciating it without necessarily wanting it for oneself.

Je suis en admiration devant sa réussite (positive) vs J'ai envie de sa réussite (potentially negative).

être en admiration vs Fanatisme

Extreme admiration.

Fanatisme is blind and often dangerous; admiration is usually conscious and balanced.

Il est en admiration devant ce leader vs Il est fanatique de ce leader.

être en admiration vs Surprise

Both can stop you in your tracks.

Surprise is brief; being en admiration is a sustained state.

Je suis surpris par le prix vs Je suis en admiration devant la qualité.

Sentence Patterns

Je suis en admiration devant [Nom].

Je suis en admiration devant le chien.

Nous étions en admiration devant [Nom].

Nous étions en admiration devant le château.

Il est resté en admiration devant [Qualité].

Il est resté en admiration devant sa patience.

Je suis en admiration pour [Personne].

Je suis en admiration pour ma sœur.

Tout le monde est tombé en admiration devant [Événement].

Tout le monde est tombé en admiration devant le spectacle.

On ne peut qu'être en admiration devant [Concept].

On ne peut qu'être en admiration devant la complexité du cerveau.

Bien qu'il soit en admiration devant..., il...

Bien qu'il soit en admiration devant le projet, il voit les risques.

[Sujet] s'abîme en admiration devant...

Le poète s'abîme en admiration devant l'aurore.

Word Family

Nouns

Admirateur (m) / Admiratrice (f) - Person who admires

Admiration (f) - The feeling of admiration

Verbs

Admirer - To admire

S'admirer - To admire oneself

Adjectives

Admirable - Admirable

Admiratif - Admirative/Full of admiration

Merveille

Émerveillement

Respect

Estime

Fascination

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written French and descriptive speech; less common in rapid, utilitarian daily talk.

Common Mistakes

Je suis en admiration de ce tableau. → Je suis en admiration devant ce tableau.
The preposition 'de' is incorrect here; 'devant' is used for physical objects.
Je suis admiration. → Je suis en admiration.
You must include 'en' to indicate the state of being.
Il est très admiratif devant le film. → Il est en admiration devant le film.
'Admiratif' is an adjective usually describing a look or attitude, whereas 'en admiration' is the state.
Nous sommes en admiration à la vue. → Nous sommes en admiration devant la vue.
Again, 'devant' is the standard preposition for a sight.
Elle admire en admiration. → Elle est en admiration.
Don't double up the verb 'admirer' with the phrase.

Tips

Preposition Choice

Always use 'devant' when you are physically looking at the object of your admiration. It makes the sentence much more natural.

Vary your verbs

Instead of always using 'être', try 'rester' to show that you couldn't stop looking, or 'tomber' to show you were suddenly struck.

Nasal Vowels

Focus on the 'on' sound at the end of 'admiration'. It should be deep in the throat and nasal, not an English 'on'.

Showing Sensitivity

Using this phrase shows you appreciate 'le beau'. It's a great way to compliment a French person's taste or talent.

Descriptive Power

Use it to create a pause in your story. It signals to the reader that something truly special is happening.

Identify Liaison

Training your ear to hear 'en-N-admiration' will help you recognize other 'en' liaisons in French.

Emotional Tone

Don't say it too fast. Let the word 'admiration' breathe to convey the weight of the emotion.

The 'In' Rule

Associate 'en' with being 'inside' a feeling. You are inside the state of admiration.

Museum Ready

This is the perfect phrase for your next trip to a French museum. Practice it before you go!

Not for Burgers

Keep this phrase for things that are truly impressive. Overusing it on small things can sound sarcastic.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of being 'EN' (Inside) a bubble of 'ADMIRATION'. When you are 'en admiration', you are surrounded by the feeling, not just feeling it quickly.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing in front of the Mona Lisa with their mouth open and eyes wide. They are physically 'devant' (in front of) the painting and 'en' (in) the state.

Word Web

Admirer Beauté Respect Émerveillement Awe State Devant Génie

Challenge

Try to find three things today that make you 'en admiration'. Write them down in French using the 'être en admiration devant' structure.

Word Origin

The word 'admiration' comes from the Latin 'admiratio', which is derived from the verb 'admirari'. The prefix 'ad-' means 'at' or 'towards', and 'mirari' means 'to wonder at' or 'to marvel'.

Original meaning: In classical Latin, it meant a feeling of wonder or surprise, often at something strange or unexpected, not necessarily just positive.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

It is a very positive phrase, but avoid using it sarcastically unless you are very fluent, as it can come off as mocking someone's efforts.

English speakers often say 'I'm in awe of...' or 'I'm starstruck by...'. 'Être en admiration' is the elegant French equivalent.

Descartes' 'Les Passions de l'âme' discusses admiration as a primary passion. Victor Hugo's poems often describe being in admiration of nature. The movie 'Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain' captures many moments of quiet admiration.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Museum

Je suis en admiration devant ce tableau.
Il reste en admiration devant la sculpture.
On ne peut qu'être en admiration devant ce chef-d'œuvre.
Toute la salle était en admiration.

In Nature

Je suis en admiration devant la montagne.
Nous étions en admiration devant le ciel étoilé.
Elle est tombée en admiration devant la cascade.
Rester en admiration devant la mer.

Regarding People

Je suis en admiration pour ton courage.
Il est en admiration devant son professeur.
Elle a toujours été en admiration pour sa mère.
Ils sont en admiration devant son talent.

Professional/Academic

Je suis en admiration devant la rigueur de votre travail.
Le jury était en admiration devant la thèse.
Être en admiration devant une telle découverte.
Il demeure en admiration devant les classiques.

Childhood/Wonder

L'enfant est en admiration devant le sapin.
Ils sont restés en admiration devant le Père Noël.
Elle est en admiration devant les animaux du zoo.
Regarder avec admiration.

Conversation Starters

"Es-tu déjà resté en admiration devant un monument historique ?"

"Qu'est-ce qui te met le plus en admiration dans la nature ?"

"Y a-t-il un artiste pour lequel tu es vraiment en admiration ?"

"Quand as-tu été en admiration pour la dernière fois ?"

"Peut-on être en admiration devant une personne qu'on ne connaît pas ?"

Journal Prompts

Décris un moment où tu étais en admiration devant un paysage magnifique. Qu'as-tu ressenti ?

Parle d'une personne pour laquelle tu es en admiration. Quelles sont ses qualités ?

Est-il important d'être souvent en admiration dans la vie de tous les jours ?

Décris une œuvre d'art qui t'a laissé en admiration. Pourquoi était-elle spéciale ?

Réflexion : L'admiration est-elle une émotion passive ou active selon toi ?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, this is a common mistake for English speakers. In French, you must use 'devant' for objects/sights or 'pour' for people/traits. For example, 'Je suis en admiration devant ce film' and NOT 'en admiration de ce film'.

It is elegant and sophisticated, but not so formal that you can't use it with friends. It's perfect for when you want to express a deep, sincere feeling.

'Admirer' is a verb showing action (I admire him). 'Être en admiration' is a state of being (I am in a state of admiration). The latter is often more intense and visual.

Yes, but only if the food is a work of art. If it's just a good burger, 'J'adore ce burger' is better. If it's a Michelin-star plate, 'Je suis en admiration devant ce plat' works well.

The 'n' at the end of 'en' should sound like it belongs to the beginning of 'admiration'. It sounds like 'ah-nah-dmee-rah-syohn'.

Yes, 'admiration' is a feminine noun. However, the phrase 'en admiration' doesn't change based on the person speaking.

Yes! This is a great idiomatic expression meaning to 'fall into a state of admiration' suddenly.

'Être émerveillé' is a very common and sweet alternative when talking about children's wonder.

Yes, 'Je n'étais pas vraiment en admiration devant sa performance' means you weren't particularly impressed.

No, the phrase itself doesn't trigger the subjunctive, but it might be used in a sentence that does, like 'Il est possible que je sois en admiration'.