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A2 adjective 12 min read

exquis

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips exquis in 30 Seconds

Explanation exquis in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'exquis' is introduced as a way to describe food that tastes very, very good. Think of it as a 'super-word' for 'bon' (good) or 'délicieux' (delicious). While you might not use it every day, you will see it on menus in French restaurants or in stories about kings and queens. It is important to remember that it is an adjective, so it describes a noun. If you are talking about 'le chocolat' (masculine), you say 'exquis'. If you are talking about 'la tarte' (feminine), you say 'exquise'. The most important thing for A1 learners is to recognize the word when they see it and understand that it means something is very beautiful or very tasty. Don't worry too much about the subtle social nuances yet; just think of it as a high-level compliment. You can use it to impress your teacher or a waiter! For example, if you eat a piece of cake and it is the best cake you have ever had, you can say, 'Ce gâteau est exquis !' It shows you know more than just the basic words. Also, try to notice how it sounds: the 's' at the end of 'exquis' is silent, but in 'exquise', the 's' sounds like a 'z'. Practice saying 'ex-kee' and 'ex-keez' to get the hang of it. Even at this early stage, learning a few 'fancy' words like this helps you understand the French love for high-quality food and art. It's a small window into French culture.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'exquis' more deliberately to describe both food and simple objects or experiences. You are moving beyond just 'tasty' and starting to describe things like a 'parfum' (perfume) or a 'moment' (moment). At this level, you should be comfortable with the gender agreement: 'un repas exquis' vs. 'une voix exquise'. You might also encounter it in short reading passages about travel or dining out. It's a great word to use in your writing tasks when you need to describe a pleasant experience in a more sophisticated way. Instead of repeating 'très bon' five times in a paragraph about a holiday, you can use 'exquis' once to highlight the best part of the trip. You should also be aware that 'exquis' is a bit more formal than 'super' or 'génial'. It is the kind of word you use when you want to show respect or appreciation for something that was clearly made with effort. If a friend invites you to dinner and makes a special effort with the decor and the food, saying 'C'était exquis' is a wonderful way to thank them. It acknowledges their hard work and good taste. You might also see it in advertisements for luxury items like watches or jewelry. At A2, your goal is to use 'exquis' to vary your vocabulary and to start matching your word choices to the situation (formal vs. informal).

By the B1 level, you should understand that 'exquis' carries a connotation of 'refinement' and 'delicacy.' It's not just about quality; it's about the specific type of quality that is rare and finely crafted. You can now use it to describe more abstract things, like someone's 'politesse' (politeness) or the 'goût' (taste/style) of a room. At B1, you are expected to handle more complex sentence structures, so you might use 'exquis' in relative clauses: 'Le dessert que nous avons mangé hier était exquis.' You should also be aware of its synonyms like 'raffiné' or 'délicat' and start to see the differences between them. For instance, while a person might be 'raffiné,' their hospitality is 'exquise.' This level also involves understanding more cultural context. You might learn about the Surrealist game 'Le Cadavre Exquis,' which shows a more creative and historical side of the word. In terms of speaking, focus on using 'exquis' to express a nuanced opinion. Instead of just saying you liked a concert, you can say the 'sonorité de l'orchestre était exquise,' which shows you are paying attention to specific details. Your vocabulary is becoming more descriptive and precise. You are also learning to avoid common mistakes, like using 'exquis' for things that are purely functional or athletic, where it doesn't quite fit.

At the B2 level, you are expected to have a firm grasp of the 'register' of 'exquis.' You know it belongs to the 'langage soutenu' (elevated language) and you use it appropriately in formal essays, reviews, or professional contexts. You understand that it implies a certain 'palais' (palate) or 'œil' (eye) for detail. When you use 'exquis,' you are signaling your own sophistication as a speaker. You can use it to describe subtle things, like the 'ironie exquise' (exquisite irony) in a novel or the 'douceur exquise' (exquisite softness) of a fabric. You are also more aware of how it interacts with other words. For example, you might use adverbs like 'particulièrement' or 'rarement' to modify it: 'Un vin d'une finesse rarement exquise.' At this level, you should be able to discuss the word's etymology and how its meaning of 'sought out' still influences its use today. You might also encounter it in classical French literature (like Proust or Flaubert), where it is used with great precision to describe sensory experiences and social nuances. Your ability to distinguish 'exquis' from 'excellent' or 'sublime' is a key marker of your B2 proficiency. You are no longer just using it as a 'fancy synonym,' but as a precise tool to convey a specific type of high-level, delicate pleasure or quality.

At the C1 level, your use of 'exquis' should be virtually indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You understand the historical and literary weight the word carries. You can use it in a variety of contexts, including academic or philosophical discussions about aesthetics. For example, you might discuss the 'beauté exquise' of a mathematical proof or the 'souffrance exquise' (a literary trope of 'exquisite suffering') in a tragic poem. You are comfortable with the word's placement in more poetic or rhetorical structures, where it might occasionally precede the noun for stylistic effect. You also understand the social signaling involved in the word; you know that using it can sometimes be perceived as 'précieux' (affected or overly refined) and you know how to balance that to achieve the desired tone. You can use 'exquis' to describe the most subtle of nuances—a 'parfum exquisément discret' or a 'geste d'une courtoisie exquise.' Your understanding of synonyms is deep; you know exactly when to choose 'exquis' over 'évolué,' 'distingué,' or 'recherché.' At C1, you are also sensitive to the ironic use of the word in modern French, where it might be used to mock something that is trying too hard to be fancy. Your mastery of 'exquis' reflects a deep immersion in the French language and its cultural values regarding art, food, and social interaction.

At the C2 level, 'exquis' is a word you can manipulate with total mastery. You can use it in the most demanding linguistic tasks, from translating high literature to writing critical theory. You have a profound understanding of its role in the history of the French language, from its Latin roots through the 17th-century 'Précieuses' to modern luxury branding. You can use the word to explore the boundaries of sensory and intellectual experience. For you, 'exquis' is not just an adjective; it's a concept that encapsulates the French ideal of 'le bon goût' (good taste). You can use it in highly specific technical contexts, such as describing the 'équilibre exquis' of a complex chemical reaction in a lab or the 'structure exquise' of a piece of architecture. You are also aware of the most obscure uses of the word, such as its rare adverbial form 'exquisément' or its use in archaic medical texts to describe a 'douleur exquise' (a sharp, localized pain). Your use of the word is always perfectly calibrated to the context, the audience, and the desired emotional or intellectual impact. You can use it to create atmosphere in creative writing or to provide laser-focused precision in a critique. At this level, 'exquis' is a vibrant part of your linguistic palette, used with the same ease and accuracy as a master painter uses a fine brush.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

exquis in 30 Seconds

Exquis means extremely beautiful, delicate, or delicious, often implying high refinement.
It comes from Latin for 'sought out,' suggesting something chosen with great care.
It is a formal word used in gastronomy, art, and to describe polite behavior.
The feminine form is 'exquise' and the plural forms are 'exquis' and 'exquises'.

The French adjective exquis is a word that carries a heavy weight of elegance, refinement, and sensory delight. At its core, it translates to 'exquisite' or 'delicious,' but its application in the French language is more nuanced than a simple synonym for 'good.' It originates from the Latin exquisitus, which literally means 'sought out' or 'chosen with care.' This etymological root is essential to understanding its modern usage: when something is exquis, it is not merely pleasant; it is something that has been refined, selected, or prepared to a degree of perfection that sets it apart from the mundane. In contemporary French, you will most frequently encounter this word in the realms of gastronomy, aesthetics, and social manners. It is the gold standard for describing a flavor that is both intense and delicate. When a French speaker describes a dish as exquis, they are signaling a level of appreciation that goes beyond délicieux. It suggests a complexity of flavor that requires a certain level of sophistication to fully appreciate. However, the word's reach extends far beyond the dinner table. It is used to describe a piece of music, a sunset, a fabric, or even a person's behavior. In social contexts, calling someone's manners exquis implies a level of politeness and grace that is almost artistic. It is a word of high praise, often associated with a certain level of 'haute couture' living or intellectual refinement. It is important to note that because the word is so potent, using it for everyday, low-stakes situations—like describing a standard ham sandwich—can come across as ironic or overly dramatic. It is a word reserved for the exceptional.

Sensory Perfection: The term describes experiences that provide intense pleasure to the senses, particularly taste and smell, highlighting a delicate balance of qualities.

Social Refinement: When applied to people or behavior, it denotes a high degree of courtesy, elegance, and sophisticated education.

Aesthetic Rarity: In the arts, it refers to work that is executed with extreme precision, beauty, and rare quality.

Ce vin possède un bouquet exquis qui rappelle les fruits rouges et le sous-bois.

Elle a fait preuve d'une politesse exquise tout au long de la soirée.

Le décor de cet opéra est tout simplement exquis.

Nous avons passé un moment exquis en votre compagnie.

Le chocolat artisanal que tu as apporté est vraiment exquis.

Using exquis correctly requires an understanding of its placement and its grammatical agreement. In French, most adjectives follow the noun, and exquis is no exception. While some short, common adjectives like beau or petit precede the noun, exquis almost always follows it, especially when it is used to provide a specific qualitative judgment. For example, you would say un repas exquis (an exquisite meal) rather than un exquis repas, though the latter might appear in very formal poetry for rhythmic reasons. The feminine form, exquise, is pronounced with a distinct 'z' sound at the end, whereas the masculine exquis ends in a silent 's' (making it sound like 'ex-kee'). This phonetic difference is crucial for learners to master. Furthermore, exquis is often used with intensifiers like tout à fait (completely), absolument (absolutely), or vraiment (really) to emphasize the degree of perfection. It can also function as an attribute after the verb être (to be), as in Ce gâteau est exquis. Beyond simple description, exquis is a key component of the famous surrealist game le cadavre exquis (the exquisite corpse), where players collectively assemble words or images. This cultural touchstone highlights the word's association with the unexpected and the beautifully strange. When you use exquis, you are making a deliberate choice to elevate your language. It is a word that demands attention and suggests that the speaker has a discerning palate or a refined eye for detail. It is particularly effective in written reviews, formal invitations, or when expressing deep gratitude for a hosted event. However, be cautious not to over-rely on it; its power comes from its specificity. If everything is exquis, then nothing truly is. Use it when the quality of the object truly warrants a superlative that implies rarity and careful selection.

Agreement Rules: Masculine: exquis (silent s). Feminine: exquise (pronounced z). Plural: exquis/exquises.

Common Verbs: Often follows 'être' (to be), 'paraître' (to seem), or 'trouver' (to find/think something is).

Positioning: Standardly placed after the noun: 'un goût exquis', 'une sensation exquise'.

La texture de cette crème est exquise, elle fond littéralement dans la bouche.

Ils ont des goûts exquis en matière d'ameublement et de décoration intérieure.

Le pianiste a interprété cette sonate avec une délicatesse exquise.

Trouvez-vous ce parfum exquis ou un peu trop entêtant ?

C'est un plaisir exquis que de se promener dans ce jardin à l'aube.

In the modern French-speaking world, exquis is a staple of high-end lifestyle contexts. If you are watching a French cooking show like 'Top Chef' or reading a review in the 'Guide Michelin,' you will see this word used to describe the pinnacle of culinary achievement. It is the word chefs and food critics use when a dish achieves a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and presentation. Beyond the kitchen, you will hear it in art galleries and museums. A curator might describe the brushwork of a Renaissance painting as exquis, or a fashion critic might use it to describe the intricate lace on a Dior gown. It is also a favorite in the world of perfumery; French 'nez' (noses) use it to describe a scent that is rare, well-balanced, and evocative. In social settings, exquis is part of the vocabulary of the 'bourgeoisie' and the upper classes, often used to compliment a host on their hospitality or the ambiance of their home. You might hear someone say at a dinner party, 'Votre accueil a été absolument exquis,' which is a very formal and high-level way of saying 'You were a wonderful host.' In literature and classical music commentary, it is used to describe works that are finely crafted and emotionally resonant. While it is not a word you will typically hear in a rowdy sports bar or in casual slang among teenagers, it is very much alive in the 'art de vivre' (art of living) that France is famous for. It appears in advertisements for luxury goods—watches, chocolates, high-end travel—where the goal is to evoke a sense of exclusivity and superior quality. If you are traveling in France and visit a 'pâtisserie fine,' don't be surprised to see exquis on the little cards describing the cakes. It serves as a linguistic signal that you are about to experience something out of the ordinary, something that has been crafted with a high degree of skill and passion.

Fine Dining: Used by critics and gourmets to describe dishes that reach a level of perfection in taste and artistry.

High Society: A common term for expressing formal gratitude and complimenting refined hospitality or surroundings.

Luxury Marketing: Frequent in advertising for perfumes, jewelry, and high-end artisanal products to signify rare quality.

Le critique culinaire a décrit la sauce comme étant d'un équilibre exquis.

Dans cette boutique de luxe, chaque objet est présenté comme une pièce exquise.

Elle porte un parfum exquis dont je ne parviens pas à identifier les notes.

Le concert d'hier soir était un moment exquis de pure virtuosité.

Merci pour ce dîner exquis, tout était parfait du début à la fin.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with exquis is treating it as a direct substitute for 'excellent' or 'great.' While exquis is certainly a positive word, its meaning is much narrower. Using it to describe a good football match or a functional new car would sound strange to a native speaker because those things lack the 'delicacy' and 'refinement' inherent in the word. Another common pitfall is the pronunciation of the masculine form. Many learners, influenced by the English 'exquisite,' try to pronounce the final 's' in exquis. In French, the final 's' is silent, so the word sounds like ex-kee. Conversely, in the feminine form exquise, the 'e' at the end forces the 's' to be pronounced as a 'z' sound: ex-keez. Forgetting this distinction can lead to confusion about the gender of the noun you are describing. There is also the issue of intensity. Exquis is already a 'strong' adjective. Combining it with words like très (very) is grammatically possible but often redundant, much like saying 'very unique' in English. It is better to use absolument or vraiment if you must intensify it, or simply let the word stand on its own. Furthermore, some learners confuse exquis with excentrique (eccentric) or exclusif (exclusive) due to the similar prefixes. While an exquis object might be exclusif, the meanings are distinct. Finally, be careful with the register. Exquis is a formal, sophisticated word. Using it in a very casual setting—like while eating street food with friends—might be perceived as sarcastic or 'snobbish' unless that is the intended effect. It belongs to the 'langage soutenu' (elevated language). Understanding when not to use it is just as important as knowing its definition. It is a word for the 'special,' not the 'everyday.'

Pronunciation Error: Pronouncing the 's' in the masculine 'exquis' (it should be silent) or missing the 'z' sound in the feminine 'exquise'.

Register Mismatch: Using the word in overly casual or functional contexts where 'bon' or 'super' would be more appropriate.

Redundant Intensity: Using 'très exquis' when the word itself already implies a maximum degree of quality.

Faux: Ce match de foot était exquis ! (Correct: Ce match était génial.)

Faux: Elle a un goût exquise. (Correct: Elle a un goût exquis — 'goût' is masculine.)

Faux: J'ai mangé un burger exquis au McDo. (Better: J'ai mangé un bon burger.)

Faux: C'est très exquis. (Better: C'est tout à fait exquis.)

Faux: J'ai entendu un bruit exquis. (Unless it's music, 'exquis' doesn't fit 'bruit'.)

To truly master the use of exquis, it is helpful to understand the landscape of its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The most common alternative is délicieux. While both can describe food, délicieux is more general and can be used for anything that tastes good, from a home-cooked meal to a fancy dessert. Exquis, however, implies a more complex, refined, and perhaps rare flavor. Another close relative is raffiné (refined). While exquis describes the resulting pleasure, raffiné often describes the process or the quality of the thing itself. A person might have un goût raffiné, which leads them to choose des mets exquis. Sublime is another powerful alternative, but it carries a sense of grandeur and awe that exquis lacks. Something sublime might be overwhelming in its beauty, whereas something exquis is more about delicate, perfect detail. In the realm of aesthetics, you might use admirable or merveilleux, but these lack the specific connotation of 'sensory delicacy' that exquis provides. For behavior, distingué (distinguished) is a good alternative, focusing on the social status or the 'apartness' of the person's manners. If you want to describe something that is just 'very good' without the high-society baggage, excellent or remarquable are safer bets. In gastronomy, savoureux (tasty/flavorful) is a more grounded, earthy alternative. Succulent is also used, often implying something juicy and rich. Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the exact 'flavor' of praise you wish to convey. Exquis remains the choice for when you want to emphasize that something has been 'sought out' and perfected to the highest degree of delicate beauty or taste.

Exquis vs. Délicieux: Exquis implies a rare, refined delicacy; Délicieux is broader and more common for anything that tastes very good.

Exquis vs. Raffiné: Raffiné describes the quality of being sophisticated; Exquis describes the resulting sensation of perfection.

Exquis vs. Sublime: Sublime suggests an overwhelming, transcendent beauty; Exquis suggests a detailed, delicate perfection.

Ce dessert est exquis (very refined) vs Ce dessert est délicieux (simply tastes great).

Une politesse exquise (perfectly delicate) vs Une politesse distinguée (socially elevated).

Un vin exquis (nuanced and rare) vs Un vin excellent (very high quality).

Une broderie exquise (finely detailed) vs Une broderie magnifique (beautiful in a general sense).

Un moment exquis (perfectly pleasant) vs Un moment inoubliable (unforgettable).

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The term 'Cadavre Exquis' (Exquisite Corpse) originated from the first sentence created by the surrealists using the method: 'Le cadavre exquis boira le vin nouveau' (The exquisite corpse will drink the new wine).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛk.ski/

US /ɛk.ski/

The stress in French is generally on the last syllable: ex-QUIS.

Rhymes With

ski lit prix gris cri pari tapis souris

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 's' in the masculine form.
Pronouncing the 'x' as 'z' (like in 'exemple').
Making the 'i' sound too long like the English 'ee' in 'see'.
Forgetting the 'z' sound in the feminine 'exquise'.
Confusing the pronunciation with the English word 'exquisite'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'exquisite'.

Writing 3/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement (exquis vs exquise).

Speaking 3/5

The silent 's' in masculine vs 'z' sound in feminine can be tricky.

Listening 2/5

Generally clear, but can be confused with other words starting with 'ex-'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

bon beau goût délicieux repas

Learn Next

raffiné sublime recherché délicat excellence

Advanced

précieux distingué fastueux somptueux inimitable

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

Un gâteau exquis (m.s.), des gâteaux exquis (m.p.), une tarte exquise (f.s.), des tartes exquises (f.p.).

Adjective Placement

Usually follows the noun: 'un goût exquis' (not 'un exquis goût').

Silent final consonants

The 's' in 'exquis' is silent.

Liaison with silent 's'

In 'Un exquis appartement', the 's' can be pronounced as a 'z' sound because it precedes a vowel.

Gender-based phonetic change

The addition of 'e' in 'exquise' makes the 's' audible as a 'z' sound.

Examples by Level

Ce chocolat est exquis.

This chocolate is exquisite.

'Exquis' is masculine singular to agree with 'chocolat'.

La pomme est exquise.

The apple is exquisite.

'Exquise' is feminine singular to agree with 'pomme'.

C'est un gâteau exquis.

It is an exquisite cake.

The adjective follows the noun 'gâteau'.

Le jus d'orange est exquis.

The orange juice is exquisite.

'Exquis' describes the taste of the juice.

Les bonbons sont exquis.

The candies are exquisite.

'Exquis' is masculine plural (the 's' is already there, no change).

Ma mère fait une soupe exquise.

My mother makes an exquisite soup.

'Exquise' agrees with the feminine 'soupe'.

Le petit déjeuner est exquis.

The breakfast is exquisite.

Used as an attribute after 'est'.

Cette fraise est exquise.

This strawberry is exquisite.

Feminine singular agreement.

Nous avons passé un moment exquis au parc.

We spent an exquisite moment at the park.

Describes an experience rather than just food.

Elle porte une robe exquise pour le bal.

She is wearing an exquisite dress for the ball.

Describes aesthetic beauty.

Le parfum de ces fleurs est exquis.

The scent of these flowers is exquisite.

'Exquis' agrees with 'parfum' (masculine).

Ce petit hôtel est tout à fait exquis.

This small hotel is quite exquisite.

'Tout à fait' is used as an intensifier.

Vos manières sont exquises, Monsieur.

Your manners are exquisite, Sir.

'Exquises' is feminine plural to agree with 'manières'.

J'ai trouvé ce film exquis et très drôle.

I found this film exquisite and very funny.

Used with the verb 'trouver' to express an opinion.

Le décor de la chambre est exquis.

The decor of the room is exquisite.

Focuses on the quality of the interior design.

Merci pour cette soirée exquise.

Thank you for this exquisite evening.

A common social formula for gratitude.

La délicatesse de ce tissu est vraiment exquise.

The delicacy of this fabric is truly exquisite.

'Exquise' agrees with 'délicatesse' (feminine).

Il a un goût exquis pour la musique classique.

He has an exquisite taste for classical music.

Describes a personal quality/preference.

Le chef a préparé un plat aux saveurs exquises.

The chef prepared a dish with exquisite flavors.

'Exquises' agrees with the feminine plural 'saveurs'.

C'est une sensation exquise que de marcher pieds nus dans l'herbe.

It is an exquisite sensation to walk barefoot in the grass.

Describes a physical sensation.

Elle possède une voix d'une pureté exquise.

She possesses a voice of exquisite purity.

The adjective follows the noun phrase it modifies.

Nous avons goûté des vins exquis lors de notre voyage.

We tasted exquisite wines during our trip.

Masculine plural agreement.

Le jardinier a créé une harmonie exquise entre les couleurs.

The gardener created an exquisite harmony between the colors.

Focuses on the artistic balance.

Sa politesse était exquise, presque trop formelle.

His politeness was exquisite, almost too formal.

Used to describe social behavior.

L'auteur utilise une ironie exquise pour critiquer la société.

The author uses exquisite irony to criticize society.

Abstract literary application.

Il y avait une douleur exquise dans son regard.

There was an exquisite pain in his gaze.

Literary use where 'exquis' means sharp/intense.

La dentelle de sa robe était d'un travail exquis.

The lace of her dress was of exquisite workmanship.

Focuses on the craftsmanship.

Ce vin atteint un équilibre exquis entre acidité et sucre.

This wine reaches an exquisite balance between acidity and sugar.

Technical culinary description.

Elle a su transformer ce vieux grenier en un lieu exquis.

She knew how to transform this old attic into an exquisite place.

Describes the transformation of a space.

L'accueil fut exquis, d'une chaleur et d'une discrétion rares.

The welcome was exquisite, of a rare warmth and discretion.

Formal description of hospitality.

Le pianiste a fait preuve d'une sensibilité exquise.

The pianist showed exquisite sensitivity.

Describes an artistic quality.

C'est un plaisir exquis que de redécouvrir ces classiques.

It is an exquisite pleasure to rediscover these classics.

Describes an intellectual pleasure.

Le raffinement de sa prose est tout simplement exquis.

The refinement of his prose is simply exquisite.

High-level literary criticism.

On ne peut qu'admirer la finesse exquise de ce raisonnement.

One can only admire the exquisite finesse of this reasoning.

Applied to intellectual logic.

Le paysage s'offrait à nous dans une lumière exquise.

The landscape offered itself to us in an exquisite light.

Describes a transient atmospheric quality.

Il règne dans ce salon une atmosphère d'une élégance exquise.

An atmosphere of exquisite elegance reigns in this salon.

Describes the overall mood of a setting.

L'acteur a interprété ce rôle avec une nuance exquise.

The actor interpreted this role with exquisite nuance.

Describes the subtlety of a performance.

Ce thé rare possède une amertume exquise et persistante.

This rare tea has an exquisite and persistent bitterness.

Describes a specific, refined sensory detail.

Sa repartie, toujours exquise, charmait toute l'assemblée.

His wit, always exquisite, charmed the whole assembly.

Describes social intelligence and wit.

Il y a dans cette œuvre une mélancolie exquise.

There is an exquisite melancholy in this work.

Describes a complex emotional tone.

L'ouvrage est une exploration exquise des tréfonds de l'âme humaine.

The work is an exquisite exploration of the depths of the human soul.

Profound philosophical usage.

La structure moléculaire de ce cristal est d'une régularité exquise.

The molecular structure of this crystal is of exquisite regularity.

Technical/scientific application of aesthetic quality.

Le diplomate a géré la crise avec un doigté exquis.

The diplomat handled the crisis with exquisite tact.

Describes extreme skill in a delicate situation.

On décèle dans son style une influence exquise du XVIIIe siècle.

One detects in his style an exquisite influence from the 18th century.

Historical and stylistic analysis.

Cette symphonie est un agencement exquis de dissonances résolues.

This symphony is an exquisite arrangement of resolved dissonances.

High-level musicological description.

Le poète cultive une forme d'imprécision exquise.

The poet cultivates a form of exquisite imprecision.

Paradoxical literary description.

Sa maîtrise de la langue est d'une précision exquise.

His mastery of the language is of exquisite precision.

Describes linguistic perfection.

L'ironie du sort a voulu que ce moment soit d'une cruauté exquise.

The irony of fate decreed that this moment be of exquisite cruelty.

Advanced use of contrast and tone.

Common Collocations

goût exquis

repas exquis

politesse exquise

parfum exquis

moment exquis

douceur exquise

vin exquis

beauté exquise

sensibilité exquise

accueil exquis

Common Phrases

C'est exquis !

— It's exquisite! A common exclamation of delight.

Après avoir goûté le dessert, elle s'est exclamée : 'C'est exquis !'

Un délice exquis

— An exquisite delight. Used to emphasize how pleasurable something is.

Ce chocolat est un délice exquis pour les papilles.

D'un goût exquis

— Of exquisite taste. Used to describe someone's choices or style.

Sa maison est décorée d'un goût exquis.

Une politesse d'un raffinement exquis

— Politeness of an exquisite refinement. Used in very formal contexts.

Il a fait preuve d'une politesse d'un raffinement exquis lors de la réception.

Trouver cela exquis

— To find something exquisite. Expressing a personal opinion.

Je trouve ce vin tout à fait exquis.

Un moment exquis de paix

— An exquisite moment of peace. Describing a rare and pleasant state.

Lire au bord du lac était un moment exquis de paix.

Une voix exquise

— An exquisite voice. Describing a singer or speaker's tone.

La soprano a une voix exquise qui émeut le public.

Un travail exquis

— Exquisite work. Referring to craftsmanship or artistic effort.

On peut voir un travail exquis dans les détails de cette sculpture.

Un plaisir exquis

— An exquisite pleasure. Describing an intense and refined joy.

C'est un plaisir exquis que de voyager en première classe.

Une attention exquise

— An exquisite attention. Describing a thoughtful gesture.

Elle a eu une attention exquise en m'apportant mes fleurs préférées.

Often Confused With

exquis vs exclusif

Means 'exclusive'. While an exquisite item might be exclusive, the words have different meanings.

exquis vs excentrique

Means 'eccentric' or 'odd'. Only shares the 'ex-' prefix.

exquis vs excellent

A general word for 'very good'. 'Exquis' is more specific about delicacy and refinement.

Idioms & Expressions

"Cadavre exquis"

— Exquisite Corpse. A surrealist game where players add to a drawing or sentence without seeing the previous parts.

Les surréalistes ont inventé le jeu du cadavre exquis pour libérer l'imagination.

artistic/literary

"Un goût exquis"

— To have impeccable taste. Often used as a fixed expression to compliment someone's style.

Elle a un goût exquis, tout ce qu'elle choisit est parfait.

formal

"Une douleur exquise"

— Exquisite pain. A literary or medical term for a sharp, localized, and intense sensation.

Il ressentait une douleur exquise au niveau de la cicatrice.

literary/medical

"D'une finesse exquise"

— Of exquisite fineness. Used to describe something extremely subtle or thin.

Cette dentelle est d'une finesse exquise.

formal

"Un accueil exquis"

— Exquisite welcome. A standard phrase for praising high-level hospitality.

Nous vous remercions pour votre accueil exquis.

formal

"Une politesse exquise"

— Exquisite politeness. Refers to perfect social manners.

L'ambassadeur a fait preuve d'une politesse exquise.

formal

"Un raffinement exquis"

— Exquisite refinement. Used to describe the pinnacle of sophistication.

Tout dans cet hôtel respire un raffinement exquis.

elevated

"Une harmonie exquise"

— Exquisite harmony. Often used in music or art criticism.

Il y a une harmonie exquise entre le piano et le violon.

formal

"Un plaisir exquis"

— Exquisite pleasure. A common way to describe a refined joy.

C'était un plaisir exquis que de vous rencontrer.

formal

"Une sensibilité exquise"

— Exquisite sensitivity. Refers to a delicate emotional or artistic perception.

Sa sensibilité exquise se reflète dans ses poèmes.

literary

Easily Confused

exquis vs délicieux

Both mean 'delicious'.

'Délicieux' is general and common. 'Exquis' is more formal and implies a refined, complex quality.

Un burger est délicieux, mais un foie gras est exquis.

exquis vs raffiné

Both relate to high quality.

'Raffiné' describes the process or person. 'Exquis' describes the resulting sensory pleasure.

Elle est raffinée et ses dîners sont exquis.

exquis vs recherché

Both imply high effort.

'Recherché' means sophisticated or rare because of effort. 'Exquis' means perfect in beauty or taste.

Un style recherché peut donner un résultat exquis.

exquis vs succulent

Both mean very tasty.

'Succulent' often implies something rich and juicy. 'Exquis' implies something delicate and fine.

Un rôti succulent vs un macaron exquis.

exquis vs sublime

Both are high praise.

'Sublime' is grand and awe-inspiring. 'Exquis' is detailed and delicate.

Une montagne sublime vs une fleur exquise.

Sentence Patterns

Ce [nom] est exquis.

Ce café est exquis.

C'est un [nom] exquis.

C'est un moment exquis.

J'ai trouvé ce [nom] exquis.

J'ai trouvé ce vin exquis.

Un [nom] d'une [nom] exquise.

Un accueil d'une politesse exquise.

Rien n'est plus exquis que de [verbe].

Rien n'est plus exquis que de lire au soleil.

L'exquisité de [nom] réside dans [nom].

L'exquisité de ce poème réside dans sa simplicité.

Elle a un goût exquis pour [nom].

Elle a un goût exquis pour les bijoux anciens.

Merci pour cette [nom] exquise.

Merci pour cette tarte exquise.

Word Family

Nouns

exquisité (rarely used)

raffinement

délicatesse

Verbs

rechercher

raffiner

Adjectives

exquis

exquise

choisi

recherché

délicieux

excellent

raffiné

How to Use It

frequency

Medium. Common in specific domains like food and art, but rare in everyday casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Pronouncing the 's' in 'un repas exquis'. → Un repas ex-kee.
The final 's' in the masculine singular form of 'exquis' is silent.
Using 'exquis' for a football match. → C'était un match génial / excellent.
Exquis implies delicacy and refinement, which doesn't fit most sports contexts.
Saying 'une goût exquis'. → Un goût exquis.
'Goût' is masculine, so the adjective must be 'exquis', not 'exquise'.
Using 'exquis' as a noun. → Ce dessert est exquis.
Exquis is an adjective and must modify a noun; it is not a noun itself.
Saying 'très exquis'. → Absolument exquis.
Since 'exquis' is already a superlative, 'très' is redundant. Use 'absolument' for emphasis.

Tips

Gender Agreement

Always match 'exquis' to the noun. Masculine: exquis. Feminine: exquise. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Silent 'S'

Don't pronounce the 's' in 'exquis' unless it's followed by a vowel in a liaison. It should sound like 'ek-ski'.

Use for Food

If you want to sound more sophisticated than just saying 'c'est bon', use 'exquis' for a high-quality meal.

Art Context

Use 'exquis' when talking about fine details in art or craftsmanship to show you appreciate the work involved.

Complimenting Hosts

A great way to thank someone for a formal dinner is to say 'L'accueil était exquis'.

Avoid Overuse

Because it's a strong word, using it for everything makes it lose its meaning. Save it for things that are truly special.

Latin Root

Remember it comes from 'sought out'. It describes something that isn't just good by accident, but was made to be perfect.

The 'Z' Sound

When you hear a 'z' sound at the end ('ek-skeez'), you know the speaker is referring to a feminine noun.

Formal Reviews

It is a perfect word for writing restaurant or hotel reviews in French to sound like a professional critic.

Cognate Trick

Link it to 'exquisite' in English, but use it more often for food than you would in English.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'EXtra-QUality-IS'. Something that is exquis is extra quality and is simply perfect.

Visual Association

Imagine a tiny, perfectly crafted diamond or a single, beautifully decorated macaron on a silver tray.

Word Web

Delicious Refined Rare Delicate Perfect Polite Beautiful Sought-out

Challenge

Try to use 'exquis' three times today: once for a meal, once for a piece of music, and once as a compliment to someone's help.

Word Origin

The word 'exquis' comes from the Latin 'exquisitus', which is the past participle of 'exquirere'. This verb is composed of 'ex-' (out) and 'quaerere' (to seek or ask). Therefore, the original meaning was 'something that has been sought out with care.'

Original meaning: Carefully sought out, chosen, or select.

Romance (Latin origin)

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but be aware that overusing it can make you sound like you are trying too hard to be upper-class (précieux).

English speakers often use 'exquisite' for jewelry or scenery, but rarely for food. In French, 'exquis' is very common for food, which is a key difference to remember.

Le Cadavre Exquis (Surrealist game by André Breton and others) Marcel Proust's 'À la recherche du temps perdu' (frequent use to describe sensory details) Michelin Guide reviews (often use 'exquis' for top-tier dishes)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a restaurant

Le plat est exquis.
Une saveur exquise.
Un vin exquis.
C'est absolument exquis.

Art and Design

Un travail exquis.
Une beauté exquise.
Un goût exquis.
Des détails exquis.

Social Gatherings

Un accueil exquis.
Une politesse exquise.
Une soirée exquise.
Un moment exquis.

Describing Nature

Un paysage exquis.
Une lumière exquise.
Un parfum exquis.
Une douceur exquise.

Music and Performance

Une voix exquise.
Une mélodie exquise.
Une interprétation exquise.
Une sensibilité exquise.

Conversation Starters

"Avez-vous déjà goûté quelque chose d'aussi exquis que ce dessert ?"

"Je trouve le décor de cet hôtel vraiment exquis, qu'en pensez-vous ?"

"C'est un plaisir exquis de se retrouver ici, n'est-ce pas ?"

"Connaissez-vous l'origine du jeu du cadavre exquis ?"

"Quel est, selon vous, le parfum le plus exquis de ce jardin ?"

Journal Prompts

Décrivez le repas le plus exquis que vous ayez jamais mangé dans un restaurant.

Racontez un moment exquis passé en pleine nature, loin du bruit de la ville.

Qu'est-ce qui, pour vous, définit une personne au goût exquis ?

Si vous deviez créer un objet exquis, à quoi ressemblerait-il ?

Pensez à une œuvre d'art (musique, peinture) que vous trouvez exquise et expliquez pourquoi.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it usually describes their manners, voice, or taste rather than their physical appearance. Calling someone 'exquis' socially means they are very polite and refined. For example, 'C'est un homme exquis' means he has wonderful manners.

Absolutely. It is very common in art, music, fashion, and describing moments or sensations. For example, 'une musique exquise' or 'un moment exquis'.

It is pronounced 'ek-skeez'. The 'e' at the end makes the 's' sound like a 'z'. This is different from the masculine 'exquis' where the 's' is silent ('ek-ski').

Yes, 'exquis' is higher on the formality scale. While 'délicieux' is perfectly fine in most situations, 'exquis' suggests a more sophisticated appreciation of quality.

While people do say it, it is technically redundant because 'exquis' is already a superlative. It's better to use 'absolument exquis' or 'vraiment exquis'.

It is a creative game invented by Surrealist artists where players write or draw on a folded piece of paper without seeing what others have done. The name comes from the first sentence produced: 'The exquisite corpse will drink the new wine.'

Yes, 'exquis' (masculine plural) and 'exquises' (feminine plural). For example: 'Des vins exquis' and 'Des fleurs exquises'.

Rarely. In literature, it can describe an intense pain ('une douleur exquise'), but in 99% of modern usage, it is a high-level positive compliment.

It is common in certain contexts (restaurants, art, formal social settings), but you wouldn't use it to describe everyday, mundane things like a bus ride or a pen.

'Excellent' is a general term for high quality. 'Exquis' specifically adds a layer of 'delicacy,' 'refinement,' and 'sensory delight.'