Have you ever heard two French people speaking who uttered a familiar term? Most of us have probably heard the phrase “je ne sais quoi.” It is an idiomatic expression that translates to "something indescribable" or "intangible quality." Read on to learn more about this phrase and how to use it in conversations. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The phrase je ne sais quoi originates from French and means "I don't know what." It describes a quality that cannot be easily explained or defined. When used to describe someone, it usually has a positive connotation and suggests that the person is special or unique. The phrase is often used in English to describe people, or things considered charming, fascinating, or appealing in a certain way. It can also express a feeling or atmosphere that is difficult to describe.
Any feeling, idea, or quality that is hard to describe is considered je ne sais quoi. If you have an intense feeling that you have no way to emote, you can also use the phrase je ne sais quoi to describe your emotions.
Example Usage
- His paintings have a certain je ne sais quoi that makes them quite unique,
- There's je ne sais quoi about this place that makes it so special.
- She has this je ne sais quoi about her that makes her irresistible.
- The hotel had a certain je ne sais quoi that made it feel luxurious.
Origin
The phrase je ne sais quoi originated in France in the 17th century. It was used in conversation, text, and in plays for generations. It was first used in the 1650s in the English vernacular however. The term quickly gained popularity and was used extensively in the 18th century by many French writers. In the nineteenth century, the phrase je ne sais quoi was used in English. It has become quite common in recent years.
Phrases Similar to Je Ne Sais Quoi
- X-factor is a term used to describe an exceptional quality or characteristic that makes someone or something unique.
- It Factor-describes a certain quality that makes someone attractive and desirable.
- Indefinable quality is another phrase that can describe the same concept.
- Special sauce - is often used to describe the secret ingredient or quality that makes something distinctive.
Phrases opposite to Je Ne Sais Quoi
- Ordinary- is the most common antonym of je ne sais quoi.
- Unremarkable- is another word that can be used to describe the opposite concept.
- Banal- means "lacking freshness or originality.
- Prosaic- defines as "lacking in imagination or spirit.
What is The Correct Saying?
- It is correctly said as “je ne sais quoi.”
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Je Ne Sais Quoi
Most people incorrectly say je ne sais quoi in one of two ways. Either they mispronounce it, saying, "jay nuh say kwah.” Or they use the wrong spelling, writing it as “je ne c’est quoi." While both are understandable mistakes, they lack understanding of the phrase and its proper usage.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Je Ne Sais Quoi
It's a surefire way to impress your friends and sound like a confirmed Francophile. While the phrase is most commonly used in casual conversation, it can also be found in some more formal contexts. For example, it might be used in a business setting to describe someone with an enigmatic quality that makes them particularly successful.
- That girl just has a certain je ne sais quoi about her that draws people to her like a moth to a flame.
- I really love the new hangout spot in SoHo, it has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it very alluring.
- Watching him dance to the rhythmic beats under the starts fills me with je ne sais quoi.