to have a certain je-ne-sais-quoi

Written By Brandon Douglas

– C1-C2 (advanced) –

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In North American English, this idiomatic expression typically means:

  1. to have a special quality that is difficult to describe

NOTE

This expression has a positive connotation and is generally used to describe a person.

FUN FACT

“Je-ne-sais-quoi” is an expression that the English language has borrowed from the French language. Literally, it translates to “I don’t know what.”

EXAMPLES

  1. “How would I describe her? Well, she has a certain je-ne-sais-quoi, that’s for sure. Every time I am around her, her presence seems to energize me. She’s just incredible, really. I don’t know how else to put it.”

  2. “Many say that it is important to remember the certain je-ne-sais-quoi that your partner has. Doing this, especially during difficult times in a relationship, can help remind a person why they love their significant other.”

Who has a certain je-ne-sais-quoi in your life? Practice using this expression by describing who that person is.

Brandon Douglas
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