à couper le souffle
breathtaking
Advanced Phrase
🔊
Pronunciation
/a ku.pe l(ə) sufl/
💡
Cultural Note
This expressive French phrase literally means 'to cut the breath.' It is widely used in travel writing and conversation to describe spectacular scenery. French guidebooks and tourism marketing rely heavily on such vivid expressions.
📝 Example Sentences
La vue depuis le sommet est à couper le souffle.
The view from the summit is breathtaking.
Ce coucher de soleil est à couper le souffle.
This sunset is breathtaking.