Je ne sais quoi is a French phrase that translates to "I don't know what" and is used to describe an indefinable quality that makes someone or something appealing or captivating in an intangible way. It can be used to describe the extra appeal of art, people, food, wines, or other things that are difficult to objectively define but are recognized by most people. While there are English expressions that could be used, je ne sais quoi incorporates a sense of elegance and panache when describing an intangible quality that sets something apart.

1. What is Je Ne Sais Quoi?
The English language often incorporates
foreign words and phrases to create a more
precise definition or to express a thought
difficult to express in English alone. One
example of this is the French expression je
ne sais quoi, which literally translates into
"I not know what". Je ne sais quoi attempts
to define an indefinable quality, which sets
something apart from others.
A fine painting such as
Da Vinci's Mona Lisa may have a certain je
ne sais quoi, which renders it more
appealing than other paintings placed
beside it.

2. A beautiful actress or model may also
be said to possess a je ne sais
quoi which makes her more captivating
on film or generates more sexual
appeal in a print ad. This star quality
is not something, which can be
measured or defined objectively, but
most people would agree there is
indeed an X factor or
intangible charisma at work. A
renowned actor may not even be
conventionally handsome, but still
possess a je ne sais quoi, which
elevates him to celebrity status.
Sometimes an intangible or
indefinable quality of a fine wine or

3. gourmet food can only be described
as je ne sais quoi. Certain literary
works or classical music pieces may
also possess a certain artistic appeal,
which cannot be captured effectively
in conversation. This is when the
expression je ne sais quoi becomes
especially appropriate, since the
quality or aspect of a superior artistic
work can defy description.
The use of je ne sais quoi can extend
into other areas as well. A potential
romantic partner may possess an
intangible quality, which makes him or
her especially attractive or alluring. A
charismatic instructor may also have a

4. certain je ne sais quoi, which keeps his
audience entranced as he delivers his
lecture. Even a favourite pet may be
said to have a je ne sais quoi, which
makes him or her stand out from the
rest of the pack.
While there may be perfectly
serviceable English expressions to
describe an intangible quality, many
people prefer to incorporate the
French je ne sais quoi into
conversation because it also has an
intangible sense of elegance
and panache. Casual use of familiar
foreign expressions often indicates
cultural refinement and a more

5. extensive vocabulary. Sometimes a
foreign expression captures or
defines a concept more precisely or
elegantly than its utilitarian English
counterpart defines.
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Trinity
28.9.09