using je ne sais quoi in English

[alpacinou]

Is " je ne sais quoi" widely understood in English?

Have I used it correctly and naturally in these sentences?

1. I like the photo's rustic quality. It also has a je ne sais quoi that makes it very pleasing to look at.
2. She's not attractive by traditional aesthetic standards, however, she has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes her very desirable.
3. I can't explain why I like that film. It has a je ne sais quoi that makes it very appealing but I can't explain.
4. The house is different from others in the area. It has a certain je ne sais quoi and appeal that makes it distinctive.
5. Your dress is unconventional but it has a je ne sais quoi that makes it stand out.
6. The perfume she tried had a peculiar aroma, but it had a je ne sais quoi, a sort of French sexiness that pleased the nostrils.

 

[Tarheel]

It's just a guess, but I'd say that no more than half of us Americans know what that means.

 

[5jj]

Is " je ne sais quoi" widely understood in English?

Have I used it correctly and naturally in these sentences?

Yes to all three.

I italicise the words when I use them in writing.

 

[alpacinou]

Yes to all three.

I italicise the words when I use them in writing.

You mean all six sentences are correct?

 

[5jj]

I have already said 'Yes'.

 

[probus]

It's almost universally understood in Canada, I think because of our French and English bilingualism.

 

[emsr2d2]

It's frequently preceded by "certain".

It has a certain je ne sais quoi.

 

[alpacinou]

Can I also use it in the context of talking about foods/drinks?

Is this okay?

The wine has a certain je ne sais quio that makes it very palatable.

 

[emsr2d2]

Can I also use it in the context of talking about foods/drinks? Is this okay?

The wine has a certain je ne sais quio quoi that makes it very palatable.

You can use the expression for just about anything but I don't find that example particularly natural. Wine has very specific qualities that make it palatable. You could use it for an unlikely combination, for example:

I whizzed up pineapple juice, peanut butter, salted cocoa powder and tofu in my blender this morning. I know it sounds disgusting but actually it had a certain je ne sais quoi. I'm going to make it again tomorrow morning!

 

[White Hat]

Does it mean 'zest'?

 

[probus]

Does it mean 'zest'?

No. Literally translated from the French it would be "I don't know what", and as borrowed into English its meaning is similar: a pleasing quality that is difficult to specify precisely.

 

[Tdol]

You mean all six sentences are correct?

Yes, but I don't like pleased the nostrils much- how about sexiness pleasant to the nose?