je ne sais quoi
(redirected from a je ne sais quoi)je ne sais quoi
A positive, pleasant, or attractive quality that is difficult to define or articulate. This French phrase translates literally as "I don't know what" in English, and is pronounced "jeh neh say kwa." She had a certain je ne sais quoi that men found quite attractive.
See also: Ne
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
ˌje ne sais ˈquoi
/%Z@ n@ seI "kwA:/ (from French, often humorous) a good quality that is difficult to describe: He has that je ne sais quoi that distinguishes a professional from an amateur. ♢ It has a certain je ne sais quoi that really appeals to me.The meaning of the French phrase is ‘I do not know what’.
See also: Ne
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017