grand garçon
The English phrase 'big boy' can be translated into French as grand garçon.
The phrase grand garçon is used to refer to an independent adult male.
Meaning: An independent adult male (noun)
Which one should you use?
The informal expression Gros bonhomme can be used to mean 'Big guy' or 'Big fella'.
Did you know?
- The word garçon shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'wretch', both stemming from a root meaning 'an exile' or 'an outcast'.
- In a French café, calling a waiter garçon is now often considered condescending or outdated. Modern speakers prefer monsieur to avoid sounding like they are treating the staff as servants.
- In many French-speaking regions, calling a small child un grand garçon is a common way to encourage them when they show bravery.
Examples in context
- C’est un grand garçon.He's a big boy.This sentence shows how to use grand garçon to describe someone in the third person.Tatoeba #549571 by zmoo, translation #288238 by CK
- Tu es un grand garçon.You're a big boy.This sentence demonstrates how to address someone directly using grand garçon.Tatoeba #7849226 by Aiji, translation #2549183 by CK
- Quel grand garçon il est !What a big boy he is!This sentence provides an exclamatory way to use grand garçon.Tatoeba #819871 by sacredceltic, translation #843925 by J_S
- Je suis très fier de mon grand garçon.I am very proud of my big boy.
- Salut, gros bonhomme ! Comment ça va ?Hey, big guy! How's it going?
- Salut, gros bonhomme, tu viens jouer avec nous ?Hey, big guy, are you coming to play with us?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are discussing his new job and apartment.
- ChloéTu as ton propre appartement maintenant !You have your own apartment now!
- LucasOui, je voulais être autonome.Yes, I wanted to be independent.
- ChloéRegardez-le, c'est un vrai grand garçon !Look at him, he's a real big boy!
- LucasArrête, Chloé, je n'ai plus dix ans.Stop, Chloé, I'm not ten years old anymore.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “big boy” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries garçon, grand, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
