gros câlins
big hugs in French is gros câlins.
gros câlins is an affectionate expression used to convey warmth and love. It is primarily used in written form, such as in texts, emails or letters, rather than as a spoken greeting or parting phrase.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of gros (big/large) and câlins (hugs).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Gros câlins is an informal expression. While gros câlins is affectionate, gros bisous is a much more common way to end a message to friends or family in a casual context.
Did you know?
- While gros câlins is used in writing, the physical act of hugging in France is often replaced by la bise, which involves kissing both cheeks. A full-body hug is typically reserved for very close family or intense emotional reunions.
- The word gros in gros câlins shares its roots with the English word 'gross', which originally meant 'thick' or 'large' in a physical sense.
- In many French-speaking cultures, the physical act of 'câlin' is often more associated with soft, cuddly affection than the firm, sweeping hugs common in English.
Examples in context
- Moi aussi! Gros câlins!Me too! Big hugs!
- Je t'envoie de gros câlins.I am sending you big hugs.
- Gros câlins à toute la famille.Big hugs to the whole family.
- On se voit bientôt, gros câlins !See you soon, big hugs!
Example conversation
Léa is sending a sweet text message to Nathan.
- NathanTu me manques beaucoup, Nathan.I miss you a lot, Nathan.
- LéaMoi aussi, je t'aime fort.Me too, I love you so much.
- NathanGros câlins, ma chérie.Big hugs, my dear.
- LéaMerci, à très bientôt !Thank you, see you very soon!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gros, CC BY-SA 4.0.
