gros nez
The English phrase "big nose" is translated into French as gros nez.
gros nez is used to describe a nose that is larger than average in size. If you want to use slang to refer specifically to a round or bulbous nose, you can use the expression Nez en patate, which literally translates to "potato nose".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase gros nez breaks down into the word gros, meaning "fat" or "large" and nez, meaning "nose".
Which one should you use?
There is a subtle difference between terms used for size. gros nez implies a nose that is thick or fleshy, whereas grand nez is often used to describe a nose that is long or prominent in stature.
Did you know?
- French has a specific idiom avoir le nez creux, which literally means to have a 'hollow nose' but actually means to have great intuition.
- If you use the word gros to describe a person instead of their nez, you are calling them 'fat' rather than just 'big'.
- The English word 'gross' shares the same Latin ancestor, grossus, as the French word gros, which is why both words can refer to something thick or large.
Examples in context
- J'ai un gros nez.I have a big nose.This example shows how to state that you have a gros nez.Tatoeba #5859166 by dufromage, translation #5856390 by CK
- Tom a un gros nez.Tom has a big nose.This example shows how to state that Tom has a gros nez.Tatoeba #5461677 by Aiji, translation #3315066 by CK
- A-t-elle un gros nez ?Does she have a big nose?This example shows how to ask if she has a gros nez.Tatoeba #3670088 by sacredceltic, translation #3375220 by CM
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Lucas are looking at a caricature in a gallery.
- EmmaRegarde ce dessin, il a un gros nez !Look at this drawing, he has a big nose!
- LucasC'est vrai, son gros nez est très drôle.It's true, his big nose is very funny.
- EmmaL'artiste l'a vraiment exagéré.The artist really exaggerated it.
- LucasOui, c'est une caricature réussie.Yes, it's a successful caricature.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gros, nez, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
