How to Say "Big Sister" in French

grande sœur

/ɡʁɑ̃d sœʁ/

The English phrase "big sister" is translated into French as grande sœur.

Use grande sœur to refer to a sister who is older than the speaker or another person.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of grande (big/large) and sœur (sister).

While grande sœur means big sister, the term petite sœur is the standard way to say little sister.

Because sœur is a feminine noun, you use the feminine possessive adjective ma when saying "my big sister" (ma grande sœur).

/ɡʁɑ̃d sœʁ/

The word sœur is used to describe a nun in French, as the religious community is viewed as a spiritual family.
While grande sœur is the literal translation, French speakers often use the term aînée to specify the oldest sibling in the family regardless of gender.
Calling a non-biological older female friend your grande sœur is a way to signal a bond of protection and closeness.

Ma grande sœur nage très vite.
My big sister swims very fast.
This sentence shows an example of someone using the form grande sœur to describe her swimming speed.
Tatoeba #8194 by sacredceltic, translation #12807445 by rul
J'ai plus de jupes que ma grande sœur.
I have more skirts than my big sister.
This sentence shows an example of someone using the form grande sœur when comparing possessions.
Tatoeba #11681372 by Aiji, translation #5170143 by Lindoula
Ma grande sœur habite à Paris.
My big sister lives in Paris.

Chloé and Gabriel are talking about their families at school.

Chloé

Est-ce que tu as une grande sœur, Gabriel ?
Do you have a big sister, Gabriel?
Gabriel

Oui, ma grande sœur s'appelle Sarah.
Yes, my big sister's name is Sarah.
Chloé

Elle est très sympa, ta grande sœur ?
Is your big sister very nice?
Gabriel

Oui, elle est vraiment très gentille.
Yes, she is really very kind.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏