famille élargie
The English phrase "extended family" is translated into French as famille élargie.
famille élargie refers to a family unit that includes additional members beyond the immediate nuclear family, such as cousins, aunts, uncles or grandparents.
Meaning: family with additional members (noun)
Did you know?
- The Latin root of famille originally referred to the entire household, including servants and enslaved people, rather than just biological relatives.
- In some Francophone cultures, especially in Africa, the concept of famille élargie is the primary social structure, making the Western 'nuclear family' a secondary concept.
- In many French-speaking cultures, the concept of 'extended family' is often represented by the phrase la grande famille, a term used to describe much more than just biological relatives.
Examples in context
- On va passer les vacances avec la famille élargie.We are going to spend the holidays with the extended family.
- Elle organise un dîner pour sa famille élargie.She is organizing a dinner for her extended family.
- Ma famille élargie habite partout en France.My extended family lives all over France.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are talking about their holiday plans.
- GabrielTu invites ta famille élargie pour Noël ?Are you inviting your extended family for Christmas?
- EmmaOui, mes cousins et oncles viennent aussi.Yes, my cousins and uncles are coming too.
- GabrielC'est génial d'avoir une famille élargie aussi soudée.It's great to have such a close-knit extended family.
- EmmaMerci, Gabriel, c'est très important pour moi.Thank you, Gabriel, it is very important to me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries famille, CC BY-SA 4.0.
