petits-enfants
The English phrase grandchildren is translated into French as petits-enfants.
petits-enfants refers to the children of one's own children.
Which one should you use?
petits-enfants is used as a gender-neutral plural to refer to a mixed group of grandsons and granddaughters.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In parts of northern France, Mes ti-z'enfants is an informal variation meaning "my little ones."
How does it change in a sentence?
The term for a single granddaughter is petite-fille, while the feminine plural for granddaughters is petites-filles. For a single grandson, use petit-fils and for grandsons, use petits-fils.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, which uses 'grand' to denote seniority, French uses petit for grandchildren but grand-père and grand-mère for the grandparents.
- When talking about grandchildren, French speakers often use the verb gâter, meaning 'to spoil', because it is a culturally accepted role for grandparents to indulge their petits-enfants.
- The word fils in petits-fils is a homograph that looks like a plural, but it is actually the singular word for 'son' and is pronounced with a silent 's'.
Examples in context
- Il a des petits-enfants.He has grandchildren.This sentence is useful for stating that someone has grandchildren.Tatoeba #12077527 by Amastan, translation #8392815 by Amastan
- Où sont mes petits-enfants ?Where are my grandchildren?This sentence is useful for asking about the location of one's grandchildren.Tatoeba #5959476 by Aiji, translation #4499678 by CK
- Avez-vous des petits-enfants ?Do you have any grandchildren?This sentence is useful for asking someone if they have grandchildren.Tatoeba #1562684 by sacredceltic, translation #1561530 by CM
- Mon mari et moi avons six petits-enfants adorables.My husband and I have six adorable grandchildren.
- Passer du temps avec mes petits est ma joie de vivre.Spending time with my little ones is my joy in life.
- Les vacances de Noël sont toujours mémorables avec les petits-enfants.Christmas holidays are always memorable with the grandchildren.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are looking at some family photos.
- LéaRegarde, ce sont mes petits-enfants.Look, these are my grandchildren.
- LucasIls sont vraiment mignons, Léa.They are really cute, Léa.
- LéaMerci, j'adore passer du temps avec mes petits-enfants.Thank you, I love spending time with my grandchildren.
- LucasC'est merveilleux d'avoir une famille.It is wonderful to have a family.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
