arrière-petits-enfants
The English phrase 'great grandchildren' is translated into French as arrière-petits-enfants.
arrière-petits-enfants is used to refer to the children of one's grandchildren.
How does it change in a sentence?
Depending on the gender and number of the individuals, you may use different forms: arrière-petit-fils is the masculine singular for a great-grandson, while arrière-petite-fille is the feminine singular for a great-granddaughter. For plural forms, use arrière-petits-fils for great-grandsons and arrière-petites-filles for great-granddaughters.
Did you know?
- In French, the concept of 'great' in a family lineage is expressed through spatial positioning rather than magnitude. Instead of saying 'great' to indicate size or importance, you use arrière to place them 'behind' the previous generation.
- French can extend this logic indefinitely by adding more arrière prefixes. A great-great-grandchild is an arrière-arrière-petit-enfant.
- While arrière-petits-enfants is the technical term, French speakers often use the word descendance in formal contexts to encompass all grandchildren and great-grandchildren in one breath.
Examples in context
- Les arrière-petits-enfants sont la joie de ma vie.Great grandchildren are the joy of my life.
- J'aime passer du temps avec mes arrière-petits-enfants.I love spending time with my great grandchildren.
- J'ai hâte de rencontrer les petits-enfants de mes petits-enfants.I'm looking forward to meeting my great grandchildren.
- Elle adore ses arrière-petits-enfants.She loves her great-grandchildren.
- Il a trois arrière-petits-enfants.He has three great-grandchildren.
- Les arrière-petits-enfants sont très calmes.The great-grandchildren are very calm.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are looking at old family photos.
- GabrielCombien d'arrière-petits-enfants as-tu ?How many great-grandchildren do you have?
- ChloéJ'en ai quatre, Gabriel.I have four, Gabriel.
- GabrielC'est une grande famille !That is a big family!
- ChloéOui, ils sont adorables.Yes, they are adorable.
