a grandi
The English phrase 'grew up' is translated into French as a grandi.
a grandi is used to describe the process of spending one's childhood and becoming an adult. The base verb grandir is versatile, as it is used for both the process of physical growth and the process of maturing or growing up.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the auxiliary verb avoir (to have) and the past participle of grandir (to grow), meaning 'has grown'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form a grandi uses the passé composé tense to describe a completed period of growing up in the past.
Did you know?
- Unlike English, which uses 'grow up' for both people and plants, French often distinguishes between grandir for people and pousser for plants. Saying a plant a grandi is possible, but a poussé is the more natural way to say it 'grew'.
- While grandir describes the process of growing up, the French word for 'adult' is adulte, but the word for 'grown-up' as a noun is grand, often used in the phrase les grands to describe the older children or adults in a room.
- In French, the verb grandir can be used as a causative verb. By adding a reflexive pronoun, se grandir can mean to make oneself appear taller or more important through posture or behavior.
Examples in context
- John a grandi heureux.John grew up happy.This sentence shows how to describe growing up with a specific emotional state using a grandi.Tatoeba #11513691 by Amastan, translation #11513243 by Amastan
- Sami a grandi en Égypte.Sami grew up in Egypt.This sentence shows how to use a grandi to indicate the location where someone grew up.Tatoeba #6485080 by GB3, translation #6484957 by OsoHombre
- Elle a grandi en Australie.She grew up in Australia.This sentence shows how to use a grandi to specify the country where someone grew up.Tatoeba #5149955 by nbrr, translation #2689921 by CH
- J'ai grandi dans une petite ville en France.I grew up in a small town in France.
- Elle a été élevée dans une famille traditionnelle.She was raised in a traditional family.
- J'ai pas mal d'amis qui ont grandi en banlieue.I have quite a few friends who grew up in the suburbs.
- Elle est née à Paris et a grandi dans la capitale française.She was born in Paris and grew up in the French capital.
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a childhood acquaintance.
- ChloéTu te souviens de Marc ?Do you remember Marc?
- HugoOui, il a grandi dans ce quartier.Yes, he grew up in this neighborhood.
- ChloéC'est vrai, il a beaucoup changé.It's true, he has changed a lot.
- HugoIl est devenu très grand.He has become very tall.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
