j'ai une petite sœur
To say I have a little sister in French, use j'ai une petite sœur.
j'ai une petite sœur says that you have a younger sister.
What does it mean word for word?
j'ai means I have, une means a, petite means little and sœur means sister.
Which one should you use?
petite sœur is the common way to say little sister, while sœur cadette is more precise and specifies that she is younger than you. J'ai une sœurette. is an affectionate way to say it.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec French, J'ai une p'tite sœur. is a common variation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective petite comes before the noun sœur, as common short adjectives usually do in French.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes forget to shorten je before ai. Always write and say j'ai.
Did you know?
- The precise term cadette comes from the French word for 'last born', which is also where the English word 'cadet' originates.
- The word sœur descends from the Proto-Indo-European root *swésōr, making it a distant relative of the English word 'sister'.
- While petite means 'little' in size, in the context of a sibling, it serves as a functional placeholder for 'younger' regardless of the person's actual physical stature.
Examples in context
- Pendant la réunion, j'ai mentionné que j'ai une petite sœur.During the meeting, I mentioned that I have a little sister.
- J'ai une petite sœur de cinq ans.I have a little sister who is five years old.
- J'ai une petite sœur très mignonne.I have a very cute little sister.
- Dans ma famille, j'ai une petite sœur.In my family, I have a little sister.
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their families during a break.
- LéaTu as des frères ou des sœurs ?Do you have brothers or sisters?
- LucasOui, j'ai une petite sœur.Yes, I have a little sister.
- LéaElle s'appelle comment ?What is her name?
- LucasElle s'appelle Chloé.Her name is Chloé.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries j'ai, sœur, une, CC BY-SA 4.0.
