Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| gosse | /ɡɔs/ | masculine |
| gamin | /ɡa.mɛ̃/ | masculine |
| bambin | /bɑ̃.bɛ̃/ | masculine |
| môme | /mom/ | feminine, masculine |
These terms are used to refer to a child. While the most common and neutral way to say child is enfant, these specific words add different flavors to the description. Gosse is a slang term for a kid or child, while gamin is an informal term that can mean a streetwise urchin or a little scamp.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the nuance you want to convey. Gosse is a general colloquial term for a child. In contrast, gamin often implies a mischievous child or a brat. Bambin is a more specific term used to describe a very young child or a toddler, and it is much more common in literature or older-fashioned speech. Môme is an informal term that can be used either affectionately or slightly dismissively.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The terms vary significantly in register. Gosse is considered slang. Gamin and môme are informal. Bambin is a literary or older-fashioned term. For a neutral, formal way to say child, use enfant.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Gamin and gosse are masculine nouns. Môme is a noun that can be either masculine or feminine. Bambin is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡɔs/
Did you know?
- While gosse means 'kid' in France, it is a vulgar term for 'testicle' in Quebec, which can lead to extreme misunderstandings.
- The word bambin is an onomatopoeic loan from Italian, mimicking the 'bambo' sounds of a baby's first stammers.
- The word gamin historically evoked the image of the 'street urchin', often appearing in 19th-century stories about the poor children of Paris.
Examples in context
- Qui est ce gamin ?Who's that kid?This sentence is useful for asking about the identity of a kid.Tatoeba #11908932 by lbdx, translation #7538253 by CK
- À ta santé, gamin !Here's looking at you, kid.This sentence is useful for a friendly toast to a kid.Tatoeba #1053543 by sacredceltic, translation #585192 by ludoviko
- Tu es un bon gamin.You're a good kid.This sentence is useful for describing a kid as well-behaved.Tatoeba #5825519 by Aiji, translation #2548890 by CK
- L'enfant est très intelligentThe child is very intelligent
- Le petit est très poliThe little one is very polite
- Ce gamin est vraiment drôle!This kid is really funny!
- Le bambin dort paisiblementThe toddler is peacefully sleeping
- Les gosses jouent dans le parcThe kids are playing in the park
- Viens ici, mon môme!Come here, my kid!
- Je vais chercher mon enfant à l'écoleI'm going to pick up my child from school
- Les gamins jouent dans la rueThe kids are playing in the street
- Hey, viens ici, mon tiote!Hey, come here, little one!
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Manon are walking in a park.
- LucasRegarde ce petit gosse qui court.Look at that little kid running.
- ManonIl est très énergique, ce gosse.That kid is very energetic.
- LucasTu penses qu'il est seul ?Do you think he is alone?
- ManonNon, ses parents sont juste derrière.No, his parents are right behind him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kid” translations and entries gosse, gamin, bambin, môme, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bambin, gamin, gosse, môme, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
