petit oiseau
The English phrase 'little bird' is translated into French as petit oiseau.
petit oiseau is used to refer to a small bird. It can also be used in idiomatic expressions, such as 'un petit oiseau me l'a dit' (a little bird told me) or to describe someone who eats very little. Additionally, the phrase mon petit oiseau serves as a term of endearment meaning 'my little bird'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word petit literally means 'small' or 'little'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the noun oiseau is masculine, the adjective must also be masculine. Therefore, the form petite oiseau is grammatically incorrect. To form the plural, both the adjective and the noun must take an 's' to become petits oiseaux. For terms of endearment, you might use mon petit pioupiou, meaning 'my little tweetie'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the feminine form petite oiseau. The adjective must remain masculine to match the noun oiseau.
Did you know?
- The word oiseau traces back to the Late Latin diminutive aucellus, which specifically meant 'little bird' rather than just any bird.
- While petit oiseau is standard, French has a specific, playful word pioupiou to describe a tiny bird. This word is an onomatopoeia mimicking the 'cheep-cheep' sound of a chick.
- The phrase manger comme un petit oiseau is used not just to describe the amount of food, but often to describe a very delicate or dainty way of eating.
Examples in context
- Un petit oiseau me l'a dit.A little bird told me.This sentence shows how to use the phrase petit oiseau to say a little bird told you something.Tatoeba #1580409 by sacredceltic, translation #327991 by CM
- Il mange comme un petit oiseau.He eats like a little bird.This sentence uses petit oiseau to describe someone eating like a little bird.Tatoeba #5249802 by martin9, translation #12654815 by rul
- Je suis libre comme un petit oiseau.I'm as free as a little bird.This sentence uses petit oiseau in a simile about being free.Tatoeba #12731641 by Rovo, translation #12732151 by rul
- J'adore observer les petits oiseaux dans mon jardin.I love observing the little birds in my garden.
- Ce matin, j'ai aperçu un adorable oiselet près de la fenêtre.This morning, I spotted an adorable little bird near the window.
- La forêt regorge de piafs aux couleurs chatoyantes.The forest is filled with colorful little birds.
- J'entends les piafs chanter doucement au lever du jour.I hear the little birds singing softly at daybreak.
- Regarde le mignon piafou sur la branche là-bas!Look at the cute little bird on that branch over there!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are sitting on a park bench.
- EmmaChut, écoute ce petit oiseau.Hush, listen to this little bird.
- GabrielIl est vraiment mignon, ce petit oiseau.It is really cute, this little bird.
- EmmaOui, il est très beau.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- GabrielEmma, regarde comme il vole haut !Emma, look how high it flies!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries oiseau, petit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
