Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| petite fille | /pə.tit fij/ | feminine |
| fillette | /fi.jɛt/ | feminine |
| jeune fille | /ʒœn fij/ | feminine |
| gamine | /ɡa.min/ | feminine |
The phrase petite fille translates directly to "little girl". Other terms exist depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey, such as the diminutive fillette or the colloquial gamine to describe a playful girl.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase petite fille is composed of petite (small/little) and fille (girl/daughter), literally meaning "small girl".
Which one should you use?
While petite fille refers to a child, jeune fille is often used to refer to an adolescent or a young woman. The term fillette is a diminutive form of fille that specifically emphasizes the smallness or youth of the child. Finally, gamine is a colloquial term used for a girl who is a bit of a rascal or possesses a charmingly boyish appearance.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Jeune fille is often used to refer to an adolescent or a young woman. Fillette is a diminutive, while gamine is colloquial. The term pitchoune is an informal and affectionate way to call a little girl.
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
It has 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
When using petite fille, be aware that in certain contexts, petite can mean "small in stature" rather than "young" if you are describing an older person.
Did you know?
- The word fille can refer to both a 'girl' and a 'daughter'. This means that the phrase ma petite fille could mean either 'my little girl' or 'my granddaughter'.
- Historically, the word fille was used in certain slang contexts to refer to prostitutes, derived from euphemisms like fille de joie or 'girl of joy'.
- The term gamine is often used in fashion to describe a 'gamine look'. This refers to a woman with a slim, boyish charm rather than an actual child.
Examples in context
- La petite fille dort.The little girl sleeps.This sentence shows the use of petite fille to describe a sleeping child.Tatoeba #3127520 by PERCE_NEIGE, translation #3128594 by brad
- La fillette m'a souri.The little girl has smiled to me.This sentence demonstrates the use of fillette to describe a child smiling.Tatoeba #3165519 by Rovo, translation #3165615 by DaedalusDancel
- Anna est une petite fille.Anna is a little girl.This sentence shows how to identify someone as a petite fille.Tatoeba #4478842 by mouche, translation #2068450 by CP
- Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous aider cette jeune fille, s'il vous plaît?Excuse me, could you help this young girl, please?
- Oh, la pitchoune, elle est trop mignonne!Oh, the little girl, she is so cute!
- 53 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are talking about a child in the park.
- HugoRegarde cette petite fille avec son ballon.Look at that little girl with her ball.
- LéaElle est vraiment mignonne.She is really cute.
- HugoJe pense que c'est la fille de Léa.I think she is Léa's daughter.
- LéaC'est vrai, c'est une très jolie petite fille.That's true, she is a very pretty little girl.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little girl” translations and entries petite fille, fillette, jeune fille, gamine, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fille, fillette, jeune, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
