petit gars
The French phrase for "little guy" is petit gars.
petit gars is an informal and affectionate way to refer to a young boy or a small man.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of petit (small/little) and gars (guy/lad/fellow).
Which one should you use?
While petit gars is a standard informal choice, you may encounter other variations. p'tit gars is a popular colloquial version, p'tit bonhomme adds a touch of affection and p'tit mec is an informal way to say "little guy" using the slang term mec for guy or dude.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term gars is informal and should be avoided in formal writing or professional settings.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec French, the informal term ti-gars is used to refer to a little boy or "little guy".
Did you know?
- If you use the variation p'tit bonhomme to describe an adult man, you are likely teasing him about being short or acting like a child.
- The word gars is actually the old nominative form of garçon, which is why it sounds like a shortened version of the word for 'boy'.
- In many parts of France, calling a man un petit gars can actually sound patronizing rather than affectionate, depending on your tone.
Examples in context
- C'est un petit gars intelligent.He is a smart little guy.This sentence shows how to use petit gars to describe someone's intelligence.Tatoeba #1574797 by sacredceltic, translation #1778771 by belgavox
- Hier, j'ai vu un p'tit gars jouer dans le parc.Yesterday, I saw a little guy playing in the park.
- Regarde ce p'tit bonhomme adorable !Look at that adorable little guy!
- Ce p'tit mec est vraiment courageux !This little guy is really brave!
- Le petit bonhomme a fait preuve d'une grande sagesse.The little man showed great wisdom.
- Regarde ce petit gars avec son tricycle.Look at that little guy with his tricycle.
- Le petit gars est très courageux.The little guy is very brave.
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are watching a toddler play in a park.
- LucasRegarde le petit gars qui court là-bas.Look at that little guy running over there.
- ManonOh, il est vraiment adorable, ce petit gars.Oh, that little guy is really adorable.
- LucasIl a l'air de s'amuser beaucoup.He looks like he's having a lot of fun.
- ManonOui, c'est un petit gars plein d'énergie.Yes, he is a little guy full of energy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gars, petit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
