tout-petit
/tu.p(ə).ti/masculine
In French, 'little one' is translated as tout-petit. If unsure, use tout-petit. Wiktionary also lists toute-petite.
Meaning: young child (noun)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tout-petit | /tu.p(ə).ti/ | masculine |
| toute-petite | feminine |
The term is used to refer to a young child. For an even more intimate and informal way to address a specific child, you can use mon tout petit for a male or ma toute petite for a female.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of tout (very or completely) and petit (small), literally meaning 'very small'.
Which one should you use?
Use the masculine form tout-petit when referring to a male child and the feminine form toute-petite when referring to a female child.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Provence region, the informal word pitchoun is used to mean 'little one'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a group of little ones, or a mixed group of boys and girls, use the masculine plural form tout-petits.
How do you pronounce it?
/tu.p(ə).ti/
Did you know?
- The Provencal term pitchoun is derived from the word pichon, which historically referred to a small bird or a chick.
- In French, the word petit is often used as a 'term of endearment' for adults in romantic relationships, not just for children.
- The word petit itself is a common root in many French expressions of affection that have nothing to do with physical dimensions.
Examples in context
- Mon tout petit, viens ici que je te serre dans mes bras.My little one, come here so I can hold you in my arms.
- Ma toute petite, tu es une étoile dans ma vie.My little one, you are a star in my life.
- Ma choupette, tu es mon rayon de soleil.My sweetheart, you are my ray of sunshine.
- Ce tout-petit dort enfin.This little one is finally sleeping.
- Le tout-petit joue dans le parc.The little one is playing in the park.
- Regarde ce charmant tout-petit !Look at this charming little one!
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are watching a child at a playground.
- ChloéCe tout-petit est très courageux.This little one is very brave.
- LucasOui, il court très vite.Yes, he runs very fast.
- ChloéEst-ce que c'est ton fils, Lucas ?Is he your son, Lucas?
- LucasNon, c'est le fils de ma sœur.No, it is my sister's son.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “little one” translations and entries tout-petit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
