petite sœur
/pə.tit sœʁ/
The English phrase "little sister" is translated into French as petite sœur.
The phrase is used to refer to a female sibling who is younger than the speaker. Although it literally translates to "little sister," it is used to denote a younger sister regardless of her actual physical size.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of petite (little/small) and sœur (sister).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because sœur is a feminine noun, the adjective must take the feminine form petite rather than the masculine petit.
How do you pronounce it?
/pə.tit sœʁ/
Did you know?
- The phrase petite sœur can be used affectionately for a very close female friend or a protégé, even if there is no blood relation.
- In certain French literary contexts, a younger sister might be referred to as a cadette, a term that specifically denotes being the younger of two or more siblings.
- The spelling of sœur uses the oe ligature, a single character where the letters are joined, which is a distinct feature of many French words.
Examples in context
- Sami a une petite sœur.Sami has a little sister.This sentence shows how to state that someone has a petite sœur.Tatoeba #6488736 by Micsmithel, translation #6484807 by OsoHombre
- Veille sur ta petite sœur.Look after your little sister.This sentence is useful for the command to look after a petite sœur.Tatoeba #11898253 by lbdx, translation #5386152 by Hybrid
- Comment va ta petite sœur ?How's your little sister?This sentence is used to ask how a petite sœur is doing.Tatoeba #135260 by sacredceltic, translation #450750 by CM
- Ma p'tite sœur est très intelligente.My little sister is very smart.
- J'ai une petite sœur géniale.I have an amazing little sister.
- Ma sœur cadette est venue me rendre visite.My younger sister came to visit me.
- Je suis très proche de ma sœurette.I am very close to my little sister.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are talking about their siblings at a cafe.
- LéaMa petite sœur est très drôle.My little sister is very funny.
- NathanElle a quel âge ?How old is she?
- LéaElle a seulement cinq ans.She is only five years old.
- NathanC'est l'âge de ma petite sœur aussi.That is my little sister's age too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry petite sœur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
