cadet
/ka.dɛ/
The English phrase "middle sibling" is translated into French as cadet.
cadet is used to refer to a child born between the oldest and the youngest sibling.
Which one should you use?
While l'aîné or l'aînée is used specifically for the eldest child, cadet refers to any child born after the eldest. In a family of three or more, this can specifically denote the middle child.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term cadet changes to cadette to agree with a female middle sibling.
How do you pronounce it?
/ka.dɛ/
Did you know?
- The word cadet also describes a student in a military academy. This usage entered English directly from French to create the word 'cadet'.
- The word cadet comes from the Late Latin word capitellum, which translates literally to 'small head'.
- While cadet refers to younger siblings, French has no single word that exclusively and always means 'middle child' regardless of the total number of children.
Examples in context
- J'aime bien mon frangin/ma frangine du milieuI really like my middle sibling
- J'ai passé la soirée avec ma frangine du milieu hier soir.I spent the evening with my middle sister last night.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing their families.
- NathanTu as combien de frères et sœurs ?How many brothers and sisters do you have?
- LéaJ'en ai deux, je suis la cadet.I have two, I am the middle sibling.
- NathanC'est difficile d'être au milieu ?Is it hard to be in the middle?
- LéaOui, mais c'est aussi plus calme.Yes, but it's also quieter.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cadet, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cadet, CC BY-SA 4.0.
