mon oncle et ma tante
The English phrase "my aunt and uncle" is translated into French as mon oncle et ma tante.
This phrase refers to the siblings or spouses of one's parents.
Which one should you use?
In English, you can use the word "my" once to cover both people. In French, however, you must use a possessive adjective for each person: mon for the masculine noun and ma for the feminine noun.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the possessive adjectives mon (masculine) and ma (feminine) separately for each person. You can reverse the order of the nouns to ma tante et mon oncle without changing the meaning of the phrase.
Did you know?
- The word tante is believed to have been shaped by the way children speak, as the 't' sound was likely added to the older word ante to make it easier for toddlers to pronounce.
- In French, the words oncle and tante can be used as titles for older family friends or distant relatives to show affection, even if there is no biological link.
Examples in context
- Voici ma tante et mon oncle, Monsieur et Madame Dupont.This is my aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Dupont.
- Regardez, voilà ma tatie et mon tonton !Look, there's my auntie and uncle!
- Mon oncle et ma tante habitent à Lyon.My uncle and my aunt live in Lyon.
- Je vais voir mon oncle et ma tante ce week-end.I am going to see my uncle and my aunt this weekend.
- Mon oncle et ma tante sont très gentils.My uncle and my aunt are very kind.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are talking about their weekend plans.
- LucasJe dîne chez mon oncle et ma tante ce soir.I am having dinner at my uncle and aunt's house tonight.
- ChloéC'est super ! Ils sont sympas ?That's great! Are they nice?
- LucasOui, mon oncle et ma tante sont très accueillants.Yes, my uncle and aunt are very welcoming.
- ChloéPasse-leur le bonjour de ma part, Lucas.Say hello to them for me, Lucas.
