How to Say "Older Brother" in French

grand frère

/ɡʁɑ̃ fʁɛʁ/

The French phrase for "older brother" is grand frère.

grand frère is used to refer to an older brother. It can also be understood as the informal term "big brother".

Meaning: single-word translations (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, grand frère translates to "big brother".

While grand frère refers to an older brother, the term petit frère is used to mean a younger brother.

To form the plural grands frères (older brothers), you must add an s to both the adjective grand and the noun frère.

/ɡʁɑ̃ fʁɛʁ/

In French, the word grand typically means 'tall' when describing a person. To specify that someone is 'big' in terms of weight or girth, a speaker would use gros instead.
In many French-speaking cultures, calling someone mon grand frère can be a sign of deep respect or mentorship, even if there is no biological relation.
French speakers may use the term fratrie to describe the entire group of siblings, including the grand frère and petit frère, a word that has no single-word equivalent in English.

Tom a-t-il un grand frère ?
Does Tom have an older brother?
This sentence is useful for asking if someone has an older brother using grand frère.
Tatoeba #7639320 by tras, translation #5377045 by CK
Je n'ai pas de grand frère.
I don't have an older brother.
This sentence is useful for stating that you do not have an older brother using grand frère.
Tatoeba #11778390 by lbdx, translation #9483253 by CK
Mon grand frère sait conduire.
My older brother can drive.
This sentence is useful for describing a skill that your older brother has using grand frère.
Tatoeba #1557098 by sacredceltic, translation #10567938 by sundown
Je vais sortir avec mon grand frère ce soir.
I'm going out with my big brother tonight.
Mon aîné va venir nous rejoindre plus tard.
My elder brother is coming to join us later.
20 more sentences on Tatoeba

Gabriel and Emma are talking about their families at a café.

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