petite
/p(ə).tit/
The English word 'petite' translates to French as petite.
When describing a woman, petite means she is fairly short and of a slim build.
Meaning: Of a woman: fairly short and of slim build (adj)
Which one should you use?
The form petite is used specifically for feminine singular nouns. It must agree in gender with the noun it modifies.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree with the noun it modifies. The masculine singular form is petit, while the feminine plural form is petites.
How do you pronounce it?
/p(ə).tit/
Did you know?
- In French, petite can be used as an ironic intensifier to describe something that is actually quite large or significant, such as calling a massive task une petite affaire.
- In French, adding petit or petite to a noun can express affection or endearment rather than physical size, such as calling a partner mon petit chou.
- In certain formal contexts, the term petite is used in the phrase petite bourgeoisie to describe a specific social class that is not necessarily small in number but lower in status.
Examples in context
- Marie est plus petite que sa sœur.Mary is more petite than her sister.This sentence is useful for comparing someone using the form petite.Tatoeba #8716260 by Julien_PDC, translation #12994133 by rul
- Les Français appellent l'orgasme la petite mort.The French call orgasms "la petite mort" (the little death).This sentence shows an idiomatic use of the form petite in the phrase la petite mort.Tatoeba #6866111 by GB3, translation #6882577 by kaiperkins271
- petite maisonSmall house
- petit garçonSmall boy
- Elle est très petite et mince.She is very petite and slim.
Example conversation
Hugo and Manon are looking at a photo of a colleague.
- ManonTu te souviens de la nouvelle collègue ?Do you remember the new colleague?
- HugoOui, elle est assez petite, n'est-ce pas ?Yes, she is quite petite, isn't she?
- ManonOui, elle est petite mais très élégante.Yes, she is petite but very elegant.
- HugoC'est vrai, elle a beaucoup de style.That's true, she has a lot of style.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry petite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
