Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| mesquin | /mɛs.kɛ̃/ |
| petit | /pə.ti/ /p.ti/ |
In French, the choice of word depends on whether you are describing a person's character or the scale of something. Use mesquin when describing a person's character or behavior as being small-minded, spiteful or preoccupied with unimportant matters. To specifically convey pettiness directed towards someone, you can use the formal construction mesquin(e) envers quelqu'un.
Which one should you use?
Use mesquin when 'petty' refers to a person's behavior or small-minded character. In contrast, use petit when 'petty' refers to something small in scale, rank or importance, such as a 'petty thief' (petit voleur).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective mesquin has the feminine form mesquine. Similarly, the adjective petit has the feminine form petite.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɛs.kɛ̃/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use petit to describe a person's spiteful or small-minded behavior. However, mesquin is the correct term for such a person.
Did you know?
- The French word for petty, mesquin, actually traces its roots back to the Arabic word miskīn, which originally referred to someone who was poor or needy.
- In French, the word petit can sometimes be used as a term of endearment, whereas 'petty' in English is exclusively pejorative.
- In French, calling someone petit can be a grave insult to their dignity or masculinity, whereas in English, 'petty' usually targets their behavior.
Examples in context
- Ne sois pas si mesquin.Don't be so petty.This sentence is useful for advising someone not to behave in a petty manner using mesquin.Tatoeba #8923078 by lbdx, translation #2960843 by AlanF_US
- C'est un petit malfrat.He's a petty crook.This sentence uses petit to describe a petty crook.Tatoeba #14044549 by Myrano_, translation #14044545 by Myrano_
- C'est un petit bourgeois.He's a petty bourgeois.This sentence uses petit in the context of the petty bourgeoisie.Tatoeba #2963387 by Blabla, translation #10266462 by bekindtoall
- La dispute entre les deux politiciens était mesquine.The argument between the two politicians was petty.
- Il a été mesquin envers son collègue.He was petty towards his colleague.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are discussing a coworker's behavior.
- EmmaTu as vu comment il a réagi ?Did you see how he reacted?
- GabrielOui, c'était vraiment mesquin de sa part.Yes, it was really petty of him.
- EmmaIl se concentre sur des détails insignifiants.He focuses on insignificant details.
- GabrielC'est vrai, il manque de grandeur.That's true, he lacks greatness.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “petty” translations and entries mesquin, petit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mesquin, petit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
