Welcome to our guide on how to say “skinny” in French! Whether you want to describe someone’s figure, talk about fashion, or simply expand your vocabulary, this article will provide you with the formal and informal ways to express “skinny” in French. We’ll also cover some tips, examples, and discuss regional variations if necessary. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Skinny” in French
When it comes to more formal situations or writing, there are several words you can use in French to convey the meaning of “skinny.” Here are a few of them:
- Mince – This is the most common and general term for “skinny” in French. It can be used to describe both people and objects. For example, “Elle est mince” means “She is skinny.”
- Maigre – Although “maigre” primarily translates to “thin” or “lean,” it can also encompass the idea of being skinny. It is more commonly used to describe someone who is underweight. For instance, “Il est maigre” means “He is skinny.”
- Svelte – This word emphasizes a slender and elegant figure, leaning more towards “slim” than “skinny.” It is often used to describe models or sophisticated physiques. For instance, “Elle a une silhouette svelte” means “She has a skinny figure.”
- Gaunt – In formal contexts, the word “cadavérique” can be used, meaning “gaunt.” However, this term carries strong connotations of extreme skinniness, often associated with illness or malnourishment.
Informal Ways to Say “Skinny” in French
In more casual or colloquial conversations, people tend to use slightly different words to describe “skinny” in French. Here are a few informal alternatives:
- Maigrichon – This is a playful and slightly affectionate way to say “skinny” in French. It could be used to describe a person, but it mostly applies to objects or animals. For example, “Ce chat est maigrichon” means “This cat is skinny.”
- Filiforme – Often used in a jocular sense, “filiforme” refers to someone who has a very thin, elongated figure. It conveys the idea of being slender to the point of being almost thread-like. However, it is not suitable for all contexts and can be seen as mildly derogatory.
- Décharné – This word conveys the notion of being extremely skinny, sometimes to the point of emaciation. It is commonly used in informal speech and can be seen as a bit stronger or more negative than other terms.
Tips and Examples
Now, let’s explore some tips and example sentences to help you understand the usage of these words:
Tips:
- Remember to match the gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural) of the word to the subject you are describing.
- Like in English, the choice of words to describe “skinny” can be subjective and context-dependent.
- Consider the tone and perception of the individuals you are talking to, as some words may carry stronger or more negative connotations.
Examples:
- Formal:
“La nouvelle actrice est très mince et gracieuse.”
Translation: “The new actress is very skinny and graceful.”
- Informal:
“J’ai trouvé un pantalon, mais il est un peu filiforme.”
Translation: “I found some pants, but they are a bit skinny.”
Now that you have an understanding of the formal and informal ways to say “skinny” in French, take some time to practice and incorporate these words into your vocabulary. Whether you’re chatting with native French speakers or expressing yourself in writing, you’ll now have the right terms at your disposal!
We hope this guide has been helpful and that you feel more confident in using the appropriate French words when describing “skinny.” Remember to be mindful of the nuances and connotations associated with each term, and adjust your vocabulary according to the context. Happy learning!
