Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| mince | /mɛ̃s/ |
| svelte | /svɛlt/ /zvɛlt/ |
The term mince is the standard way to describe someone who is slim or slender, though it can also imply a slight build. Beyond physical appearance, mince can be used figuratively to describe abstract concepts, such as having slim chances (chances minces) or slim possibilities (possibilités minces). Related to this, you may use the verbs maigrir or mincir to express the action of losing weight.
Which one should you use?
While mince is a neutral or positive way to describe a person, it is important to distinguish it from maigre, which often carries a negative connotation of being underweight or emaciated. If you want to be more complimentary and emphasize a graceful, elegant and fit physique, use svelte. Other specific nuances include élancé, which highlights a person's tall and slender figure and filiforme, which emphasizes extreme slimness to suggest a fragile or thin appearance.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective mince is the same in both masculine and feminine forms.
How do you pronounce it?
/mɛ̃s/
Did you know?
- When used as an exclamation, mince is a 'minced oath', a polite substitute for the vulgar word merde.
- The word mince is used as a mild exclamation of surprise or annoyance, similar to 'darn' or 'shoot' in English.
Examples in context
- Il est grand et mince.He's tall and slim.This sentence shows how to use mince to describe a person's height and build.Tatoeba #133118 by Aiji, translation #1944041 by Spamster
- Mon frère est grand et mince.My brother is tall and slim.This sentence demonstrates the use of mince when describing a brother.Tatoeba #8299789 by felix63, translation #13137448 by rul
- Mes chances de gagner sont minces.My chances of winning are slim.This sentence illustrates the figurative use of mince regarding chances.Tatoeba #12437606 by lbdx, translation #9144010 by CK
- Il a une silhouette svelte et athlétique.He has a slim and athletic figure.
- Ce t-shirt te fait paraître fin.This t-shirt makes you look slim.
- Il a une taille fine.He has a slim waist.
- Elle a une silhouette élancée.She has a slender figure.
- Il est grand et élancé.He is tall and slim.
- Cette mannequin a une silhouette filiforme.This model has a thin, slender figure.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are discussing a fitness program.
- ManonTu veux rester mince pour l'été ?Do you want to stay slim for the summer?
- HugoOui, je fais du sport pour ça.Yes, I exercise for that.
- ManonHugo, tu es déjà très mince.Hugo, you are already very slim.
- HugoMerci, c'est gentil de ta part.Thanks, that is kind of you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slim” translations and entries mince, svelte, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mince, svelte, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
