Giving or discussing someone else’s age is a common topic of conversation, and knowing how to do so in French can help you communicate effectively with native speakers. Whether you want to express someone’s age in a formal or informal setting, this guide will provide you with valuable tips, examples, and regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive in and learn how to navigate the delicate subject of age in French!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say Someone Else’s Age
When speaking formally in French, it’s important to use appropriate and respectful vocabulary. Here are a few phrases to express someone’s age politely:
1.1 Je voudrais connaître l’âge de [name].
This sentence translates to “I would like to know [name]’s age.” It is a polite way to ask about someone’s age in a formal setting. Remember to replace [name] with the person’s actual name.
1.2 Pourriez-vous me dire l’âge de [name] ?
If you want to ask someone politely to tell you [name]’s age, you can use this phrase. It translates to “Could you tell me [name]’s age?” Make sure to adapt [name] to the person you are referring to.
2. Informal Ways to Say Someone Else’s Age
In casual conversations or with friends and family, you can opt for more relaxed language. Here are a few informal phrases to express someone’s age:
2.1 Quel âge a [name] ?
This question literally means “How old is [name]?” It is a straightforward way to ask for someone’s age in an informal context. Simply replace [name] with the person’s name you are talking about.
2.2 Tu connais l’âge de [name] ?
To ask if someone knows [name]’s age in an informal manner, you can use this phrase. It translates to “Do you know [name]’s age?” Remember to modify [name] accordingly.
3. Regional Variations
French is spoken in different regions, and as with any language, there might be slight variations in how people express someone’s age. Here are a couple of regional variations you might come across:
3.1 In Quebec French:
In Quebec, people often use the word “âge” with a number to express someone’s age. For example:
Il a trente-cinq ans.
(He is thirty-five years old.)
3.2 In Belgian French:
In Belgium, it is more common to use the verb “avoir” (to have) followed by a number when talking about someone’s age. For instance:
Elle a dix ans.
(She is ten years old.)
4. Tips and Examples
4.1 Use “avoir” (to have)
When expressing someone’s age in French, the verb “avoir” (to have) is commonly used. For instance:
Elle a vingt ans.
(She is twenty years old.)
Note that “ans” means “years” in French.
4.2 Avoid Using “être” (to be)
While “être” (to be) might seem appropriate, especially in English translations, it is not commonly used to express someone’s age in French. However, “être” can be used when talking about someone’s approximate age or stage of life. For example:
Elle est dans la vingtaine.
(She is in her twenties.)
This construction refers to a general age range rather than stating an exact number.
4.3 Be aware of gender agreement
In French, the adjective “ans” (years old) needs to agree with the gender of the person you are talking about. For example, if you want to say “He is twenty years old,” you should say:
Il a vingt ans.
If talking about a female, it would be:
Elle a vingt ans.
4.4 Use “devenir” (to become) to estimate age
If you want to estimate someone’s age or say how old they look, you can use the verb “devenir” (to become) along with an adjective. Here are a few examples:
- Elle devient de plus en plus jeune. (She is getting younger and younger.)
- Il devient vieux. (He is becoming old.)
Remember, when estimating someone’s age, it’s essential to be sensitive and avoid sounding disrespectful or judgmental.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to say someone else’s age in French, both in formal and informal contexts. Remember to adapt your vocabulary based on the situation and always be aware of regional variations if necessary. Expressing someone’s age can be a delicate matter, so ensure you approach the topic with sensitivity. Practice using the provided examples, and you’ll soon be able to discuss ages naturally in French conversations. Bonne chance!
