taille
/taj/
taille is the French word for size or height.
The word taille refers to the measurement of a person's height or the size of a piece of clothing. It is the standard term used when talking about clothing sizes.
Which one should you use?
While taille can mean size, when you are referring specifically to a person's vertical measurement, it is translated as 'height'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the word grandeur may be used more frequently to describe both height and size.
How do you pronounce it?
/taj/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use taille to describe the vertical height of an object or a building. In those cases, you should use hauteur instead.
Did you know?
- The word taille also means 'waist' in French. When shopping for clothes, the same word describes both the overall size of the garment and the specific measurement around the middle of the body.
- A taille-crayon is the French word for a pencil sharpener. It literally translates to a 'pencil cutter', using the same root as the word for clothing size.
- In historical French taxation, la taille was a specific type of direct tax levied on certain classes of citizens.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais un jean de taille 34.I would like a pair of jeans in size 34.
- La taille de cette valise est parfaite pour les voyages en cabine.The size of this suitcase is perfect for carry-on travel.
- Quelle est ta grandeur en mètres ?What is your height in meters?
- Quelle est votre taille ?What is your height?
- Je cherche une taille moyenne.I am looking for a medium size.
- Cette taille est trop petite pour moi.This size is too small for me.
Example conversation
Chloé and Lucas are shopping for shirts in a clothing store.
- ChloéEst-ce que tu aimes cette chemise, Lucas ?Do you like this shirt, Lucas?
- LucasOui, mais la taille est un peu grande.Yes, but the size is a bit large.
- ChloéJe peux demander une taille plus petite.I can ask for a smaller size.
- LucasMerci Chloé, c'est très gentil.Thank you Chloé, that is very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry taille, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
