Bonjour! If you’re looking to expand your French vocabulary and want to know how to say “thin” in various situations, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this concept in French. We’ll also touch upon regional variations if they exist. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Thin” in French
When it comes to using formal language, it’s always best to keep things respectful and polished. Here are a few phrases you can use:
1. Mince
The most common translation for “thin” is “mince.” This is a versatile term that applies to both people and objects. For example:
Elle est mince comme une liane. (She is thin as a vine.)
Le papier est mince. (The paper is thin.)
2. Svelte
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your vocabulary, “svelte” is a perfect word choice. It’s often used to describe individuals with a slender and graceful physique:
Cette ballerine est très svelte. (This ballerina is very thin.)
Il possède une silhouette svelte. (He has a slender figure.)
Informal Ways to Say “Thin” in French
Now, let’s explore some more casual phrases that you can use among friends, family, or in informal settings:
1. Maigre
“Maigre” is the go-to option when you want to describe someone as “thin” in an informal context. Bear in mind that this word can sometimes carry a negative connotation, so it’s best used cautiously:
Mon frère est assez maigre. (My brother is quite thin.)
Elle a toujours été maigre. (She has always been thin.)
2. Filiforme
“Filiforme” is an alternative choice more commonly used when describing thinness in terms of a slender, elongated shape:
Le modèle a une silhouette filiforme. (The model has a thin, elongated figure.)
Les branches de cet arbre sont filiformes. (The branches of this tree are thin.)
Regional Variations
French is rich in regional variations, so let’s briefly touch upon some variations of saying “thin” that you may come across:
1. Fluet
In some Francophone regions, particularly in Belgium or Switzerland, you may hear “fluet” being used to describe someone as “thin.” It carries a similar meaning to “mince” but is less commonly used:
Elle a toujours été un peu fluette. (She has always been a bit thin.)
Ce stylo est trop fluette pour mon goût. (This pen is too thin for my liking.)
2. Décharné
In certain contexts, such as describing someone who is excessively thin and has a gaunt appearance, you may come across “décharné.” This term emphasizes extreme thinness:
Il est devenu décharné après sa maladie. (He became very thin after his illness.)
Ces animaux semblent décharnés. (These animals seem emaciated.)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve acquired a new set of vocabulary to describe “thin” in French. Remember, “mince” is the most common and versatile term for formal situations, while “maigre” and “filiforme” are more suitable in informal contexts. In certain regions, you might encounter “fluet” or “décharné” for slight variations. Practice using these words in different sentences to solidify your understanding.
Learning a new language is an adventure, and by expanding your vocabulary, you’re opening doors to communicate with more people. Keep up the enthusiasm, and soon you’ll be speaking French fluently!
