c'est ma sœur
The English phrase "this is my sister" is translated into French as c'est ma sœur.
This phrase is used to introduce one's sister to another person.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, c'est ma sœur means "it is my sister" rather than "this is my sister."
Which one should you use?
You can also use Voici ma sœur Marie . to say "This is my sister Marie .". In more casual contexts, you might use Elle, c'est ma sœur. which translates to "She, that's my sister."
How does it change in a sentence?
If you wish to speak about more than one person, the phrase changes to its plural form ce sont mes sœurs to mean "these are my sisters."
Did you know?
- While sœur means 'sister', it is also the standard French word for 'nun'. Depending on the context, c'est ma sœur could be introducing a sibling or a religious sister in a convent.
- The word sœur is related to the Latin 'soror', which is also the root of the English word 'sorority'.
- French speakers often use ma sœur as a term of endearment or solidarity between women who are not biologically related, similar to how some English speakers use 'sis'.
Examples in context
- C'est ma sœur. Elle s'appelle Julia.This is my sister. She is called Julia.This sentence is useful for introducing your sister and providing her name using c'est ma sœur.Tatoeba #748490 by Cocorico, translation #463320 by lukaszpp
- C'est ma sœur.This is my sister.This sentence is a simple way to state "This is my sister" using c'est ma sœur.Tatoeba #469244 by stomate, translation #556985 by Ezatullah
- C'est ma sœur, elle arrive bientôt.This is my sister, she is arriving soon.
Example conversation
Lucas introduces his sister to Chloé at a cafe.
- LucasChloé, c'est ma sœur.Chloé, this is my sister.
- ChloéEnchantée de te rencontrer !Nice to meet you!
- LucasElle vient de Paris.She comes from Paris.
- ChloéQuelle chance !How lucky!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, ma, sœur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
