jumeaux
The French word for twins is jumeaux.
The term refers to two children born at the same birth to the same mother.
Which one should you use?
While jumeaux refers to twins, the word triplés is used specifically for triplets. To specify the type of twins, you can use vrais jumeaux (literally 'true twins') for identical twins or faux jumeaux (literally 'false twins') for fraternal twins.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form you use depends on the gender of the twins. Use the masculine plural jumeaux for a pair of boys or a mixed-sex pair consisting of one boy and one girl. If you are referring specifically to two girls, use the feminine plural jumelles.
Did you know?
- The word jumelle is also the French word for 'binoculars', because they are a pair of identical lenses.
- The French word jumeau is a cognate of the English word 'geminate', which describes consonants that are doubled.
- In French, the term ville jumelée describes 'twin towns' or 'sister cities' that have a formal partnership.
Examples in context
- Yanni a des jumeaux.Yanni has twins.This sentence shows how to say someone has twins using jumeaux.Tatoeba #12480469 by always, translation #10041117 by Amastan
- Elle eut des jumeaux.She had twins.This sentence uses jumeaux to describe the act of having twins.Tatoeba #1523300 by sacredceltic, translation #1522616 by erikspen
- Les jumeaux ont souri.The twins smiled.This sentence shows the use of jumeaux when describing the twins' actions.Tatoeba #5671494 by Aiji, translation #2252594 by CK
- Les jumeaux sont nés hierThe twins were born yesterday.
- Les frères jumeaux vont à l'école ensembleThe twin brothers go to school together.
- Je vais chez les jumeaux ce soirI am going to the twins' place tonight.
- Elle a deux enfants, des jumeaux identiquesShe has two children, identical twins.
- As-tu vu les jumelles de Marie hier?Did you see Marie's twin sisters yesterday?
- Félicitations! Vous avez donné naissance à des frères jumeaux.Congratulations! You have given birth to twin brothers.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are looking at a photo in an album.
- EmmaEst-ce que ce sont des jumeaux ?Are these twins?
- NathanOui, ce sont les jumeaux de ma sœur.Yes, they are my sister's twins.
- EmmaIls ont l'air très mignons.They look very cute.
- NathanMerci, ils sont adorables.Thank you, they are adorable.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
