oncle et tante
The English phrase "uncle and aunt" is translated into French as oncle et tante.
This phrase is used to refer to the brother and sister of one's parents.
Which one should you use?
Children or those in very close, affectionate settings may use the informal terms tonton et tata.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase is composed of the masculine noun oncle and the feminine noun tante connected by the conjunction et.
Did you know?
- In some traditional French families, oncle and tante can be used as titles of respect for older family friends who are not actually related by blood.
- The word tante likely began as a form of childish mimicry, specifically through the reduplication of sounds used by young children.
- The Latin root for oncle shares the same origin as the word 'avuncular', an English adjective describing the kind and indulgent nature of an uncle.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are talking about their weekend plans.
- EmmaQue fais-tu ce week-end, Gabriel ?What are you doing this weekend, Gabriel?
- GabrielJe dîne avec mon oncle et tante samedi.I am having dinner with my uncle and aunt on Saturday.
- EmmaC'est super ! Ils sont sympas ?That's great! Are they nice?
- GabrielOui, je les adore.Yes, I love them.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries et, oncle, tante, CC BY-SA 4.0.
