ton frère
The English phrase 'your brother' is translated into French as ton frère.
The phrase refers to a male sibling of the person being spoken to. Depending on your relationship with the listener and the specific nuance you want to convey, several variations exist. Ton frère is a common way to say 'your brother' in casual settings. To express tenderness towards a brother, you can say ton p'tit frère (your little brother). If you want to specify an older brother, use ton grand frère. In very casual spoken French, the word for brother can be replaced by the informal term le frangin.
Which one should you use?
You should choose between ton frère and votre frère based on who you are addressing. Use ton frère for a single person you are on informal terms with. Use votre frère for a single person you are addressing formally or when you are addressing multiple people.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, 'your little brother' (ton p'tit frère) may be expressed as ton ti-frère. In Louisiana (Cajun French), ton frère is sometimes pronounced as ton fré.
How does it change in a sentence?
The possessive adjective changes depending on whether you are referring to one brother or multiple. To say 'your brothers' (plural), the possessive adjective changes from 'ton' to tes frères.
Did you know?
- In French, the word frère is used in religious contexts to address a monk or a member of a religious order, regardless of biological relation.
- The informal term le frangin for brother is an example of French slang that can also be used to describe a close friend or a comrade, not just a biological sibling.
- The word frère shares the same ancient root as the English word 'brother' and the German 'Bruder', all descending from the same Proto-Indo-European ancestor.
Examples in context
- Je suis ton frère.I'm your brother.This sentence is useful for identifying yourself as the listener's brother.Tatoeba #2487457 by Aiji, translation #1977902 by Balamax
- Pense à ton frère !Think of your brother.This sentence is useful for telling someone to think of their brother.Tatoeba #4550306 by sacredceltic, translation #2646504 by CK
- Qui est ton frère ?Who is your brother?This sentence is useful for asking for the identity of someone's brother.Tatoeba #5029589 by Thomas219B, translation #2647280 by CK
- Ton frère est vraiment talentueux.Your brother is truly talented.
- Votre frère a remporté un prix prestigieux.Your brother has won a prestigious award.
- Ton p'tit frère adore les animaux.Your little brother loves animals.
- 101 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are talking about family.
- ChloéOù est ton frère aujourd'hui ?Where is your brother today?
- GabrielIl est à l'école.He is at school.
- ChloéEst-ce que ton frère aime le sport ?Does your brother like sports?
- GabrielOui, il adore le football.Yes, he loves football.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries frère, ton, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
