tu es gros
The English phrase "you're fat" is translated into French as tu es gros.
This phrase is used to state that someone is overweight. Because it uses the adjective gros, it is a direct descriptor of weight and can be perceived as more blunt or insulting than the more clinical or polite phrase tu es en surpoids.
Which one should you use?
While tu es gros is a direct way to describe weight, you might use tu es en surpoids if you wish to be more polite or clinical. The adjective itself changes based on the gender of the person being addressed, and the verb changes based on whether you are being formal or addressing a group.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree with the person you are speaking to. Use tu es gros for a male, but change the adjective to the feminine form tu es grosse if you are speaking to a woman. If you are speaking to more than one person, or if you are using the formal you, use vous êtes gros.
Did you know?
- French has a specific term gros plan, which translates to 'close-up' in cinematography, using the word for 'fat' to describe a tight frame.
- The adjective gros shares a common ancestor with the English word 'gross', though in English 'gross' often implies something disgusting rather than just large or thick.
- While tu es gros is blunt, French speakers often use the phrase enrobé to describe someone who is 'plump' in a way that is meant to be charming or soft.
Examples in context
- Tu n'as pas de formes. Tu es grosse.You're not curvy. You're fat.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to use the feminine form tu es grosse when telling someone they are not curvy.Tatoeba #2215145 by sacredceltic, translation #2214301 by Hybrid
- Vous avez une silhouette enrobée.You have a rounded figure.
- Vous souffrez d'un excès de poids.You suffer from excess weight.
- Vous êtes en surpoids.You are overweight.
- Tu es gros/grosse.You're fat.
- Tu te laisses aller côté ligne.You're letting yourself go in terms of your figure.
- Vous êtes un peu enrobé(e), n'est-ce pas?You're a bit rounded, aren't you?
- Tu es gros, mais tu es gentil.You're fat, but you are kind.
- Je pense que tu es gros maintenant.I think that you're fat now.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing about health and weight.
- LucasTu manges trop de sucre, tu es gros.You eat too much sugar, you're fat.
- ManonC'est méchant, Lucas !That's mean, Lucas!
- LucasC'est la vérité, Manon.It's the truth, Manon.
- ManonJe vais faire du sport.I am going to exercise.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gros, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
