tu es petit
The phrase "your small" in French is translated as tu es petit when meaning to state that a person is short in stature.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly translate the English phrase "your small" literally as ton petit. In French, to say you are small, you must use the verb être (to be) as seen in tu es petit.
Did you know?
- In French, the term petit-fils and petite-fille use petit to mean 'grand', as these words translate to 'grandson' and 'granddaughter'.
- In French, adding petit before a name, such as le petit Jean, can be used to distinguish a younger person from an older person with the same name, regardless of who is shorter.
- In French, there is a distinction between petit and court. While petit refers to a person's overall stature, court is used specifically for things like 'short hair' or 'short sleeves'.
Examples in context
- Tu es petit pour ton âge.You are small for your age.
- Ne te fâche pas, tu es petit et mignon.Don't be angry, you are small and cute.
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are comparing their heights in front of a mirror.
- NathanRegarde, je suis beaucoup plus grand que toi.Look, I am much taller than you.
- LéaCe n'est pas vrai, tu es petit aussi.That is not true, you are small too.
- NathanPeut-être, mais tu es vraiment petite.Maybe, but you are really small.
- LéaC'est juste ma taille naturelle !It is just my natural height!
