في 15 ثانية
- Describes a slender or thin child.
- Neutral physical description for everyday use.
- Commonly used in parks, schools, or family settings.
المعنى
This phrase describes a child who is slender or thin. It is a simple, neutral way to talk about a child's physical build without being negative.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Identifying a child at the park
Regarde le mince enfant qui court là-bas.
Look at the thin child running over there.
Describing a student in a report
Le mince enfant est très agile en sport.
The thin child is very agile in sports.
Texting a friend about a photo
C'est qui, le mince enfant à gauche ?
Who is the thin child on the left?
خلفية ثقافية
The 'French look' for children often emphasizes classic, well-fitted clothing that highlights a slender frame. Brands like Petit Bateau are iconic for this aesthetic. In Quebec, 'mince' is used similarly, but you might hear 'fino' or 'p'tit' more often in very casual speech. Belgian French is very close to Hexagonal French in this regard, though they might use 'fin' more frequently in daily conversation. In Francophone Africa, physical descriptions are often very direct. 'Mince' is a common and neutral descriptor in school settings.
The 'Le' Rule
Always remember: 'Le mince enfant'. Never 'L' mince enfant'. This is the #1 mistake learners make!
Complimenting
In France, calling a child 'mince' is usually seen as a positive observation about their health and activity level.
في 15 ثانية
- Describes a slender or thin child.
- Neutral physical description for everyday use.
- Commonly used in parks, schools, or family settings.
What It Means
This phrase is a simple way to describe a child's build. In French, mince means thin, slender, or slim. It is not a mean word. It is just a physical observation. Think of it like saying "the slim kid." You are just pointing out their size. It is a very common A1 level description. You will use it often in basic conversations. It is a helpful tool for identifying people in a crowd.
How To Use It
You usually put the adjective after the noun in French. So, you would normally say l'enfant mince. However, you can also say le mince enfant. This version sounds a bit more descriptive or even slightly poetic. Note that we use le and not l'. This is because mince starts with a consonant. If you say l'enfant, you use the apostrophe because enfant starts with a vowel. But when mince comes first, it is le mince enfant. It is a small grammar rule to remember.
When To Use It
Use it when you are at the park or school. Maybe you are looking for a specific child. "Which one is your son?" "He is the thin child over there." It is also useful in a classroom setting. Teachers might use it to identify students. It is a neutral way to talk about appearance. You can use it with friends or family. It is safe for most everyday situations. It helps you be specific when you don't know a name.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you mean "skinny" in a bad way. In French, "skinny" is maigre. Maigre can sound a bit negative or imply the child is unhealthy. Avoid mince if the child is sensitive about their weight. Even if it is a neutral word, kids can be shy. Also, do not confuse it with the English word "mince." It has nothing to do with ground meat! If you want to be very polite, use menu. Menu means "slender" or "delicate" and sounds very sweet.
Cultural Background
France has a specific relationship with being mince. The French often value "la ligne," which means a slim figure. Being thin is often seen as a sign of health and discipline. Parents might even be proud of a mince child. It is not as taboo to comment on weight in France as it is elsewhere. In the US or UK, people might be more cautious. In a French café, you might hear people discussing builds quite openly. It is just part of the local social fabric.
Common Variations
You can say le petit enfant mince. This adds "little" to the description. You might also hear le gamin mince. Gamin is a more informal word for a kid, like "kiddo." If the child is very thin, use tout mince. This means "very thin" or "quite slender." Another word is svelte. Svelte sounds more elegant and graceful. Use it if the child is a dancer or an athlete. It adds a touch of class to your description.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
The adjective 'mince' is neutral. While it usually follows the noun ('l'enfant mince'), placing it before ('le mince enfant') is grammatically acceptable and adds a descriptive flair.
The 'Le' Rule
Always remember: 'Le mince enfant'. Never 'L' mince enfant'. This is the #1 mistake learners make!
Complimenting
In France, calling a child 'mince' is usually seen as a positive observation about their health and activity level.
Maigre vs Mince
Be careful with 'maigre'. It can sound like you are saying the child doesn't eat enough.
Plural Form
In the plural, it becomes 'les minces enfants'. Both words get an 's'!
أمثلة
6Regarde le mince enfant qui court là-bas.
Look at the thin child running over there.
A neutral way to point someone out in a crowd.
Le mince enfant est très agile en sport.
The thin child is very agile in sports.
Using the adjective before the noun for emphasis.
C'est qui, le mince enfant à gauche ?
Who is the thin child on the left?
Common way to ask for identification in photos.
Le mince enfant veut encore du gâteau !
The thin child wants more cake!
A lighthearted comment on a child's appetite.
Mon pauvre mince enfant a besoin d'un manteau.
My poor thin child needs a coat.
Shows affection and concern for the child's comfort.
Le mince enfant entra dans la pièce en silence.
The thin child entered the room in silence.
A more literary use of the phrase.
اختبر نفسك
Which of the following is grammatically correct?
Comment dit-on 'the slender child' en français ?
'Le' does not elide before 'mince', and 'mince' can go before 'enfant'.
Fill in the blank with the correct article (le, la, l', les).
___ mince enfant joue dans le jardin.
Since 'enfant' is masculine here and 'mince' starts with a consonant, we use 'Le'.
Complete the dialogue with the most polite phrase.
Vendeur: Quel vêtement cherchez-vous ? Client: Je cherche un pantalon pour mon ________.
'Mince enfant' is the most polite and grammatically correct option provided.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Where would you most likely see 'Le mince enfant s'approcha du vieux sage'?
The placement of 'mince' before 'enfant' is common in literary and narrative styles.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Mince vs Maigre
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينComment dit-on 'the slender child' en français ?
'Le' does not elide before 'mince', and 'mince' can go before 'enfant'.
___ mince enfant joue dans le jardin.
Since 'enfant' is masculine here and 'mince' starts with a consonant, we use 'Le'.
Vendeur: Quel vêtement cherchez-vous ? Client: Je cherche un pantalon pour mon ________.
'Mince enfant' is the most polite and grammatically correct option provided.
Where would you most likely see 'Le mince enfant s'approcha du vieux sage'?
The placement of 'mince' before 'enfant' is common in literary and narrative styles.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
12 أسئلةYes, 'mince' is generally neutral or polite. It's the safest word to use for 'thin'.
Yes, 'l'enfant mince' is actually more common in spoken French. 'Le mince enfant' sounds a bit more literary.
Because 'mince' starts with a consonant (m). Elision only happens before vowels or mute H.
The word 'mince' stays the same, but the article changes: 'la mince enfant'.
The opposite would be 'gros' (fat) or 'costaud' (sturdy/strong).
Yes, you can say 'un homme mince' or 'une femme mince'.
Yes! 'Mince !' is a polite way to say 'Darn!' or 'Shoot!' in French.
It's like the 'an' in 'bank' but without the 'n' sound at the end. Your nose should vibrate.
Yes, like 'une mince couche de glace' (a thin layer of ice).
Not better, just different. 'Svelte' is more elegant and usually used for adults or older children.
It's A1, but the grammar rules behind it are useful all the way to C2.
Yes, many French songs use 'mince' to describe silhouettes or fleeting figures.
عبارات ذات صلة
un enfant svelte
synonymA slender, graceful child
un enfant chétif
contrastA sickly or weak child
un enfant costaud
contrastA strong, sturdy child
la minceur
builds onSlenderness
mincir
builds onTo get thinner
