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A2 adjective #250 am häufigsten 7 Min. Lesezeit

petit(e)

Top 250

At the A1 level, 'petit' is introduced as a basic descriptive adjective for size. Students learn to use it with common nouns like 'chat', 'maison', or 'livre'. The focus is on the masculine 'petit' and feminine 'petite' forms and their placement before the noun. Learners use it to describe themselves (height) or their immediate environment. It is one of the first adjectives taught because it is part of the high-frequency 'BAGS' group. At this stage, the nuances of affection or quantity are less important than the basic physical description. The goal is to produce simple sentences like 'Le chat est petit' or 'J'ai une petite voiture'. Pronunciation of the silent 't' in masculine vs. the audible 't' in feminine is a key learning point.

At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'petit' to include plural forms ('petits', 'petites') and more abstract contexts. They begin to use 'petit' in common fixed expressions like 'petit déjeuner' (breakfast) or 'un petit peu' (a little bit). The distinction between 'petit' (short height) and 'court' (short length) becomes important as learners describe people and objects in more detail. They also start to recognize 'petit' as a term of endearment or a way to soften requests. For example, 'un petit service' sounds more polite than just 'un service'. The use of 'de' instead of 'des' before 'petits' + noun (e.g., 'de petits problèmes') is introduced as a more advanced grammatical feature.

At the B1 level, 'petit' is used with much more nuance. Learners understand that 'petit' can convey irony, modesty, or condescension depending on the tone. They use it in a wider variety of idiomatic expressions such as 'petit à petit' (little by little) or 'en petit comité' (in a small group). The focus shifts to using 'petit' to describe complex emotions or situations, such as 'une petite victoire' (a minor victory) or 'un petit malaise' (a slight discomfort). B1 learners are expected to handle the agreement of 'petit' instinctively, even in complex sentences with multiple adjectives. They also begin to explore the use of 'petit' as a noun to refer to offspring or children in a more natural, colloquial way.

At the B2 level, students explore the stylistic and rhetorical uses of 'petit'. They understand how 'petit' can be used to minimize or maximize an idea for effect. For instance, 'un petit génie' (a little genius) can be literal or sarcastic. They are familiar with more literary or formal uses, such as 'la petite bourgeoisie' or 'le petit peuple', which carry socio-political connotations. B2 learners can distinguish between 'petit' and more precise synonyms like 'exigu' (cramped), 'étroit' (narrow), or 'insignifiant' (insignificant) and choose the most appropriate word for the register. They also master the use of 'petit' in proverbs and cultural references, recognizing its role in French literature and film.

At the C1 level, 'petit' is mastered in all its idiomatic and cultural depth. The learner can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning, such as using 'petit' to express a sense of cozy intimacy ('un petit nid douillet') or to diminish someone's status in a sophisticated, indirect way. They understand the historical etymology and how 'petit' has evolved in the French language. C1 learners can analyze the use of 'petit' in classical literature (e.g., 'Le Petit Prince') and explain how the word contributes to the tone and themes of the work. They are also adept at using 'petit' in professional contexts to manage interpersonal dynamics, such as 'faire un petit point' to suggest a brief, informal meeting.

At the C2 level, the use of 'petit' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. This includes the ability to use 'petit' in highly creative, poetic, or idiosyncratic ways. The learner can navigate the most obscure idioms and understands the regional variations in how 'petit' might be used across the Francophone world. They can engage in deep linguistic analysis of the word's role in the French 'art de vivre' and its reflection of French social structures. At this level, 'petit' is not just a word for size; it is a versatile tool for social navigation, emotional expression, and stylistic precision, used with total control over register and connotation.

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petit(e) in 30 Sekunden

Petit means small or short and is one of the most frequently used adjectives in the French language for daily descriptions.
It follows the BAGS rule, meaning it is placed before the noun it modifies, which is an exception to general French adjective rules.
The word must agree in gender (petit/petite) and number (petits/petites) with the noun, affecting both spelling and pronunciation of the final 't'.
Beyond size, it is used for affection, to describe children, or to politely minimize the scale or importance of an action or object.

The French adjective petit (masculine) and petite (feminine) is one of the most fundamental and versatile words in the French language. At its core, it translates to 'small' or 'short' in English, but its application extends far beyond simple physical dimensions. In French culture, 'petit' is used to describe size, height, quantity, age, and even emotional proximity. Understanding 'petit' is essential for any learner because it belongs to a special group of adjectives that typically precede the noun they modify, following the 'BAGS' rule (Beauty, Age, Goodness, Size).

Physical Size: When describing objects, 'petit' indicates that something is of limited size or volume. For example, 'une petite maison' refers to a small house. It is the direct opposite of 'grand' (big/large).

Regarde ce petit oiseau sur la branche.

Human Stature: In the context of people, 'petit' describes height. While English uses 'short', French uses 'petit'. To say 'I am short', a French speaker says 'Je suis petit'. It can also refer to age, meaning 'young', as in 'quand j'étais petit' (when I was little/young).

Ma petite sœur a seulement cinq ans.

Affection and Endearment: French speakers frequently use 'petit' to add a layer of affection or to minimize the importance of something in a polite way. Calling someone 'mon petit' or 'ma petite' is a common term of endearment. Similarly, 'un petit café' doesn't necessarily mean the cup is small; it implies a quick, casual, or friendly coffee break.

On va prendre un petit déjeuner ensemble ?

C'est une petite erreur sans importance.

Les petits détails font la différence.

Using 'petit' correctly requires attention to two main linguistic rules: placement and agreement. Unlike most French adjectives that follow the noun (e.g., 'un chat noir'), 'petit' is a BAGS adjective, meaning it almost always comes before the noun. This placement is non-negotiable for standard descriptions of size. Furthermore, 'petit' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The four forms are: petit (masculine singular), petite (feminine singular), petits (masculine plural), and petites (feminine plural).

Gender Agreement: If the noun is feminine, add an 'e'. For example, 'un petit sac' (a small bag) vs. 'une petite valise' (a small suitcase). The addition of the 'e' changes the pronunciation, making the 't' audible.

Elle habite dans une petite ville en France.

Plural Agreement: If the noun is plural, add an 's'. For masculine plural, it is 'petits'. For feminine plural, it is 'petites'. Note that the 's' is usually silent unless followed by a vowel, where a liaison occurs.

J'ai acheté des petits gâteaux pour le dessert.

Ce sont de petites fleurs sauvages.

Adverbial Use: While 'petit' is an adjective, it appears in adverbial phrases like 'un petit peu' (a little bit). In this case, it remains masculine singular because it modifies the implied quantity, not a specific noun.

Je parle un petit peu français.

Il y a un petit problème avec la voiture.

Nous avons fait une petite promenade dans le parc.

In daily French life, 'petit' is ubiquitous. You will hear it from the moment you wake up until you go to bed. It is embedded in the names of meals, social interactions, and even professional settings. Its frequency is partly due to the French tendency to use diminutives to make speech sound more friendly, less aggressive, or more intimate. It is a linguistic tool for 'softening' the world around us.

At the Boulangerie: You will order 'un petit pain au chocolat' or 'une petite baguette'. Even if the bread is standard size, using 'petit' can make the request sound more polite or modest.

Je voudrais un petit café, s'il vous plaît.

In the Family: Parents call their children 'mes petits'. Grandparents are 'papy' and 'mamie', but the grandchildren are 'les petits-enfants'. It is the word of choice for anything related to childhood and innocence.

Viens ici, mon petit !

C'est juste un petit mot pour vous remercier.

On the Street: You'll hear 'le petit écran' to refer to the television, or 'le petit coin' as a euphemism for the bathroom. It's a word that helps navigate social taboos or common objects with a touch of familiarity.

Il y a un petit resto sympa au coin de la rue.

On se fait une petite soirée ciné ?

Elle a fait ses petits calculs avant d'acheter.

Even though 'petit' is a beginner word, it is a frequent source of errors for English speakers. The most common mistakes involve placement, confusion with similar words, and pronunciation of the feminine form. Because English adjectives always come before the noun, learners often forget that French adjectives usually follow the noun—except for 'petit'. However, the mistake often goes the other way once learners internalize the 'adjective after noun' rule, leading them to incorrectly place 'petit' after the noun.

Incorrect Placement: Saying 'un chien petit' is incorrect. It must be 'un petit chien'. While some adjectives change meaning based on position, 'petit' is strictly a pre-nominal adjective for its primary meanings.

Faux: Un garçon petit. Vrai: Un petit garçon.

Confusing 'Petit' and 'Court': English speakers often use 'short' for both height and length. In French, 'petit' is for height (a short person), but 'court' is for length (a short skirt or a short film). Saying 'il est court' to mean 'he is short' sounds like you are describing his physical length, which is awkward.

Il est petit (height), mais son pantalon est trop court (length).

Une petite cuillère (correct) vs. Une petit cuillère (incorrect).

Confusing 'Petit' and 'Peu': 'Petit' is an adjective (modifies a noun), while 'peu' is an adverb (modifies a verb or adjective). You cannot say 'Je suis petit fatigué'. You must say 'Je suis un peu fatigué'. However, 'un petit peu' is a common fixed phrase.

J'ai un petit peu de temps libre.

C'est une petite différence, mais elle est importante.

Mes petites mains sont froides.

While 'petit' is the go-to word for 'small', French offers a rich palette of synonyms that can provide more precision depending on the context. Using these alternatives can make your French sound more sophisticated and natural. Choosing the right word depends on whether you are talking about physical size, intensity, or a figurative concept.

Petit vs. Minuscule: 'Minuscule' is used for things that are extremely small, often so small they are hard to see. 'Petit' is more general. A 'petit' insect might be a beetle, but a 'minuscule' insect is a tiny gnat.

L'écriture sur ce contrat est minuscule.

Petit vs. Court: As mentioned, 'court' refers to length or duration. A 'petit voyage' might mean a trip to a nearby town, but a 'court voyage' emphasizes that the trip didn't last long.

Le film était très court, seulement trente minutes.

Elle a une taille menue.

Petit vs. Faible: When talking about intensity or strength, 'faible' (weak/low) is often better. A 'petite voix' is a quiet voice, but a 'faible voix' might imply the person is tired or ill.

Le signal Wi-Fi est très faible ici.

C'est un petit pas pour l'homme, un grand pas pour l'humanité.

Il a un petit creux (he is a little hungry).

How Formal Is It?

Formell

"Veuillez patienter un court instant."

Neutral

"C'est une petite ville."

Informell

"T'as pas un petit billet ?"

Child friendly

"Regarde le petit minou !"

Umgangssprache

"C'est ma petite sœur (meaning girlfriend)."

Wusstest du?

The English word 'petty' (as in petty crime) actually comes from the French 'petit'.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /pə.ti/

US /pə.ti/

French words generally have even stress, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable.

Reimt sich auf

gentil parti sorti midi merci ici lit ami

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the final 't' in the masculine form 'petit'.
Not pronouncing the final 't' in the feminine form 'petite'.
Making the 'i' sound like the 'i' in 'sit' instead of the 'ee' in 'see'.
Over-stressing the first syllable.
Forgetting the liaison in 'petits amis' (the 's' sounds like a 'z').

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it often looks like 'petite' in English.

Schreiben 2/5

Requires remembering the BAGS placement and gender/number agreement.

Sprechen 2/5

Must master the silent 't' in masculine and audible 't' in feminine.

Hören 1/5

Very common, so it is usually recognized quickly in speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

être avoir le/la/un/une grand chat

Als Nächstes lernen

court peu beau vieux nouveau

Fortgeschritten

exigu minuscule insignifiant étroit chétif

Wichtige Grammatik

BAGS Adjectives

Petit comes before the noun: 'un petit livre'.

Gender Agreement

Add 'e' for feminine: 'une petite table'.

Plural Agreement

Add 's' for plural: 'des petits enfants'.

Indefinite Article Change

'Des' becomes 'de' before a plural adjective: 'de petits oiseaux'.

Liaison

In 'petits amis', the 's' is pronounced as /z/.

Beispiele nach Niveau

C'est un petit chat noir.

It is a small black cat.

The adjective 'petit' comes before the noun 'chat'.

J'ai une petite maison.

I have a small house.

'Petite' is feminine to agree with 'maison'.

Il est petit pour son âge.

He is short for his age.

'Petit' here refers to height.

Voici mon petit frère.

Here is my little brother.

'Petit' indicates age/relationship here.

Le livre est petit.

The book is small.

Adjective used after the verb 'être'.

Elle mange une petite pomme.

She is eating a small apple.

Feminine agreement: 'petite pomme'.

C'est un petit cadeau.

It is a small gift.

Masculine singular form.

Le chien est très petit.

The dog is very small.

Modified by the adverb 'très'.

Je prends mon petit déjeuner à huit heures.

I have my breakfast at eight o'clock.

'Petit déjeuner' is a fixed compound noun.

Voulez-vous un petit peu de sucre ?

Would you like a little bit of sugar?

'Un petit peu' is a fixed adverbial phrase.

Ce sont de petits problèmes.

These are small problems.

'Des' becomes 'de' before a plural adjective.

Ma petite sœur va à l'école.

My little sister goes to school.

Feminine singular agreement.

Il y a des petites fleurs dans le jardin.

There are small flowers in the garden.

Feminine plural agreement.

On fait une petite pause ?

Shall we take a short break?

'Petite' used to describe duration/intensity.

C'est un petit village tranquille.

It is a small, quiet village.

Two adjectives: 'petit' before, 'tranquille' after.

Mes petits-enfants habitent à Lyon.

My grandchildren live in Lyon.

'Petits-enfants' is a compound noun.

Petit à petit, l'oiseau fait son nid.

Little by little, the bird builds its nest.

A famous French proverb.

Nous avons dîné en petit comité.

We had dinner in a small, select group.

Idiomatic expression for an intimate gathering.

C'est une petite attention qui me touche.

It's a small gesture that touches me.

'Petite' used for abstract appreciation.

Il a fait une petite erreur de calcul.

He made a small calculation error.

Used to minimize the severity of the mistake.

Elle se sent un peu petite face à ce défi.

She feels a bit small/insignificant facing this challenge.

Figurative use of 'petite' for self-perception.

C'est un petit resto qui ne paie pas de mine.

It's a small restaurant that doesn't look like much.

'Resto' is colloquial for 'restaurant'.

Il faut faire de petits efforts chaque jour.

One must make small efforts every day.

Plural agreement and 'de' before adjective.

Ma petite entreprise connaît la crise.

My small business is experiencing the crisis.

Common way to refer to a SME (PME).

C'est une petite victoire pour la démocratie.

It is a minor victory for democracy.

'Petite' used to qualify the scale of an event.

Il s'est fait tout petit pendant la réunion.

He kept a very low profile during the meeting.

Idiom 'se faire tout petit' (to make oneself scarce).

Elle a un petit côté mystérieux.

She has a bit of a mysterious side.

'Petit côté' implies a subtle characteristic.

Ce sont les petits plaisirs de la vie.

These are the small pleasures of life.

Fixed expression for simple joys.

Il a agi par petite vengeance.

He acted out of petty revenge.

'Petite' here means 'petty' or 'minor'.

Le petit écran a beaucoup évolué.

The small screen (TV) has evolved a lot.

Metonymy for television.

Elle a une petite santé ces derniers temps.

She has been in poor health lately.

Idiom 'avoir une petite santé' (to be frail).

C'est un petit pas pour l'homme.

It is a small step for man.

Famous historical quote.

La petite bourgeoisie s'inquiète de l'inflation.

The lower middle class is worried about inflation.

Socio-economic term.

Il a l'esprit un peu petit, je trouve.

He is a bit narrow-minded, I think.

Figurative use for mental capacity/openness.

Elle s'est perdue dans les petits détails administratifs.

She got lost in the minor administrative details.

Implies insignificance or pedantry.

C'est un petit maître de la peinture flamande.

He is a minor master of Flemish painting.

Art history term for less famous masters.

Il a fallu gérer ce petit incident diplomatique.

We had to manage this minor diplomatic incident.

Euphemistic use of 'petit'.

Elle mène sa petite barque tranquillement.

She manages her own affairs quietly.

Idiom 'mener sa petite barque'.

Il y a une petite nuance à apporter à vos propos.

There is a slight nuance to add to your words.

Academic/formal precision.

Le petit peuple réclame plus de justice.

The common people demand more justice.

Historical/political term for the masses.

L'œuvre explore la petitesse de l'homme face à l'univers.

The work explores the smallness of man facing the universe.

Noun form 'petitesse' used philosophically.

Il s'est drapé dans une petite dignité offensée.

He wrapped himself in a petty, offended dignity.

Literary use to describe character flaws.

C'est une petite musique que l'on entend partout.

It's a recurring theme/idea heard everywhere.

Metaphorical use for a persistent discourse.

Il a une vision assez petite de l'avenir.

He has a rather limited/narrow vision of the future.

Critique of lack of ambition or scope.

La petite histoire rejoint souvent la grande.

Anecdotal history often meets official history.

Contrast between 'petite' (anecdotal) and 'grande' (official).

Il a fait preuve d'une petitesse d'âme décevante.

He showed a disappointing meanness of spirit.

Abstract noun 'petitesse' for moral character.

Ce sont les petits riens qui font le charme d'un foyer.

It's the little nothings that make a home charming.

'Petits riens' as a poetic plural noun.

Il s'est enfermé dans son petit confort bourgeois.

He locked himself in his small bourgeois comfort.

Social critique using 'petit' as a qualifier.

Häufige Kollokationen

petit déjeuner

petit ami

petit groupe

petit coin

petit écran

petit pois

petit à petit

petit nom

petit commerce

petit moment

Häufige Phrasen

Un petit peu

Tout petit

Mon petit

En petit

Petit-fils / Petite-fille

Un petit creux

Une petite minute

Petit bourgeois

Petit copain

Faire le petit

Wird oft verwechselt mit

petit(e) vs peu

Peu is an adverb (quantity), petit is an adjective (size). Use 'un peu de' for 'a little of' and 'petit' for 'small'.

petit(e) vs court

Court refers to length/time. Petit refers to height/size. A short person is 'petit', a short movie is 'court'.

petit(e) vs bas

Bas means 'low'. A low ceiling is 'bas', but a small room is 'petite'.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Petit à petit, l'oiseau fait son nid"

Little by little, the bird builds its nest. Meaning: patience and persistence lead to success.

Ne te décourage pas, petit à petit, l'oiseau fait son nid.

proverb

"Se faire tout petit"

To make oneself very small. Meaning: to try to go unnoticed or stay humble.

Quand le prof est fâché, il se fait tout petit.

informal

"En petit comité"

In a small committee. Meaning: a private or intimate gathering of people.

Nous allons fêter ça en petit comité.

neutral

"Chercher la petite bête"

To look for the little beast. Meaning: to nitpick or look for small flaws.

Arrête de chercher la petite bête dans mon travail !

informal

"Les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivières"

Small streams make big rivers. Meaning: small amounts add up to something significant.

Économise chaque jour, les petits ruisseaux font les grandes rivières.

proverb

"Être aux petits soins"

To be at small cares. Meaning: to be very attentive or pamper someone.

Elle est aux petits soins pour son mari malade.

neutral

"Voir par le petit bout de la lorgnette"

To see through the small end of the telescope. Meaning: to have a narrow or limited view.

Il voit toujours les problèmes par le petit bout de la lorgnette.

idiomatic

"Un petit poisson deviendra grand"

A little fish will become big. Meaning: everyone starts small and grows.

Laisse-lui du temps, un petit poisson deviendra grand.

literary

"C'est une petite nature"

It's a small nature. Meaning: someone who is physically frail or easily affected by weather/effort.

Il ne veut pas sortir sous la pluie, c'est une petite nature.

informal

"Mener sa petite barque"

To lead one's little boat. Meaning: to manage one's life or business independently.

Elle mène sa petite barque sans l'aide de personne.

neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

petit(e) vs court

Both translate to 'short' in English.

Petit is for height and overall size; court is for length and duration.

Il est petit, mais il porte un short court.

petit(e) vs peu

Both relate to small quantities.

Petit is an adjective modifying a noun; peu is an adverb modifying a verb or used in quantity expressions.

Il mange un petit gâteau avec un peu de lait.

petit(e) vs minuscule

Both mean small.

Minuscule is an extreme version of petit.

La fourmi est minuscule par rapport au petit chat.

petit(e) vs étroit

Can describe small spaces.

Étroit specifically means 'narrow'.

La rue est petite et étroite.

petit(e) vs faible

Can mean 'small' in terms of power.

Faible means weak or low intensity.

Une petite voix est souvent une voix faible.

Satzmuster

C'est un petit [noun].

C'est un petit chien.

La [noun] est petite.

La fleur est petite.

J'ai un petit peu de [noun].

J'ai un petit peu de temps.

Ce sont de petits [noun]s.

Ce sont de petits gâteaux.

Petit à petit, [clause].

Petit à petit, il progresse.

C'est une petite attention pour [person].

C'est une petite attention pour toi.

Se faire tout petit devant [noun].

Il se fait tout petit devant son chef.

Une petite nuance à [verb].

Une petite nuance à apporter.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high. One of the top 50 most used words in French.

Häufige Fehler

Un garçon court. → Un petit garçon.
In French, 'court' refers to length, not height. For a short person, always use 'petit'.
Un chat petit. → Un petit chat.
Adjectives of size (BAGS rule) must come before the noun in French.
Je suis un petit fatigué. → Je suis un peu fatigué.
'Petit' is an adjective for nouns. 'Peu' is an adverb for adjectives. You can say 'un petit peu fatigué' but not 'un petit fatigué'.
Une petit table. → Une petite table.
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'table'.
Des petits enfants (in formal writing). → De petits enfants.
In formal French, 'des' becomes 'de' when followed by an adjective that precedes the noun.

Tipps

The BAGS Rule

Remember that 'petit' is part of the BAGS group (Beauty, Age, Goodness, Size). These adjectives almost always come before the noun. Practice by saying 'un petit chat', 'un petit chien', 'un petit sac'.

The Silent T

In the masculine form 'petit', the 't' is silent. It sounds like 'puh-tee'. In the feminine 'petite', the 't' is pronounced clearly: 'puh-teet'. This is a key distinction for listeners.

Social Softening

Use 'petit' to make your requests sound more polite. Instead of 'Je veux un café', try 'Je voudrais un petit café'. It sounds much more natural in French culture.

Petit vs. Court

Don't use 'court' for people's height. If a person is not tall, they are 'petit'. Use 'court' for things like hair, skirts, or the length of a movie.

De vs. Des

When writing, try to use 'de' before 'petits' or 'petites' if a noun follows. 'De petits oiseaux' sounds more sophisticated than 'des petits oiseaux'.

Proverb Power

Learn the phrase 'Petit à petit, l'oiseau fait son nid'. It's a great way to encourage yourself or others when learning French!

Literary Links

Read 'Le Petit Prince'. It uses the word 'petit' constantly and will help you see how the word carries emotional and philosophical weight.

Liaison Alert

In the plural 'petits amis', the 's' is pronounced like a 'z'. This happens whenever 'petits' or 'petites' is followed by a word starting with a vowel.

P'ti

In fast, casual conversation, the 'e' in 'petit' often disappears. You will hear people say 'un p'ti café'. Try to recognize this 'p'ti' sound as 'petit'.

Petite in English

If you ever forget the feminine form, just think of the English word 'petite'. It's spelled and used exactly the same way for feminine subjects.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'petite' woman in English; it's the same word! Also, remember 'petit' sounds like 'pity'—you might feel pity for something very small.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a tiny 'petit' pea (petit pois) sitting on a giant 'grand' plate.

Word Web

grand taille enfant court peu minuscule jeune poids

Herausforderung

Try to describe five things in your room right now using 'petit' or 'petite'. Make sure you put the adjective before the noun!

Wortherkunft

The word 'petit' comes from the Vulgar Latin *pittinnus, which is of expressive or Celtic origin. It replaced the Classical Latin 'parvus'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Small, tiny, or insignificant.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Gallo-Romance > French.

Kultureller Kontext

While 'petit' is neutral, calling an adult 'petit' or 'petite' can sometimes be seen as patronizing if not used as an established term of endearment.

English speakers often confuse 'short' (height) and 'short' (length). Remember: 'petit' for people's height, 'court' for the length of a movie or a skirt.

Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince) by Saint-Exupéry. Le Petit Chaperon Rouge (Little Red Riding Hood). Le Petit Poucet (Tom Thumb).

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Ordering food

Un petit café, s'il vous plaît.
Une petite salade.
Un petit verre de vin.
Un petit dessert.

Describing people

Il est assez petit.
C'est ma petite sœur.
Un petit garçon.
Elle est toute petite.

At work

On fait un petit point ?
J'ai une petite question.
Un petit rappel.
Un petit problème technique.

Shopping

C'est trop petit pour moi.
Vous avez une taille plus petite ?
Un petit sac, s'il vous plaît.
C'est un petit prix.

Daily routines

Prendre son petit déjeuner.
Faire une petite sieste.
Faire une petite promenade.
Lire un petit peu.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Est-ce que tu habites dans une grande ou une petite ville ?"

"Qu'est-ce que tu manges d'habitude au petit déjeuner ?"

"As-tu des petits frères ou des petites sœurs ?"

"Est-ce que tu préfères les petits chiens ou les grands chiens ?"

"Quel est ton petit plaisir coupable ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décris ta maison en utilisant l'adjectif 'petit' au moins trois fois.

Parle d'un petit souvenir d'enfance qui te rend heureux.

Quels sont les petits changements que tu veux faire dans ta vie cette année ?

Décris une petite ville que tu as visitée et que tu as aimée.

Écris sur l'importance des petits détails dans ton travail ou tes études.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Yes, in almost all standard descriptive cases, 'petit' precedes the noun. This is part of the BAGS rule for size. For example, 'un petit livre' is correct, while 'un livre petit' is not used in modern French.

You say 'Je suis petit' (if you are male) or 'Je suis petite' (if you are female). Do not use the word 'court', which refers to length.

'Un enfant' is the standard word for a child. 'Un petit' is more colloquial or affectionate, similar to saying 'a little one' in English. It is also used for baby animals.

In the masculine singular 'petit', the 't' is silent. However, in the masculine plural 'petits', the 't' remains silent but the 's' can be pronounced as a 'z' in a liaison (e.g., 'petits amis'). In the feminine 'petite', the 't' is always pronounced.

Yes, especially in the phrase 'quand j'étais petit', which means 'when I was little' or 'when I was young'. It refers to childhood.

This is a social diminutive. It makes the request sound more casual, polite, or modest. It's about the 'moment' being small and friendly rather than the physical size of the drink.

The feminine plural is 'petites'. For example, 'les petites filles' (the little girls).

In formal French, 'des' changes to 'de' before a plural adjective that precedes a noun. So, 'des petits gâteaux' often becomes 'de petits gâteaux' in writing.

It is an idiomatic expression meaning 'little by little' or 'gradually'. It is often used to describe progress over time.

Yes, in phrases like 'un petit moment' or 'une petite heure', meaning a short duration. However, 'court' is also frequently used for time.