Meaning
Used to describe something of small size.
Cultural Background
In Paris, 'petit' is a lifestyle. Apartments are 'petits', but people maximize the 'art de vivre'. Calling something 'petit' isn't always an insult; it can be cozy ('petit nid douillet'). In Quebec, 'petit' is often used as a term of endearment, like 'mon petit' or 'ma petite' for children or partners, even more frequently than in France. The 'petit déjeuner' (breakfast) literally means the 'small fast-break'. It reflects the light nature of the French morning meal compared to the 'grand' meals of the day.
The 'Petit' Softener
Add 'petit' to nouns to sound more friendly. 'Un petit café' sounds more inviting than just 'un café'.
Silent Letters
Remember the 't' in 'petit' is silent, but in 'petite' it is loud and clear!
Meaning
Used to describe something of small size.
The 'Petit' Softener
Add 'petit' to nouns to sound more friendly. 'Un petit café' sounds more inviting than just 'un café'.
Silent Letters
Remember the 't' in 'petit' is silent, but in 'petite' it is loud and clear!
Petty vs Small
If someone says 'C'est petit' after you tell a joke, they might be offended, not talking about the length of the joke!
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form for: 'This house is small.'
Cette maison...
'Maison' is feminine, so 'petite' must agree.
Complete the sentence to say 'It's a bit small'.
C'est ___ petit.
'Un peu' means 'a bit'.
Match the meaning of 'C'est petit' to the context.
Context: Someone steals a fry from your plate.
Stealing a single fry is a 'small' or petty act.
What is the most natural response?
A: 'Regarde ma nouvelle voiture !' B: 'Oh, ___ !'
Since 'voiture' is feminine, 'elle est petite' is the most natural way to describe it.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Petit vs. Grand
Usage of Petit
Size
- • Un petit sac
- • Une petite boîte
Social
- • Un petit café
- • Un petit cadeau
Critique
- • C'est petit !
- • C'est mesquin
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCette maison...
'Maison' is feminine, so 'petite' must agree.
C'est ___ petit.
'Un peu' means 'a bit'.
Context: Someone steals a fry from your plate.
Stealing a single fry is a 'small' or petty act.
A: 'Regarde ma nouvelle voiture !' B: 'Oh, ___ !'
Since 'voiture' is feminine, 'elle est petite' is the most natural way to describe it.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, but 'Il est petit' can be blunt. 'Il n'est pas très grand' is more common.
'Petit' is small; 'minuscule' is tiny or microscopic.
With 'C'est', it usually stays masculine. With 'Elle est...', it becomes 'petite'.
It can be if you are describing someone's behavior as petty.
Use 'un petit peu'.
No, use 'un court moment' or 'un petit moment' (idiomatic).
Related Phrases
C'est minuscule
similarIt's tiny
C'est court
contrastIt's short
C'est mesquin
specialized formIt's petty/stingy
Un petit peu
builds onA little bit
