In 15 Seconds
- Refers literally to a woman's tall physical height.
- Place 'grande' before 'femme' for the correct meaning.
- Neutral and descriptive for everyday use and identification.
Meaning
This phrase refers to a woman who is physically tall or large in stature. It is a literal description of her size rather than her character.
Key Examples
3 of 6Describing a friend at a party
Ma sœur est une grande femme, tu ne peux pas la rater.
My sister is a tall woman, you can't miss her.
Buying a coat for a tall friend
C'est pour une grande femme, avez-vous une taille XL ?
It is for a tall woman, do you have a size XL?
Observing a basketball player
Regarde, c'est une très grande femme !
Look, she is a very tall woman!
Cultural Background
In French fashion, 'la grande femme' is often the ideal. Many French brands have specific 'Tall' collections called 'Grandes Tailles' (though this can also mean plus-size, so check the context). In Quebec, 'une grande femme' is used just as in France, but you might also hear 'une grande slack' informally to describe someone very tall and lanky. In some West African French-speaking countries, 'grande femme' can be a term of respect for an older woman or a woman of high social status, regardless of height. Belgian French follows the standard hexagonal usage, but there is a high appreciation for 'grandes femmes' in sports like tennis (e.g., Justine Henin was 'petite' but Kim Clijsters was seen as a 'grande femme' of the sport).
The BAGS Rule
Remember that 'grand' is one of the few adjectives that usually goes BEFORE the noun.
Avoid 'Grosse'
Never use 'grosse' to mean 'tall'. It means 'fat' and is considered rude.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers literally to a woman's tall physical height.
- Place 'grande' before 'femme' for the correct meaning.
- Neutral and descriptive for everyday use and identification.
What It Means
Une grande femme is a simple, descriptive phrase. In French, the adjective grand (or grande for feminine) usually means tall when describing people. Use it when you are talking about someone's height. It is literal and straightforward. You are not judging her personality. You are just describing what you see.
How To Use It
Place the adjective grande before the noun femme. This is the standard rule for common adjectives like size. You can use it with articles like une (a) or la (the). If she is exceptionally tall, add très before grande. It works just like English 'a tall woman'. Just remember to match the gender!
When To Use It
Use this when describing a friend to someone else. It is perfect for identifying people in a crowd. Use it at a party to point someone out. It is helpful when clothes shopping for a gift. It is a neutral, physical observation. You will hear it in everyday conversations constantly. It is basic, essential French for your toolkit.
When NOT To Use It
Be careful with the word grande after the noun. If you say une femme grande, it sounds a bit clunky. More importantly, do not confuse it with une grande dame. That phrase usually implies someone of high social status or importance. If you mean she is 'great' (talented), you might use une femme géniale. Stick to height with this specific phrase. Also, avoid it if someone is sensitive about their height.
Cultural Background
French culture values precise descriptions. Being tall is often seen as elegant in the fashion world. Think of the statuesque models on the Parisian runways. However, French people are generally shorter than Northern Europeans. So, a grande femme might stand out more in a French bakery than in a Dutch one. It is a common way to describe someone without being rude.
Common Variations
Une femme très grande: A very tall woman.Une grande dame: A lady of importance or class.Elle est grande: She is tall.Une petite femme: The opposite, a short woman.Une grande fille: A big girl (often used for children growing up).
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, A1-level phrase. The most important thing to remember is the feminine agreement (adding the 'e') and placing it before the noun.
The BAGS Rule
Remember that 'grand' is one of the few adjectives that usually goes BEFORE the noun.
Avoid 'Grosse'
Never use 'grosse' to mean 'tall'. It means 'fat' and is considered rude.
Ambiguity Hack
If you are worried about being misunderstood, use 'Elle est grande' (She is tall) instead of 'C'est une grande femme'.
Complimenting Height
In France, being a 'grande femme' is often associated with being 'élégante'.
Examples
6Ma sœur est une grande femme, tu ne peux pas la rater.
My sister is a tall woman, you can't miss her.
Used for identification in a crowd.
C'est pour une grande femme, avez-vous une taille XL ?
It is for a tall woman, do you have a size XL?
Practical use in a retail setting.
Regarde, c'est une très grande femme !
Look, she is a very tall woman!
Expressing surprise at someone's height.
Le témoin décrit une grande femme avec un chapeau.
The witness describes a tall woman with a hat.
Used for factual physical description.
Heureusement que je suis une grande femme !
Luckily I am a tall woman!
Humorous self-observation about height.
Une grande femme marchait seule dans la rue.
A tall woman was walking alone in the street.
Descriptive literary use.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'grand'.
Ma cousine est une ______ femme.
'Femme' is feminine singular, so we use 'grande'.
Which sentence specifically means 'She is a tall woman' without ambiguity?
While all can mean tall, 'de grande taille' is the most specific for height.
Match the French phrase to its most likely English meaning.
1. Une grande femme (physical) | 2. Une grande femme (figurative) | 3. Une petite femme
Context determines if 'grande' is physical or figurative.
Fill in the missing word in this dialogue.
A: Comment est la nouvelle prof ? B: Elle est très ______, elle doit faire deux mètres !
'Grande' is the standard word for human height.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Adjective Position: Grande
Describing Women
Height
- • grande
- • petite
- • de taille moyenne
Build
- • mince
- • forte
- • athlétique
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMa cousine est une ______ femme.
'Femme' is feminine singular, so we use 'grande'.
While all can mean tall, 'de grande taille' is the most specific for height.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Context determines if 'grande' is physical or figurative.
A: Comment est la nouvelle prof ? B: Elle est très ______, elle doit faire deux mètres !
'Grande' is the standard word for human height.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually yes in casual conversation, but it can mean 'great' in historical or formal contexts.
You can say 'une très grande femme'.
It is always 'une grande femme' because 'femme' is feminine.
'Une femme grande' is strictly about height, while 'une grande femme' can be height or greatness.
Yes, 'une grande maison' means a big house.
Yes, 'une grande fille' often means a 'big girl' (older/more mature).
No, it is a neutral physical description.
You say 'un grand homme'.
You can say 'une grande femme mince'.
It's an irregular pronunciation in French that you just have to memorize!
Related Phrases
une femme de grande taille
specialized formA woman of tall stature
une grande dame
similarA lady of high status
une femme grande
synonymA tall woman
une petite femme
contrastA short woman
grandir
builds onTo grow
