What does petite in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word petite in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use petite in French.

The word petite in French means small, little, short, small, quick, young, low-ranking, drained, tired-looking, little, nice little, little, little, short person, short man, short woman, little one, (my) dear, young, petty, mean, little, slowly, on a low heat, over a low heat, cheap, low-priced, approach a problem short-sightedly, look at a problem from too narrow a perspective, go to the toilet, go merrily along, go on your own sweet way, go on your merry way, great-grandchild, great-grandchildren, great-grandson, haphazardly, early morning, at daybreak, early morning, at daybreak, get peckish, be peckish, be a pea-brain, be a bird-brain, pissed as a newt, lap it up, we're done for, be lacking ambition, be playing it safe, it/that goes down a treat, it/that slips down easily, It's not the end of the world., darling, my darling, small-calibre, low-calibre, small-calibre, low-calibre, since I was a little boy/girl, ever since I was a little boy/girl, from an early age, write in small letters, in a small group, in small number, be in the toilet, be on the toilet, be 's lapdog, be 's poodle, be on cloud nine, be over the moon, be into from an early age, be a smart alec, be a clever d***, low-income earner, small-timer, small-time operator, biscuit, infinitesimally small, the microscopic world, Categories, play it safe, Small world!, It's a small world!, like angels dancing on your tongue, Watch the birdie, dear, little one, child, sweetheart, my love, a little bird told me, a little birdie told me, not lift a finger, speak pidgin + [name of language], poor little boy, poor little girl, diddums, little by little, slow and steady wins the race, boyfriend, angel, little angel, little angel, semi-minor axis, semiminor axis, shallow pool, paddling pool, shallow pool, paddling pool, nice little white, kindling, little boy, little chap, little guy, odd job, casual work, holiday job, chit of a girl, small budget, tight budget, You sly little fox!, You secretive little thing!, Little Red Riding Hood, tinpot dictator, toilet, merchant, retailer, small shop, shop, small business, dummy, moron, little jerk, little tip, boyfriend, girlfriend, some likeness, the munchies, brekkie, full English breakfast, continental breakfast, petty criminal, little devil, youngest, little finger, the small screen, small household appliances, small appliances, einkorn wheat, einkorn, appetizer, little brother, younger brother, canter, little boy, biscuit, cupcake, little fatty, amateur, lightweight, smart alec, smarty-pants, little monster. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word petite

small, little

adjectif (chose : de dimension réduite)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Ma grand-mère habite une petite maison.
My grandmother lives in a small house.

short

adjectif (personne : de taille réduite)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Mon grand frère est petit et gros.
My big brother is short and fat.

small

adjectif (peu important)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Nous avons un petit budget.
We have a small budget.

quick

adjectif (court)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Tu veux faire un petit tour ?
Would you like to go for a quick walk?

young

adjectif (jeune)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Cet enfant est encore trop petit pour manger tout seul.
That child is still too young to eat alone.

low-ranking

adjectif (de rang inférieur)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
C'est un petit employé de la banque.
He's a low-ranking employee at the bank.

drained, tired-looking

adjectif (peu énergique)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Tu as une petite mine ce matin !
You're looking drained this morning!

little, nice little

adjectif (emphase positive) (positive emphasis)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Clara, ma fille de 5 ans, aime à répéter à son père : « tu es mon petit papa chéri ». Après un mois à camper, je suis bien contente de retrouver mon petit chez moi.
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. I've found a great little wine you're going to love.

little

adjectif (délicat, emphase positive)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
David a toujours de petites attentions pour son épouse.
David is always doing little things for his wife.

little

adjectif (emphase négative) (negative emphasis)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Ce n'est qu'un petit con !
He's just a little sod.

short person, short man, short woman

(personne de petite taille)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Ma sœur dit qu'elle préfère les petits aux grands.
My sister says she prefers short men to tall men.

little one

(enfant) (informal)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Alors, comment vont tes petits ? N'oublie pas de récupérer la petite à la crèche ce soir.
Don't forget to pick up the kid from daycare tonight.

(my) dear

nom masculin (terme affectueux ou condescendant)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Sabrina, mon petit, allez me chercher un café, s'il vous plaît !
Sabrina, my dear, please would you fetch me a coffee?

young

nom masculin (jeune animal) (animal, uncountable)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Dans cette vidéo, on voit une lionne qui protège ses petits contre des mâles agressifs. Cette brebis a eu deux petits.
The video shows a lioness protecting her cubs against some aggressive males. The ewe had two lambs. ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. The cows are in the field with their calves.

petty, mean

adjectif (mesquin)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Ne fais pas attention, c'est un petit esprit. Ce que tu lui as fait, c'est vraiment petit !
Pay no attention. He has a petty outlook. // What you did to him was really mean.

little

adjectif (sans prétention)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
Ce petit vin est fort gouleyant.
This is a very lively little wine.

slowly

locution adverbiale (lentement)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

on a low heat, over a low heat

locution adverbiale (cuisson : pas très chaud)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

cheap, low-priced

locution adjectivale (pas cher du tout)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

approach a problem short-sightedly, look at a problem from too narrow a perspective

locution verbale (négliger la vue d'ensemble)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Afin de parvenir à une solution rapide, le directeur aborda le problème par le petit bout de la lorgnette causant colère et incompréhension dans tout le service.

go to the toilet

locution verbale (familier, enfantin (aller aux toilettes) (UK)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

go merrily along, go on your own sweet way

locution verbale (avancer sereinement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Tout va bien pour Luce, elle va son bonhomme de chemin.

go on your merry way

locution verbale (vivre sa vie sereinement)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

great-grandchild

nom masculin et féminin (rare au singulier (enfant des petits-enfants)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Je n'ai qu'un seul arrière-petit-enfant.

great-grandchildren

nom masculin pluriel (enfants des petits-enfants)

(plural noun: Noun always used in plural form--for example, "jeans," "scissors.")
J'ai trois petits-enfants et sept arrière-petits-enfants.

great-grandson

nom masculin (fils d'un petit-enfant)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Le vieil homme était entouré de ses deux arrière-petits-fils.

haphazardly

locution adverbiale (au hasard)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")
Elle a choisi ses numéros de loto au petit bonheur la chance.

early morning, at daybreak

locution adverbiale (tôt le matin)

early morning, at daybreak

locution adverbiale (le matin de bonne heure)

get peckish, be peckish

locution verbale (figuré (avoir faim) (informal)

Dès que l'heure du repas arrive, j'ai un petit creux.

be a pea-brain, be a bird-brain

locution verbale (être idiot)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Mon cousin a un petit pois à la place du cerveau et ne raconte que des bêtises.

pissed as a newt

adjectif (familier (très ivre) (UK, slang, vulgar)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")
À la fin de la soirée il était beurré comme un petit lu.

lap it up

locution verbale (être ravi) (figurative, informal, praise)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
En colonie de vacances, mes enfants boivent du petit-lait.
My kids were in seventh heaven at the holiday resort.

we're done for

(figuré (c'est la catastrophe, tout est fini) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

be lacking ambition

(familier, figuré (cela manque d'ambition)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ne viser que les quarts de finale, ça fait petit bras.

be playing it safe

(familier, figuré (cela manque de courage)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
S'abstenir à ce sujet, ça fait petit bras.

it/that goes down a treat, it/that slips down easily

(Ça se boit très facilement) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
La sangria, ça se boit comme du petit-lait.

It's not the end of the world.

(ce n'est pas si grave que cela) (figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

darling, my darling

interjection (familier (terme affectueux)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Dors bien, mon petit coco.
Sleep well, my sweet.

small-calibre, low-calibre

locution adjectivale (dont la taille est petite) (UK)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

small-calibre, low-calibre

locution adjectivale (arme : dont les balles sont petites) (UK)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

since I was a little boy/girl, ever since I was a little boy/girl

(depuis toujours)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Je fais de l'équitation depuis que je suis tout petit.

from an early age

locution adverbiale (familier (depuis le plus jeune âge)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

write in small letters

locution verbale (écrire avec de petites lettres)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

in a small group

locution adverbiale (en petit groupe, avec peu de personnes)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ces décisions se prennent en petit comité.

in small number

locution adverbiale (par petit groupe)

be in the toilet, be on the toilet

locution verbale (familier, enfantin, vieilli (être aux toilettes) (UK)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be 's lapdog, be 's poodle

(figuré, familier, péjoratif (approuver aveuglément [qqn]) (figurative, pejorative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be on cloud nine, be over the moon

locution verbale (figuré (vivre un moment heureux) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be into from an early age

locution verbale (avoir commencé très jeune [qch]) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Advertising is in his blood.

be a smart alec, be a clever d***

locution verbale (péjoratif (se montrer intéressant) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

low-income earner

nom masculin et féminin invariable (péjoratif (personne gagnant peu)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Il se contente de peu, c'est un gagne-petit.
He is one of the working poor.

small-timer, small-time operator

nom masculin et féminin invariable (péjoratif (personne peu ambitieuse)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Ses combines sont minables, c'est un gagne-petit.

biscuit

nom masculin (biscuit) (UK)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Tu veux des gâteaux avec ton thé ?
Would you like some biscuits with your tea?

infinitesimally small

locution adjectivale (vraiment minuscule)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

the microscopic world

nom masculin (monde microscopique)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Categories

nom masculin (jeu de recherche de mots par lettre) (game)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

play it safe

locution verbale (assurer le minimum, ne pas faire assez)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Small world!, It's a small world!

(quelle coïncidence !)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")

like angels dancing on your tongue

(chose fortement appréciée) (wine, etc.: figurative)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Ce vin jaune, c'est le petit Jésus en culotte de velours.

Watch the birdie

(formule avant de prendre une photo) (photograph)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
Installez-vous. Voilà, attention. Le petit oiseau va sortir !

dear

nom masculin (familier (terme affectueux pour un garçon)

little one, child

nom masculin (terme condescendant pour un plus jeune)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

sweetheart, my love

nom masculin (familier (terme affectueux) (term of affection)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Qu'est-ce qu'il t'arrive mon petit chou ? Tu t'es fait mal en tombant ?

a little bird told me, a little birdie told me

(figuré (je ne dis pas comment j'ai su cela)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

not lift a finger

locution verbale (figuré (ne pas agir) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

speak pidgin + [name of language]

locution verbale (maltraiter la grammaire)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

poor little boy, poor little girl

(triste enfant)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Un pauvre petit cherchait sa mère dans le supermarché.

diddums

(péjoratif (minable) (informal, mocking)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Ce pauvre petit perdra son bureau personnel et travaillera en groupe.

little by little

locution adverbiale (progressivement)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Petit à petit, l'oiseau fait son nid.

slow and steady wins the race

(figuré (les choses prennent forme pas à pas)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

boyfriend

(amoureux)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Elle vient toujours avec son petit ami.

angel, little angel

nom masculin (appellation affectueuse pour enfant) (child: affectionate term)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

little angel

nom masculin (enfant sage) (child: figurative)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

semi-minor axis, semiminor axis

nom masculin (axe d'une ellipse) (of an ellipse)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

shallow pool, paddling pool

nom masculin (partie de piscine où l'on a pied)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

shallow pool, paddling pool

nom masculin (partie de piscine où l'on a pied)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

nice little white

nom masculin (familier (vin blanc agréable) (wine)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

kindling

nom masculin (brindilles pour allumer un feu)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

little boy

nom masculin (jeune garçon) (child)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

little chap, little guy

nom masculin (homme pas très grand) (man)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

odd job, casual work

nom masculin (travailleur peu rémunérateur)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Quand j'étais étudiant, je faisais des petits boulots pour me payer mes vacances.

holiday job

nom masculin (emploi saisonnier) (UK)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

chit of a girl

nom masculin (femme de petite taille) (young, pejorative)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

small budget, tight budget

nom masculin (budget très peu élevé) (finance)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

You sly little fox!, You secretive little thing!

(tu ne nous avais pas dit ça) (colloquial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Little Red Riding Hood

nom propre masculin (personnage de conte)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Le Petit Chaperon rouge allait rendre visite à sa grand-mère quand elle rencontra le loup.

tinpot dictator

nom masculin (péjoratif (chefaillon, mauvais chef) (colloquial)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

toilet

nom masculin (familier, enfantin, vieilli (toilettes) (UK)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

merchant, retailer

nom masculin (commerçant indépendant de proximité)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

small shop, shop, small business

nom masculin (commerce de taille modeste)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

dummy, moron, little jerk

(familier, péjoratif (terme injurieux pour plus jeune que soi) (pejorative)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

little tip

nom masculin (suggestion)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

boyfriend, girlfriend

(familier (amoureux)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

some likeness

nom masculin (ressemblance avec [qqn])

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Ton fils te ressemble beaucoup même s'il a bien sûr des petits côtés de son père.

the munchies

nom masculin (petite faim) (slang)

(plural noun: Noun always used in plural form--for example, "jeans," "scissors.")
J'apporte toujours une barre de céréales au travail pour mon petit creux de 15 h.
I always take a cereal bar to work for when the munchies strike at 3 pm.

brekkie

nom masculin (familier (petit déjeuner) (informal)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Ce matin, j'étais tellement à la bourre que je n'ai pas eu le temps de prendre un petit déj'.

full English breakfast

nom masculin (repas du matin à la mode anglaise)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

continental breakfast

nom masculin (café et viennoiseries)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

petty criminal

nom masculin (auteur de petits larcins)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Des petits délinquants rôdent dans le quartier.

little devil

nom masculin (familier (enfant turbulent) (informal, figurative, child)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

youngest

(dernier né de la famille)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Et alors, qu'est-ce qu'il devient, votre petit dernier ?

little finger

nom masculin (familier (auriculaire)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

the small screen

nom masculin (familier (télévision) (television)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Les gens se détournent maintenant du petit écran pour se tourner vers Internet.

small household appliances, small appliances

nom masculin (appareils domestiques)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Un mixeur fait partie du petit électroménager.

einkorn wheat, einkorn

nom masculin (céréales : engrain)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Le petit épeautre est aussi appelé « engrain ».

appetizer

nom masculin (amuse-gueule)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Le buffet était composé de petits-fours et de verrines.

little brother, younger brother

nom masculin (frère plus jeune)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
J'accompagne mon petit frère à l'école tous les jours.

canter

nom masculin (allure de cheval) (horse's gait)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

little boy

nom masculin (jeune garçon)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Axel a 4 ans, c'est un petit garçon.

biscuit

nom masculin (biscuit) (UK)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

cupcake

nom masculin (Canada (cupcake)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

little fatty

nom masculin (familier, péjoratif ([qqn] de petit et gros) (pejorative)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

amateur, lightweight

(Sports (qui ne prend pas de risque) (pejorative: Sports)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Quel petit joueur ! Il n'a fait aucune attaque et a juste attendu que je me fatigue.

smart alec, smarty-pants

(personne rusée)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

little monster

nom masculin (terme affectueux pour enfant turbulent)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

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French (le français) is a Romance language. Like Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, it comes from popular Latin, once used in the Roman Empire. A French-speaking person or country can be called a "Francophone". French is the official language in 29 countries. French is the fourth most spoken native language in the European Union. French ranks third in the EU, after English and German, and is the second most widely taught language after English. The majority of the world's French-speaking population lives in Africa, with about 141 million Africans from 34 countries and territories who can speak French as a first or second language. French is the second most widely spoken language in Canada, after English, and both are official languages at the federal level. It is the first language of 9.5 million people or 29% and the second language of 2.07 million people or 6% of the entire population of Canada. In contrast to other continents, French has no popularity in Asia. Currently, no country in Asia recognizes French as an official language.