A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "My older brother" in French
How to say 'my older brother' in French, with pronunciation and usage tips.
mon frère aîné
mohn frehr ay-NAYneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when talking about your brother who is older than you. It's useful when introducing family members or discussing your siblings.
Alternatives
- mon grand frèreMore casual, often used affectionately.
- mon frèreThis just means 'my brother' and doesn't specify age.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'frère'
The 'r' sound is in the back of the throat, not a hard English 'r'.
Gender agreement
Frère is masculine, so 'mon' is correct, not 'ma'.
A small cultural note
While 'aîné' is standard, younger generations might sometimes use 'mon grand frère' more frequently in casual settings.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What's the difference between mon frère aîné and mon grand frère?
'Mon frère aîné' is the standard, neutral way to say 'my older brother'. 'Mon grand frère' is more informal and can sound a bit more affectionate.
How do I say 'my younger brother'?
You would say 'mon frère cadet' for 'my younger brother'. The structure is similar to 'aîné'.
Do I need to worry about the 'r' sound?
Yes, the French 'r' is different from the English 'r'. Try to make it from the back of your throat, like a soft gargle.
