A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "This is my cousin" in French
Introduce your male cousin in French with this simple, direct phrase. Perfect for family gatherings or meeting new people.
C'est mon cousin.
seh mohn koo-ZANneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you're introducing a male cousin to someone for the first time. It's a straightforward way to establish your relationship.
Alternatives
- Voici mon cousin.Slightly more formal, like saying 'Here is my cousin.'
- Il est mon cousin.Emphasizes that he is your cousin, rather than just presenting him.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'cousin'
The 'n' at the end is nasal; don't pronounce it like an English 'n'.
Gender agreement
If your cousin is female, you must say 'C'est ma cousine.'
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How do I say 'this is my female cousin'?
You would say 'C'est ma cousine.' The possessive adjective 'mon' changes to 'ma' for feminine nouns.
What's the difference between 'C'est' and 'Il est'?
'C'est' is used for general introductions and identifications. 'Il est' can be used to describe someone's role or characteristic.
Do I need to use 'vous' when introducing family?
Generally, you'd use 'tu' with family members and people you know well, but 'vous' when addressing someone you don't know or in a formal setting.
