A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "We're expecting a baby" in French
Announce your pregnancy in French with this common phrase. Perfect for friends, family, and even your doctor.
Nous attendons un bébé.
noo zah-tahn-DOHN uh BAY-bayneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you want to share the happy news with friends, family, or colleagues. It's a standard and polite way to announce a pregnancy.
Alternatives
- On attend un bébé.Slightly more casual, often used among friends.
- Je suis enceinte.Used by the pregnant person themselves to state their condition.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'attend'
The 't' is pronounced, but the final 'd' is silent; don't say 'ah-tahnd'.
Silent 'h' in 'hopital'
While not in this phrase, remember the 'h' in 'hôpital' is silent, so you'd say 'oh-pee-TAL'.
A small cultural note
French culture often celebrates pregnancy announcements with enthusiasm. Don't be surprised by immediate congratulations and questions!
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say 'we are pregnant' in French?
The most common way for a couple to say 'we are expecting a baby' is 'Nous attendons un bébé.' If the woman is speaking for herself, she would say 'Je suis enceinte.'
Is 'Nous attendons un bébé' formal?
This phrase is considered neutral and suitable for most situations, from casual conversations with friends to more formal announcements.
What's the difference between 'Nous attendons' and 'On attend'?
'Nous attendons' is the standard grammatical form, while 'On attend' is a more common, slightly more casual spoken alternative.
